Every now and then, it’s important to reflect on what Bitcoiners are actually trying to solve and ask ourselves if we are still headed in the right direction.
Bitcoin has given hundreds of millions of Americans an opportunity to improve their financial lives by offering an alternative. Our current financial system just doesn’t work for most people.
In 2025, banks in the U.S. earned ~$434 billion in net interest income from depositors, or roughly $1,670 for each American adult. They did this by using your deposits to earn interest and generate huge profits. Meanwhile, they are paying practically nothing to those same Americans who trust them with their savings and checking accounts.
At the same time, inflation has remained well above the Federal Reserve’s mandate of 2% for 6 years in a row. When banks pay less than 0.1% interest on savings accounts, this means the value of people’s savings can be eroded in just a few years.
This is why we offer Bitcoin Interest on Cash, where clients earn 3.3% on cash at River. The interest is auto-converted and paid out in bitcoin.*
You were promised a financial revolution. You got a casino in your pocket
In a new article, River’s founder and CEO Alex Leishman explains how much of fintech has drifted from its original mission. These companies have shifted from helping people build wealth to pushing gambling-like products that leave customers worse off.
The real way to improve the financial lives of individuals isn’t by turning them into sports betting gurus, or by pushing them to trade thousands of memecoins on a whim. Instead, it means encouraging responsible investing in hard assets with a long-term time horizon.
But we have a long way to go. Bitcoin is still one of the most under-owned assets in the world. Less than one-fifth of American adults own any bitcoin.
That also means the opportunity ahead is enormous.
Individuals now have access to a truly scarce, global asset; one that doesn’t depend on banks, incentives, or promises to preserve its value.
Each day, more people realize that it might make sense to get some bitcoin, in case it keeps catching on.
*River Financial Inc. (“River”) is not a bank. USD funds are deposited by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Your USD is FDIC insured up to $250,000, inclusive of any deposits that you already hold at Lead Bank in the same ownership capacity. FDIC Insurance may protect against a failure by Lead Bank, but does not protect against River’s failure, nor does it protect against theft or fraud. Bitcoin is not insured by the FDIC, and may lose value.Interest may be earned on cash that has settled at Lead Bank. The current interest rate is 3.3%, and is subject to change. You may choose to receive interest payouts in Bitcoin or in USD. Lead is not affiliated with River’s Bitcoin program, products, or offerings. Not available in all states. Fees may apply. Please review the Terms of Service for eligibility restrictions and additional details.
You must be logged in to post a comment.