US debt crisis may push Bitcoin as a reserve currency rival, says BlackRock CEO

The rising US debt crisis poses a significant threat to the dollar’s global dominance, potentially boosting Bitcoin’s role as an alternative reserve asset, according to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

In his 2025 annual letter , Fink cautioned that the unchecked expansion of federal debt—now surpassing 100% of GDP—could destabilize the financial system, leading investors to seek alternatives like digital assets.

With interest payments projected to exceed $952 billion this year, outpacing defense expenditures, Fink highlighted the urgency of financial innovation to navigate growing economic risks.

Debt crisis and the threat to the dollar

Fink warned that by 2030, mandatory spending and debt servicing could consume all federal revenue, pushing the US into a “permanent deficit.”

This, he argued, could undermine confidence in the dollar’s position as the world’s primary reserve currency.

If deficits continue to balloon unchecked, global investors may increasingly turn to decentralized alternatives like Bitcoin to preserve value.

To mitigate these financial risks, Fink emphasized the potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset tokenization in modernizing financial markets.

Tokenization—the process of converting traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate into blockchain-based tokens—enables faster transactions, fractional ownership, and broader investment access.

He likened the outdated financial infrastructure, including SWIFT, to “routing emails through the postal office,” reinforcing blockchain’s growing significance in global finance.

Institutional adoption of Bitcoin grows

Fink also highlighted the growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin , referencing BlackRock’s US Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP), IBIT, which surpassed $50 billion in assets under management within a year.

While he acknowledged Bitcoin’s increasing appeal as a store of value, he warned that America’s deteriorating fiscal stability could accelerate its adoption.

“If the US doesn’t get its debt under control, if deficits keep ballooning, America risks losing that position to digital assets like Bitcoin,” Fink stated.

Despite the promise of tokenization and DeFi, Fink stressed that their long-term success hinges on regulatory advancements.

Clear frameworks addressing identity verification, operational inefficiencies, and investor protection are essential for these innovations to thrive.

He urged policymakers to embrace financial modernization, warning that markets do not naturally evolve to serve everyone equally.

BlackRock’s commitment to blockchain and digital asset markets is evident in its recent acquisitions and infrastructure investments.

As fiscal pressures mount, Fink’s message remains clear: financial innovation is no longer optional—it is a necessity.