VanEck CEO Questions Bitcoin’s Privacy and Encryption Ahead of 2026

TLDR

Table of Contents

VanEck CEO questions if Bitcoin’s encryption and privacy are enough for long-term use
Zcash sees renewed interest for offering more privacy than Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s transparent ledger may clash with user confidentiality demands
Quantum computing threats are causing uncertainty over Bitcoin’s future security

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck has questioned whether Bitcoin’s encryption and privacy standards can withstand future demands, especially as concerns grow over transparent transactions and quantum computing threats. Speaking on CNBC, he warned that VanEck could exit Bitcoin if its core thesis collapses. His remarks have sparked debate across the crypto sector and fueled renewed interest in privacy coins like Zcash, which many see as a stronger alternative.

VanEck’s Stance on Bitcoin’s Future

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck said in a CNBC interview that Bitcoin’s underlying privacy and encryption may not be sufficient. He emphasized that VanEck, a traditional asset manager, will not hesitate to exit Bitcoin if its fundamental value thesis fails.

“We will walk away from Bitcoin if we think the thesis is fundamentally broken,” he stated. VanEck’s evaluation of Bitcoin mirrors how the firm assesses traditional investments—by analyzing core technology, market trends, and long-term sustainability.

Van Eck pointed out that Bitcoin’s transparent ledger, where wallet-to-wallet transactions are visible, may no longer meet growing user expectations for confidentiality. This concern is leading some early Bitcoin holders to explore privacy-first alternatives.

Rising Interest in Zcash Amid Privacy Concerns

Zcash, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency, is now drawing increased attention as some users look for alternatives that better protect transaction data. Van Eck described Zcash as “sort of related to Bitcoin with a lot more privacy.”

He linked the current bearish market mood to deeper concerns about privacy, cryptographic resilience, and technological threats. According to Van Eck, Bitcoin’s bear market reflects “the onchain reality of the halving cycle, quantum-breaking-encryption concerns and the better privacy of Zcash.”

Zcash’s ZEC token has seen a sharp rise. It is now the 13th-largest crypto asset with a market cap of $9.43 billion. It recently traded at $578.35, up over 17% in 24 hours and over 930% since September.

Industry Divided on Privacy and Quantum Risks

The broader crypto and research community remains divided on van Eck’s statements. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said in a recent event that “elliptic curves are going to die,” citing quantum risks to encryption models like those used in Bitcoin.

Quantum computing expert Scott Aaronson wrote that “it is a live possibility” a quantum computer could run Shor’s algorithm before 2028. If realized, such a development could break current cryptographic models used in Bitcoin and other blockchains.

However, Bitcoin proponents pushed back against van Eck’s claims. JAN3 CEO Samson Mow responded strongly on X, saying, “You shouldn’t be speaking on anything Bitcoin whatsoever. You’re a crypto guy, stay in your lane.”

Bitcoin Price Movement and Market Sentiment

Bitcoin was trading around $84,643 at the time of van Eck’s CNBC interview. As of Sunday morning, November 23, it had risen to $86,204, a 2.4% gain in 24 hours. Despite the bounce, Bitcoin remains down 7.7% year-to-date and 31.6% below its October all-time high of $126,080.

VanEck portfolio manager Pranav Kanade advised investors to “dollar cost average into bear markets,” suggesting that long-term holders may remain in the space despite current concerns.

The debate comes as the market looks toward the 2026 halving cycle and broader structural questions around blockchain privacy and security take center stage.