From Fiat Depreciation to Bitcoin: Jack Mallers' Core Logic
At the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Strike founder and CEO Jack Mallers delivered a keynote that cut straight to the core problem: fiat currency depreciation. “The best time to go to Whole Foods and buy eggs with your dollars was 1913,” said Mallers. “Every other time after, you are getting screwed.” His solution? “Bitcoin is the money that we coincide that nobody can print. You can’t print, you can’t debase my time and energy, you cannot deprive me of owning assets, of getting out of debt, of living sovereignly and protecting my future, my family, my priced possessions. Bitcoin is what we invented to do that.”
Why Bitcoin-Backed Loans Should Be Cheaper
Mallers urged the audience to HODL every dollar in Bitcoin while spending a little to enjoy life. He then criticized banks for charging 20% interest on Bitcoin-backed loans. “All these professional economists, they are like Bitcoin is risky and volatile. No it’s not,” he said, pointing to a volatility chart comparing the “Magnificent 7” stocks. Bitcoin’s volatility is slightly higher than Apple’s but far lower than Tesla’s. As Bitcoin matures, volatility declines. “Bitcoin volatility is at a point where it is no more risky than a Tesla Stock. We should not be paying double digits rates for a loan.”
New Loan System: 9%-13% APR, $10K to $1B
Mallers announced that Strike will offer Bitcoin-backed loans with interest rates of 9% to 13% and loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $1 billion. This allows both retail and institutional clients to obtain liquidity against their Bitcoin holdings without selling. The system aims to provide a fair, lower-cost alternative to traditional lending products that often charge double-digit rates.
Responsible Borrowing and Bitcoin Life Philosophy
Closing his presentation, Mallers offered a powerful analogy: “Please be responsible. This is debt. Debt is like fire in my opinion. It can heat a civilization. It can warm your home, but if you go too crazy it can burn your house down.” He reminded users to avoid over-leverage. “Life is short – take the trip, but with Bitcoin you just get to take a better one.”