

Why America Is Winning the Bitcoin Race w/ Sam Wouters
10 snips Jun 17, 2025
Sam Wouters, Director of Marketing at River, discusses the U.S. as a leader in Bitcoin adoption and the evolution of proof-of-reserves post-FTX. He explores why retail interest is low despite Bitcoin’s surges and how institutional involvement can be double-edged. Wouters highlights psychological barriers that new investors face and the moral obligation of Bitcoiners to educate skeptics. The conversation also delves into future trends for Bitcoin and the need for effective communication to drive broader acceptance.
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Misconceptions About Bitcoin Ownership
- The common claim that 50 million Americans own Bitcoin likely conflates crypto ownership with Bitcoin ownership.
- Many people confuse cryptocurrencies generally with Bitcoin and might only hold small amounts or other tokens.
Users Prefer Convenience Over Full Control
- Most people prefer assets that require less personal responsibility than fully self-custodied Bitcoin.
- They favor convenience and security features like inheritance plans over complete control of their Bitcoin.
Proof-of-Reserves Needs More Advocacy
- Proof-of-reserves is underused due to low customer demand and complexity.
- Hardcore Bitcoiners self-custody and often overlook why this transparency matters for onboarding new users.