Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says quantum computing advances could eventually return lost Bitcoin to circulation, including Satoshi Nakamoto’s holdings if the creator is deceased.
Ardoino also stated that quantum computing currently poses no immediate threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography.
Prediction.
Quantum computing is still very far from any meaningful risk of breaking Bitcoin cryptography.
Quantum resistant addresses will eventually be added to Bitcoin before there is any serious threat.All people alive (and that have access to their wallets) will move…
— Paolo Ardoino
(@paoloardoino) February 8, 2025
In a recent tweet, Ardoino shared a potential future where quantum-resistant addresses would be implemented in Bitcoin’s protocol before any serious security risks materialize. This upgrade would allow active wallet holders to transfer their Bitcoin (BTC) to new, quantum-safe addresses.
However, Bitcoin in inaccessible wallets, including those belonging to Satoshi Nakamoto, could become vulnerable to quantum computing breakthroughs.
Samara Asset Group CEO Patrick Lowry responded to Ardoino’s prediction by suggesting an alternative: a quantum-resistant fork that would leave lost wallets and Satoshi’s holdings behind. Lowry expressed uncertainty about the implications of either approach.
Despite these potential future scenarios, Ardoino maintained Bitcoin’s fundamental strength, emphasizing that its 21 million supply cap would remain unchanged even with quantum computing advances. “Bitcoin is the best asset in the world,” he stated.
The discussion occurs as Tether (USDT) continues to expand its global financial infrastructure. During the PlanB Forum in El Salvador, Ardoino detailed Tether’s decade-long development of what he described as “one of the widest digital and physical distribution networks in history.” The company serves approximately 400 million users in emerging markets through its USDT stablecoin.
Ardoino stressed Tether’s focus on building partnerships rather than pursuing capital investment. He also cited hundreds of thousands of partners and widespread kiosk deployment across developing nations.
The company aims to provide financial services to billions currently excluded from traditional banking systems while supporting the U.S. economy through Treasury purchases.
