Bitcoin to Rise as Young Investors Make It Their Investment of Choice

Suze Orman, a renowned financial advisor and host of the Women & Money podcast, recently shared her thoughts on Bitcoin and its potential impact on future investors.

Speaking in a CNBC interview, Orman, who previously hosted The Suze Orman Show from 2002 to 2016, expressed her belief that Bitcoin could play a significant role in the portfolios of the next generation of investors.

During the interview, Orman diverged from the conservative stance often taken by many in the financial advisory industry, suggesting that Bitcoin is a worthy investment. She pointed out that as younger generations accumulate more wealth, Bitcoin may become a popular investment choice.

"As younger people make more money and mature, [Bitcoin] will be one of their investments of choice, and that will cause it to go up," Orman said.

However, while she sees the potential in Bitcoin, Orman remains cautious. Despite her optimism, she personally prefers to invest in Bitcoin through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rather than owning the cryptocurrency directly.

"I don’t think it will ever be a currency or a store of value," Orman admitted. "But because the younger generation has a fascination with it — and you see the energy, a whole lot of people having interest in it — eventually, it could very well catch fire."

Orman’s cautious approach is influenced by her concerns over the security risks of cryptocurrency. Reflecting on past scandals like the collapse of FTX, she expressed her preference for ETFs, noting, "I would never want to see an FTX happen again."

She also mentioned her unease with the technical complexities of managing a cryptocurrency wallet, such as the risk of permanently losing funds if a passcode is forgotten.

While Orman remains measured in her personal approach to Bitcoin, her broader message to investors is clear: Bitcoin deserves a place in everyone’s portfolio. However, she also stresses the importance of caution, advising investors to only commit funds they are prepared to lose.

On another note, recent data from Bank of America Private Bank reveals a notable shift in investment strategies among younger generations. In a survey of over 1,000 high-net-worth individuals, 72% of investors aged 21 to 43 expressed skepticism about achieving strong returns through traditional stocks and bonds alone, compared to just 28% of older investors.

This shift is evident in portfolio choices, with nearly half (49%) of younger investors owning cryptocurrencies and another 38% expressing interest in acquiring them. Cryptocurrencies are seen as a major growth opportunity, ranking second only to real estate investments. This contrasts with older investors, who allocate a much smaller portion of their portfolios to alternative assets like crypto and collectibles.

The financial crises of 2000, 2008, and the recent pandemic have shaped younger investors' risk perception and diversification strategies, leading them to explore newer asset classes. With increased access to alternative investments through fintech platforms, younger generations now have a broader range of options, fueling their interest in assets beyond the traditional market.

This trend also reflects a growing appetite for diversification and innovation, especially in crypto, as younger investors seek opportunities outside conventional investments.

As interest in Bitcoin continues to grow, particularly among younger investors, Orman’s insights highlight the growing influence of cryptocurrency on modern investment strategies. Whether as a speculative asset or a long-term bet on future technology, Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a valuable component of a diversified financial portfolio.