In a bold and electrifying statement made live on Bloomberg’s Bloomberg Crypto show on August 20, 2025, Kraken co-founder and Chairman Jesse Powell predicted that “trillions and trillions” of dollars in capital will flow into Bitcoin, emphasizing that the cryptocurrency market is still in its infancy. “We are very, very early,” Powell declared, igniting excitement across the crypto community with his bullish outlook. His comments, echoed by posts on X proclaiming the influx of capital, come as Bitcoin trades around $113,846, navigating a minor correction but poised for potential growth amid surging institutional adoption.
Powell’s remarks align with a wave of pro-crypto developments, from the Federal Reserve’s new framework for banks to offer Bitcoin services to global adoption milestones like Buenos Aires accepting crypto for taxes. Below, we explore the details of Powell’s statement, his perspective on Bitcoin’s future, and what this means for the cryptocurrency market.
Jesse Powell’s Bloomberg Appearance: Key Takeaways
During the Bloomberg Crypto segment, Powell, a crypto industry veteran and co-founder of Kraken—one of the world’s oldest and most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges—shared his vision for Bitcoin’s growth. His key points included:
- Massive Capital Inflows: Powell predicted that “trillions and trillions” in capital markets dollars will pour into Bitcoin, driven by its unique properties as a decentralized, scarce asset. He highlighted the potential for institutional investors, pension funds, and even governments to allocate significant sums.
- Early-Stage Market: Emphasizing that “we are very, very early,” Powell suggested that Bitcoin’s current $2.27 trillion market cap (as of August 20, 2025) is just a fraction of its future potential, especially compared to gold’s $16 trillion market cap.
- Institutional Momentum: He pointed to recent developments, such as Air Canada’s $161 million Bitcoin allocation and the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock’s IBIT, as evidence of growing mainstream adoption.
- Long-Term Vision: Powell reiterated Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and a store of value, echoing sentiments from industry leaders like Jack Dorsey, who recently called Bitcoin “resilience.”
Powell’s comments build on similar bullish predictions, such as Michael Saylor’s claim of $100 trillion in capital inflows and Anthony Scaramucci’s $180,000-$200,000 price target by year-end 2025. His appearance on Bloomberg underscores Kraken’s influential role in the crypto ecosystem as it prepares for a potential 2026 IPO.
Why Powell Believes Trillions Are Coming
Powell’s prediction is rooted in several fundamental drivers fueling Bitcoin’s growth:
- Institutional Adoption Surge: The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 has unlocked billions in institutional capital, with funds like BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC seeing massive inflows. Recent moves, like Air Canada’s pension fund allocating $161 million, signal that traditional finance is embracing Bitcoin.
- Supply Constraints: The 2024 Bitcoin halving reduced daily issuance to 450 coins, tightening supply against rising demand. Powell sees this scarcity, with only 21 million Bitcoins ever to exist, as a catalyst for price appreciation as trillions in capital seek exposure.
- Regulatory Tailwinds: The U.S. is advancing pro-crypto policies, including the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and the Fed’s new framework for banks to offer crypto services. Powell noted these developments as reducing barriers for institutional entry.
- Global Trends: From Buenos Aires accepting crypto for taxes to El Salvador’s Bitcoin legal tender status, governments are integrating digital assets, increasing Bitcoin’s legitimacy and demand.
- Macroeconomic Factors: With ongoing inflation concerns and a weakening U.S. dollar, Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as “digital gold.” Powell’s vision aligns with forecasts that Bitcoin could surpass gold’s market cap, implying prices well above $500,000 in the long term.
Kraken’s Role and Powell’s Influence
Founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell, Thanh Luu, and Michael Gronager, Kraken is a leading U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange with a proven track record, having been the first to list on Bloomberg Terminal in 2014. The exchange has navigated regulatory challenges, including a settled SEC case in 2023, and is now preparing for a potential IPO in 2026, buoyed by a friendlier regulatory climate under the Trump administration. Kraken’s recent moves, like launching its Ink blockchain and acquiring NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, reflect its ambition to expand beyond crypto into multi-asset trading.
Powell, a philosophy major and Bitcoin advocate since its early days, has been a vocal figure in the industry, often citing thinkers like Aristotle and Ayn Rand. His prediction of “trillions and trillions” echoes his belief in Bitcoin’s original vision as a decentralized alternative to fiat systems, a view shared by early pioneers like Satoshi Nakamoto.
Current Market Context
As of August 20, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at $113,846, down 1.9% in the last 24 hours but up significantly year-to-date. The market is supported by:
- Institutional inflows, such as pension funds and ETFs.
- Regulatory advancements, like the Fed’s banking framework and the Clarity Act’s progress.
- Global adoption, including Argentina’s tax policy and El Salvador’s Bitcoin integration.
Powell’s comments come hours before the FOMC minutes release at 2:00 p.m. ET, which could influence market sentiment. A dovish tone might amplify Bitcoin’s bullish momentum, while hawkish signals could trigger short-term consolidation.
Implications for Investors
Powell’s prediction offers key insights for crypto investors:
- Long-Term Opportunity: A potential influx of “trillions” suggests significant upside, supporting forecasts like Scaramucci’s $200,000 target. Investors may benefit from holding or accumulating Bitcoin.
- Short-Term Volatility: With the FOMC minutes looming, investors should brace for potential price swings. A diversified portfolio and secure storage (e.g., hardware wallets) are critical.
- Market Signals: Monitor institutional moves, such as ETF inflows or bank adoptions, as indicators of Powell’s predicted capital flows.
- Kraken’s Role: As Kraken expands, its platforms (like Kraken Pro or the upcoming Ink blockchain) could offer accessible ways to engage with Bitcoin.
Final Thoughts: Are We Really “Very, Very Early”?
Jesse Powell’s bold declaration on Bloomberg that “trillions and trillions” are coming to Bitcoin reinforces the narrative that the crypto market is still in its early stages. His assertion that “we are very, very early” resonates with a growing chorus of industry leaders, from Jack Dorsey to Cathie Wood, who see Bitcoin’s potential to reshape global finance. With institutional adoption accelerating, regulatory barriers falling, and global interest rising, Powell’s vision of massive capital inflows appears increasingly plausible.
As the crypto community rallies around this bullish outlook, investors should stay vigilant, especially with today’s FOMC minutes release. Stay tuned for updates on Bitcoin price movements, regulatory developments, and more crypto insights as this transformative story unfolds.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks.