During a recent discussion at the BTC MENA 2025 event, industry leader Michael Saylor captivated attendees with his insights on the evolving role of Bitcoin in the financial ecosystem. The conversation, led by Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich, aimed at attracting attention from affluent investors and financial institutions across the Middle East, highlighting how they could potentially transform into major players in the digital currency sector.
Saylor and Gerovich defined Bitcoin as a form of digital wealth. Saylor emphasized, “Our mission has been to gather this digital wealth. When you have wealth, you leverage it for credit.” Both MicroStrategy and Metaplanet are actively constructing portfolios of Bitcoin while simultaneously issuing long-term preferred financial products that serve as what they term “digital credit” secured by this wealth.
Gerovich pointed out the situation in Japan, which he termed a “cash-rich but yield-poor” market. He noted, “An overwhelming $7 trillion rests idle in bank accounts, earning little to no interest, while corporations hold an additional $4 to $5 trillion.” Families depositing money see negligible returns. Although deflation is receding, investors continue to clamor for meaningful returns.
To address this disconnect, Metaplanet unveiled “Mercury,” a perpetual preferred product yielding 4.9% in yen that can convert into equity. Gerovich suggested it is an ideal entry point for those new to Bitcoin. Their subsequent offer, “Mars,” is tailored as a high-yield, Bitcoin-collateralized financial product appealing to Japanese investors, resembling an enhanced savings account.
Exploring Saylor’s Vision for Investment
Saylor’s plan is aimed directly at the Middle Eastern financial sector, highlighting his extensive outreach to the region’s top financial entities. “I’ve engaged with numerous sovereign wealth funds and met with nearly 100 diverse investors and fund managers,” he explained. His message is simple yet profound: “Digital capital is here. Bitcoin stands as this new form of wealth, accompanied by an innovative asset class known as digital credit. This credit enhances returns while mitigating volatility.”
He illustrated a comparison between capital and credit instruments. Rather than gifting a child undeveloped land valued at $1 million, an investor could opt for a credit product offering consistent returns. “People naturally lean towards dependable income rather than erratic gains,” Saylor maintained. Firms like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet are dedicated to transforming wealth into reliable credit.
He further elaborated on a strategic roadmap for banks in the region: “Establish secure Bitcoin custody. Self-custody is valuable, but banks should hold Bitcoin for their customers. Invest in Bitcoin, maintain custody, and extend credit options based on Bitcoin value.” Saylor postulated that as the Bitcoin market escalates from $2 trillion to $20 trillion, by tapping just a fraction of that growth, banks could amass substantial capital simply because traditional regulated banks remain hesitant to engage with Bitcoin.
One major aspiration is to convert Bitcoin-backed credit into a competitive bank account, outpacing existing global deposit systems. Utilizing credit products like Mercury and Mars within a fund that incorporates a currency buffer could yield approximately 8% interest with minimal volatility. In essence: “If I deposit billions, you reward me with 8% returns daily, absolutely no volatility, housed within a regulated institution, supported by digital credit and fortified by significant digital assets.”
In this vision, he mused, “It’s feasible to attract an astonishing mass of capital, possibly 20 trillion or even 50 trillion dollars.” Ideally, for investors, “the premium product would be a bank account that offers consistent returns exceeding the risk-free rate.” For Saylor, he metaphorically describes such an account as “the ultimate financial tool, comparable to the forefront of technology in this space.”
He framed the scenario as a competitive chase: “Who will emerge as the leader of the 21st century financial hub, drawing in global investments?” He asserted that the winners will be those who truly comprehend the value of money, embrace innovative technologies, and demonstrate unwavering commitment and insight.
In closing, he expressed his enthusiasm for the conversations taking place: “The energy has been invigorating, and I believe significant breakthroughs are on the horizon right here in this region.”
As a closing note, Bitcoin is currently valued at $90,164.
