- Robert Kiyosaki equates crypto ETFs to images of protection, lacking actual utility during real-world financial emergencies.
- Kiyosaki’s long-standing view maintains that crypto ETFs offer tracking exposure but no real asset control to investors.
- The remarks resurface during a market downturn, raising investor scrutiny over the long-term value of ETF-based crypto exposure.
Following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the one-year mark of the Ethereum ETF, the financial markets have seen growing interest in crypto exchange-traded funds. These investment tools have attracted significant inflows due to their ease of access and perceived stability, becoming a key topic among investors.
Amid the rising popularity of crypto ETFs, financial educator and author Robert Kiyosaki shared a cautionary perspective. In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, he acknowledged the convenience that ETFs bring to average investors. However, he likened ETFs to a “picture of a gun,” suggesting they appear useful but may not offer real-world protection during financial emergencies.
Concerns Over Real Asset Ownership
Kiyosaki emphasized that ETFs do not equate to actual ownership of assets like Bitcoin or gold. He argued that these funds merely track the value of underlying assets without granting investors direct control or possession. This distinction, he noted, becomes critical during financial disruptions when physical or directly owned digital assets hold more utility.
Throughout the past year, Kiyosaki has maintained his critical stance on ETFs, often referring to them as artificial instruments. In the past, he has termed crypto ETFs as a scam or fake, as he equated it to fiat and referred to it as the traps of banksters. This continued remark can indicate his longtime belief in physical gold, real holdings of Bitcoin, and other real assets in place of financial products that appear to show ownership.
These remarks by Kiyosaki come at a time when the crypto market feels the most volatile. His quotes have once again compelled retail investors to debate on whether crypto ETFs are valid and sustainable. This recent fall in crypto prices has only increased fears of investment in using ETFs as the only source.