- The U.S. GENIUS Act brings regulatory clarity for Bitcoin and digital assets
- The democratization of finance via Bitcoin is opening opportunities for investors
- Stablecoins are a double-edged sword, raising questions about regulatory control and privacy
- Bitcoin’s role as a global standard for money is accelerating, with widespread adoption expected over the next 20 years
The landscape of global finance is undergoing a profound transformation. With the passage of the groundbreaking GENIUS Act in the U.S., the regulatory framework for digital assets including Bitcoin is evolving. This sweeping change has far-reaching implications for the future of cryptocurrencies and their place in the broader financial system.
We sat down with Sean Anstey, LQWD Technologies (TSXV:LQWD) and author of Trust and The Rise of Bitcoin. We explored the significance of the GENIUS Act, the role of Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, and where investors should focus as the decentralized future becomes reality.
A Historic Shift in Regulation
The most exciting development in the cryptocurrency space, according to Anstey, is the clarity being provided by U.S. regulators.
“It’s a huge moment,” Anstey shared. “For the first time, we’ve seen the U.S. government step in with a regulatory framework for digital assets, and this is a game changer for institutions. When the U.S. acts, the world follows. Other countries are going to have to catch up.”
Anstey recounts a telling moment from 2018 when he met with major international banks in London. “We were invited to speak to a top-tier bank in Canary Wharf, expecting to meet the board. But when we arrived, the boardroom was empty except for a phone. They called us from another floor asking how they could get involved in crypto,” he recalled with a chuckle. “It was a touchy subject back then, but the interest was clear, and now we’re seeing that interest materialize as these institutions are starting to come forward.”
Canada’s Crypto Innovation: A Global Trailblazer
While the U.S. takes significant steps forward, Canada has long been a leader in the crypto space. From the world’s first Bitcoin ETF, Canada has built a strong foundation for cryptocurrency innovation.
“We’ve seen a grassroots movement in Canada,” said Anstey. “There’s been a real entrepreneurial spirit, especially with companies working in Ethereum and Bitcoin. Canada has forced regulators to look at crypto more seriously, and now we’re seeing that pay off globally.”
The GENIUS Act: A Closer Look
But what exactly is the GENIUS Act, and why does it matter? Anstey broke it down for us: “At its core, the GENIUS Act addresses stablecoins, which represent U.S. dollars and can be backed by U.S. Treasuries. This provides the U.S. government with a direct way to reach consumers globally, bypassing traditional systems.”
He continued, “This act strengthens the U.S. dollar’s hedge while solidifying Bitcoin’s position as a true asset. Bitcoin is not just a digital currency; it’s becoming the trust layer of the internet.”
Bitcoin’s Lightning Network: The Financial Rails of Tomorrow
One of the most exciting aspects of Bitcoin’s future, according to Anstey, is the Lightning Network. “Bitcoin’s Lightning Network is going to be the rails of the next financial era,” he said. “It allows for instant payments on a global scale, with infinite scalability. It’s a public, open-source network that’s permission-less, meaning anyone can use it.”
The implications for traditional financial giants like Visa and Master Card are enormous. “These companies will have to embrace the Lightning Network,” Anstey explained. “It’s inevitable. It’s going to give them a run for their money.”
The Democratization of Finance
As Bitcoin and blockchain technologies continue to evolve, one of the most powerful outcomes is the democratization of finance.
“Bitcoin is a morally agnostic trust protocol that anyone can use,” Anstey emphasized. “It’s a true open-source system that’s putting control back in the hands of individuals. In the long run, it’s going to turn the financial system upside down and make it far more accessible to everyone.”
This democratization, Anstey argues, is not just a matter of fairness but also one of efficiency. “With Bitcoin and blockchain, the settlement process becomes immediate. No more T+1 or T+3 delays. Everything happens in real-time,” he said. “That kind of transparency and speed will be revolutionary for capital markets.”
Stablecoins: A Double-Edged Sword
However, there are still challenges ahead, especially with the rise of stablecoins. While they offer the promise of a more efficient financial system, they also come with concerns.
Anstey pointed out, “A lot of banks want to launch their own stablecoins, and we’ve seen this in history before, with banks issuing their own currencies. The difference now is that stablecoins are backed by actual assets, like the U.S. dollar, and they’re running on transparent blockchain networks.”
But Anstey’s concerns lie with the potential for regulation overreach. “We need to be careful about how much control regulators impose,” he said. “We’ve seen situations where governments freeze bank accounts, and we don’t want that happening with crypto. This is why Bitcoin, as a decentralized asset, is so powerful—it gives individuals the ability to be their own bank.”
Opportunities for Investors: Bitcoin and Beyond
As Bitcoin continues to gain traction, Anstey suggests that investors look beyond the coin itself. “There are tremendous opportunities in Bitcoin’s infrastructure,” he explained. “Companies that hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, like MicroStrategy, are providing exposure to Bitcoin in a way that individuals can’t. But there are also businesses working on the Lightning Network, like LQWD Technologies, that are pioneering new payment layers.”
Anstey also sees massive potential in companies that are embracing Bitcoin as part of their treasury strategy. “There’s going to be a huge shift in how companies handle payments and settlements,” he said. “Public companies are starting to see the benefits of instant settlement, and that’s a major opportunity for investors.”
The Road Ahead: A Global Bitcoin Standard?
Looking ahead, Anstey believes Bitcoin will become the global standard for money in the next 20 years. “We’re on the precipice of a massive shift. Bitcoin is becoming the global reserve currency, and it’s only going to grow stronger as adoption accelerates,” he said.
Anstey compared the rise of Bitcoin to the early days of the internet, when many were skeptical of its transformative potential. “Just like the internet changed the world, Bitcoin is doing the same for money. And in the same way that the internet is worth quadrillions of dollars today, Bitcoin’s value is going to rise exponentially in the coming decades.”
A Call to Action for Investors
For those looking to get involved in Bitcoin, Anstey offers a word of advice: “If you’re interested in Bitcoin, start by learning. You don’t have to hold it all yourself—you can buy it through traditional financial institutions, but eventually, you’ll want to have some self-custody. Just be aware of the risks and manage them carefully.”
Anstey points to a bright Bitcoin future, “This is the dawn of a new era in finance. It’s a democratization of money, and the opportunities are just beginning.”
Sean Anstey’s book, Trust: The Rise of Bitcoin, is available on Amazon. For more insights into Bitcoin’s future and its transformative impact on the financial world, check out his book or visit LQWD Technologies.
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