Investors see bitcoin as safe haven

In vogue: A file photo shows bitcoin logos being displayed at a conference and trade show in New York. Digital currencies like bitcoin can help users protect their savings against declines in national currencies. – AP

Demand is up following drop in pound as a result of Brexit

PORTLAND: Demand surged for bitcoin as a safe haven from the British pound, which plummeted after the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU).

The pound fell to its lowest in more than 30 years, driving demand for assets such as US Treasuries and gold.

Stocks and bonds also fell, amid concerns that the UK’s exit from the EU could hurt the world’s economy. Bitcoin, a digital currency unconnected to any government or central bank, is often sought as a haven by holders of currencies that are declining, or that are not fully convertible, such as the yuan.

“A lot of people are buying bitcoin for pounds and euros,” said Jesse Powell, chief executive officer of San Francisco-based Kraken, the world’s largest bitcoin exchange in euro volume.

“Our volume has doubled over the last 24 hours. We saw a huge spike in that market. People are looking for a safe place to keep their money, amid all of this uncertainty.”

Another bitcoin exchange, Gemini, which expanded into the UK last Tuesday, had “seen a lot of signups from UK residents since then,” the exchange said in an e-mailed statement. “We’ve been open for trading non-stop throughout the week, and are excited to help contribute to digital asset liquidity on a global scale.” Bitcoin’s value rose 7% last Friday, to US$655.

Digital currencies like bitcoin can help users protect their savings against declines in national currencies and move money across borders without the participation of banks. Bitcoin has provided a haven for citizens of countries like Venezuela, where access to the official exchange rate is severely limited. In Russia, the ruble has seen a double-digit plunge as well, prompting some residents to seek shelter in bitcoin.

Foreign exchange trading spiked all over the world. JPMorgan Chase & Co said its currency-trading volumes reached a record last Thursday night into Friday. The world’s biggest fixed-income trading firm expected to process three times normal daily volume last Friday, CEO Jamie Dimon said in a memo to employees.

“I believe bitcoin has seen some of the benefit from the Brexit over the last few days as consumers are buying bitcoin as an asset uncorrelated with the global monetary system, much like gold,” Gil Luria, managing director at Wedbush Securities Inc, said in an e-mail. “If other countries in the EU pursue a similar path, I would expect some of their citizens to look at the British experience and want to protect some of their funds in bitcoin. Even though bitcoin is volatile, volatility is better than knowing your money will be devalued by 10%-30% within a few weeks.” – Bloomberg