Jamie Dimon, Fraud Investigator
Does the world’s financial system need more regulation? Defined by its decentralized nature, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency have been seen as untouchable—a way for tech-savvy whistleblowers to escape the demands of traditional banking and taxation. But not everyone is thrilled with the idea; JPMorgan CEO, Jamie Dimon, recently caused an uproar when he called Bitcoin and other digital currencies a “fraud” and likened them to “pet rocks”.
So What’s the Big Deal?
Sure, setting up a global system of unregulated finance can have financial consequences. And sure, cryptocurrencies have been linked to criminal activity in the past. But is Dimon’s take on Bitcoin and other digital currencies really fair or accurate? Well, that’s something each of us has to decide for our own reasons.
But, hold on. Is Dimon himself really qualified to make such a statement? Let’s take a look at what he does and does not know about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
What Jamie Dimon Knows
Of course, Dimon is an expert banker, and he’s definitely got a firm grasp of finance. As one of the most influential CEOs in the world, he knows exactly what a global financial system needs to look like. He knows the rules, regulations, and legal implications of currency.
Plus, Dimon is no fool when it comes to public perception. He knows that any statement like this will be met by a lot of press and attention, so there might be a message behind his words.
What Jamie Dimon Doesn’t Know
But, even though Dimon is an expert in banking, he isn’t necessarily an expert in cryptocurrency. He hasn’t addressed the unique advantages of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, nor touched on the concept of decentralization and blockchain technology.
Plus, there’s no way to be entirely sure if Dimon believes everything he’s said about Bitcoin being a fraud. For all we know, maybe he’s just trying to throw out some red meat for the reporters.
So Is Bitcoin a Fraud?
Ultimately, only you can determine if Bitcoin is a fraud or a revolutionary way for society to work. It’s entirely possible that Dimon’s opinion will be proved to be wrong, or that he’s simply trying to leverage his position to gain more press.
That said, here’s a brief list of things to consider when making your own judgement:
- The pros and cons of decentralization: Is the global financial system better off with or without a decentralized currency?
- The potential uses for cryptocurrency: Can digital currencies be used for more than money-laundering and tax evasion?
- The utility of blockchain technology: Does the technology behind digital currencies provide more value than just transferring money?
It goes without saying that the future of digital currencies is still up for debate. But, until we have more information and evidence, it’s best to take Dimon’s words with a grain of salt.
