Why Bitcoin's Liquidity Advantage Matters as Institutions Move In
Bitcoin stands out as institutions consider it alongside gold and real estate
Bitcoin's ability to be easily bought, moved across borders and divided into small amounts gives it an advantage over traditional stores of value like gold and real estate, according to Shawn Owen, CEO and co-founder of SALT Lending.
Owen shared these views during an appearance on BMTV, Bitcoin Magazine's video platform, on October 7, 2026. He argued that as more institutions enter the crypto market, Bitcoin's basic characteristics set it apart from competing assets.
Key numbers and claims
- Bitcoin is easier to buy than gold, according to Owen
- Bitcoin is more portable and divisible than gold or real estate, especially during periods of unrest
- Holdlers can use Bitcoin as collateral to borrow cash without selling their Bitcoin
- Owen predicts continued dampening of Bitcoin's historic volatility as more capital enters the market
- He expects significant long-term price increases compared to fiat currencies over the next decade
What Owen says about institutional adoption
Owen believes that sovereign wealth funds, banks and institutions of all sizes will eventually experience the same regret that many individual Bitcoin holders feel — wishing they had gotten involved sooner.
"Every human goes through this experience where you learn about Bitcoin and wish you'd been earlier," Owen said. "I think that will be true of sovereigns and banks and institutions of all sizes."
He noted that banks have been slow to enter the market but are now moving in after regulatory and operational hurdles have been addressed. "FOMO is real," he said.
The case for holding rather than selling
Owen has consistently advised Bitcoin holders not to sell their coins. Instead, he points to Bitcoin-backed lending as a way to access cash without giving up exposure to Bitcoin's future price movement.
With this model, eligible borrowers use their Bitcoin as collateral to borrow money. Once the loan is repaid, the Bitcoin is returned. This approach is especially relevant if Bitcoin continues to gain adoption among banks, institutions and potentially sovereign nations.
As adoption expands, Owen expects the conversation to shift from how to acquire Bitcoin to how holders can use the wealth they have accumulated without necessarily selling the asset.
Volatility and the long-term outlook
Owen cautioned that adoption and price appreciation will not happen in a straight line. As Bitcoin matures and more capital flows in, he expects volatility to decrease. However, he does not see this as a negative for the long-term outlook.
"Adoption depends on the time horizon we're talking about," Owen said. "Dampening of volatility, and we will continue to see that, but that doesn't mean over the next decade we won't see serious adoption and increase in price."
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.