Crypto Biz: Bitcoin’s quantum threat is becoming an economic problem

The debate over quantum computing has raised serious questions about Bitcoin’s long-term security, but the economic consequences could emerge long before the technology seriously threatens the network.

Muneeb Ali, founder of Bitcoin layer-2 project Stacks, believes quantum computing risks are already discouraging institutional investment, even as US spot Bitcoin ETFs have amassed more than $104 billion in net assets, according to BitBo data. He warns that BTC has only a few years to prepare for the transition to quantum-resistant security, a process that could take years given the network’s history of slow and contentious upgrades.

For institutional investors drawn to Bitcoin as a hedge against currency debasement, doubts about its long-term security could complicate the investment case. 

This week’s Crypto Biz explores the quantum threat, alongside new developments surrounding Ripple, VanEck and European stablecoin adoption. 

Quantum computing fears are already limiting Bitcoin’s growth, Stacks founder says

Bitcoin could face a more serious security challenge if developers fail to make meaningful progress toward quantum resistance by 2028, according to Stacks founder Muneeb Ali, who warned that the network’s lengthy upgrade process leaves little room for delays.

Speaking on Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction podcast, Ali said Bitcoin needs a credible roadmap for becoming quantum-resistant, with meaningful progress required by 2028. He cited 2030 as the target for completing the transition to quantum-resistant security, based on guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, though advances in artificial intelligence could bring that deadline forward.

Even if developers agree on how to protect Bitcoin against quantum attacks, implementing the changes could take years. Holders would then need time to move their Bitcoin to quantum-resistant addresses.

Although some industry participants dispute the urgency of the threat, Ali argued that uncertainty alone could undermine investor confidence. He also warned that a quantum breakthrough capable of compromising Bitcoin would have consequences for the broader cryptocurrency market.

Ripple secures US federal banking charter

Ripple has received final approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish a national trust bank, clearing the last regulatory hurdle after securing conditional approval in December 2025.

The newly chartered Ripple National Trust Bank will operate under federal supervision, manage reserves backing the company’s RLUSD stablecoin, serve as a collateral trustee for tokenholders and provide digital asset custody. RLUSD will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, which is regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse welcomed the approval, declaring that “crypto and banks work better together.”

The decision follows similar final approval for Circle in July, while Coinbase, Crypto.com and Stripe-owned Bridge remain at the conditional approval stage. Unlike traditional commercial banks, national trust banks generally cannot accept deposits or issue loans and do not carry Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage.

USDC overtakes Tether in euro trading as MiCA rules take hold

Circle’s USDC has surpassed Tether’s USDt in stablecoin trading against the euro, as European Union regulations reshape competition between the world’s two largest dollar-backed stablecoins.

According to a new report from Kaiko, USDC now accounts for 56% of euro-denominated stablecoin trading, up from just 10% in January 2024. The shift accelerated after major cryptocurrency exchanges restricted USDt trading for European Economic Area customers to comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

USDC’s euro order books are now roughly 40% deeper than USDt’s, suggesting stronger liquidity for traders. However, USDT remains the dominant stablecoin globally, with a circulating supply approximately 2.5 times larger than USDC’s.

The findings come after the European Banking Authority designated USDC as the bloc’s first “significant e-money token,” subjecting it to additional regulatory oversight. Kaiko suggested that the US GENIUS Act could produce similar changes in stablecoin trading, depending on how exchanges implement the new requirements.

VanEck includes Bitcoin in new multi-asset ETF

VanEck, the $244 billion asset manager, has launched an actively managed exchange-traded fund that combines traditional stocks and bonds with real assets and a small allocation to Bitcoin.

The VanEck Wealth Builder ETF (NYSE: WBMO), announced Tuesday, invests in a mix of VanEck and third-party ETFs and targets a 2% Bitcoin allocation, which can range from 1% to 5%. Rather than holding Bitcoin directly, the fund gains exposure through a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product. The launch expands VanEck’s existing Wealth Builder model portfolios into a single ETF. 

David Schassler, VanEck’s head of multi-asset solutions, said the traditional 60/40 stock-and-bond portfolio was designed for a different investment environment. He contended that adding real assets could help investors navigate a broader range of economic conditions, with Bitcoin now forming a small part of that strategy.

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