Seamus Rocca, CEO of Xapo Bank and expert in Bitcoin custody, discusses the nuances of Bitcoin adoption beyond the mainstream narratives. He reveals that older, conservative users are now embracing Bitcoin, particularly in regions facing hyperinflation. Rocca highlights how Bitcoin ETFs are accelerating product innovation and reshaping demand for corporate treasuries. He also shares insights on Zapo's security measures and predicts future trends like stablecoin adoption and a focus on high-touch service in crypto banking.
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insights INSIGHT
Older, Conservative Bitcoin Holders
Zappo's average customer is middle-aged and conservative, not the young day-trader stereotype.
Many early adopters bought Bitcoin years ago and now treat it as long-term wealth, seeking security and liquidity options.
insights INSIGHT
Bitcoin As Wealth Protection In Emerging Markets
Emerging-market users view Bitcoin primarily as a store of wealth and protection against hyperinflation.
Zappo attracts many middle-aged customers from these regions who want sovereign, offshore Bitcoin custody.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Professional Custody If Unsure About Self-Custody
If you hold substantial Bitcoin but lack custody skills, consider professional custody to avoid catastrophic self-custody mistakes.
Use services with strong security and inheritance features to protect long-term wealth.
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Seamus Rocca is the CEO of Xapo Bank. In this conversation, we dig into the real-world data behind Bitcoin adoption — why it looks very different from the popular narratives, who is actually using bitcoin, which geographies are driving growth, and how ETFs and corporate treasuries are reshaping demand. He also shares the surprising areas where bitcoin products may take off next.
Check out Xapo Bank for a $150 discount off your first year of membership by 31st Dec 2025. (This promotion is not applicable to residents in the UK): https://www.xapobank.com/pomp/
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Bitwise is one of the largest and fastest-growing crypto asset managers, with more than $15 billion in client assets across an expanding suite of investment solutions—including the world’s largest crypto index fund—plus products spanning Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and crypto equities. In addition to managing assets, Bitwise helps investors stay informed about the fast-moving crypto market. Every week, CIO Matt Hougan breaks down what’s happening in crypto in five minutes or less. Read the latest at https://experts.bitwiseinvestments.com/cio-memos. Certain Bitwise investment products may be subject to the extreme risks associated with investing in crypto assets. Visit https://bitwiseinvestments.com/disclosures to learn more.
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Timestamps:
0:00 — Intro
2:04 — Why older people are now adopting bitcoin
6:58 — Why bitcoin adoption differs across regions
11:02 — What is the Xapo Vault & how does the security work?
14:55 — Have Bitcoin ETFs helped or hurt Xapo?
17:40 — The overlooked impact of Wences Casares
20:15 — Bitcoin treasury companies & new financial engineering
The Pomp Podcast 