VanEck CEO Warns Quantum Computing May Endanger Bitcoin’s Security and Privacy

Key Takeaways:

• VanEck's CEO sees quantum computing as a future risk to Bitcoin's encryption but remains invested for now.
• Spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen massive outflows, with nearly $3.8 billion withdrawn in November amid a 31% price drop.
• Historical patterns suggest 2026 could be a negative year for Bitcoin, compounding current market pressures.

Investment manager VanEck’s CEO Jan van Eck has identified quantum computing as a potential future risk to Bitcoin's foundational security, though he maintains the cryptocurrency remains a viable near-term investment. 

The warning comes amid a significant market downturn that has seen substantial ETF outflows and price declines, testing the asset's resilience.

VanEck Threatens to Walk Away if Bitcoin “Fundamental Thesis” Breaks

During a recent CNBC interview, van Eck expressed that the Bitcoin community is increasingly attentive to developments in quantum computing and its potential to break the cryptographic algorithms that secure the network. 

This emerging technology leverages quantum bits, or qubits, which can process complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers, posing a theoretical threat to current encryption standards.

van Eck confirmed his firm's ongoing commitment to Bitcoin, a position that remains contingent upon the integrity of its foundational tenets: security, decentralization, and reliability. VanEck is a major asset manager in the crypto space. Its spot Bitcoin ETF has drawn over $1.2 billion in inflows. 

However, a clear divestment condition has been stated. The firm would walk away if Bitcoin's core investment thesis were fundamentally broken.

However, some experts believe the threat may be overstated. 

Cryptographer Adam Back recently stated that Bitcoin is unlikely to face any meaningful threat from quantum computing for at least 20 to 40 years. 

Probably not for 20-40 years, if then. And there are quantum secure signatures, NIST standardized SLH-DSA last year. Bitcoin can add over time, as the evaluation continues and be quantum ready, long before cryptographically relevant quantum computers arrive.

— Adam Back (@adam3us) November 15, 2025

While future quantum computers could theoretically break today’s encryption, another threat is of relevance now. 

Attacks such as “harvest now, decrypt later,” where hackers collect encrypted data and store it until technology can break it, are the immediate concern.

2026 Could Be a Negative Year for Bitcoin

Jan also predicted Bitcoin’s market trends. He pointed out that Bitcoin has had a history of experiencing a major negative year every four years in the last decade.

Based on this pattern, 2026 could be another challenging year, with investors already preparing for potential losses.

Recent market movements support the CEO’s caution. Since reaching an all-time high of $126,136 on October 6, Bitcoin has dropped about 31.6%, trading at $86,870 at press time.

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded nearly $1.2 billion in redemptions last week. November outflows totalled $3.79 billion by Thursday, matching the previous monthly record set in February. 

Investors are reacting to fading hopes of a third Federal Reserve rate cut in 2025 and renewed concerns about stretched valuations in the artificial intelligence sector.

Even high-profile investors are making moves. Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” sold $2.25 million in Bitcoin, redirecting the proceeds into his traditional businesses. 

PRACTICING WHAT I TEACH:

I sold $2.25 million in Bitcoin for approximately $90,000.

I purchased the Bitcoin for $6,000
a coin years ago.

With the cash from Bitcoin I am purchasing two surgery centers and investing in a Bill Board business.

I estimate my $2.25 million…

— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) November 21, 2025

This trend also aligns with research challenging Bitcoin’s role as a direct hedge against inflation. It was shown that BTC price growth correlates more closely with a weakening U.S. dollar. 

It suggests that Bitcoin acts less like a pure inflation hedge and more like a currency-linked asset. The months ahead will be poised to test both Bitcoin security and market resilience.