Bitcoin has long been described as a currency, digital gold, or an inflation hedge, but most people now treat it primarily as an asset. Investors buy it, hold it, and view it as part of long-term financial planning rather than a tool for everyday spending.
In a recent interview with TheStreet Roundtable, SALT Lending’s Chief Revenue Officer Hunter Albright said Bitcoin is increasingly being used as a practical wealth-building tool, especially by younger generations. He described it as a store of value and argued that it is filling a gap left by traditional paths to wealth.
According to Albright, the biggest shift is driven by the fact that home ownership is becoming unattainable for many young people. As property prices rise, Gen Z is turning to Bitcoin as an alternative way to preserve and grow savings over time.
Rather than replacing all financial tools, Albright believes Bitcoin will serve as a key option for long-term wealth building. Even if prices increase, he expects it to remain more of a value-preserving asset than a daily payment method.
He also noted that many long-term holders now borrow against their Bitcoin instead of selling it, using crypto-backed loans to access cash while keeping exposure to the asset.
In a world where traditional wealth-building routes are narrowing, Bitcoin’s role as a long-term store of value appears to be strengthening.