Standard Chartered, a major financial institution, has suggested that Bitcoin could serve as a hedge against tariff risks in the current economic climate. This perspective, articulated by Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, ties Bitcoin’s potential role to growing uncertainties, such as those stemming from U.S. isolationist policies and escalating trade tensions. The idea is that Bitcoin, as a decentralized asset not tied to any single nation’s fiscal or monetary system, might gain appeal if tariffs disrupt traditional markets and weaken confidence in fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. Kendrick has noted that this shift could be driven by “U.S. isolationism,” which he sees as increasing the risks of holding fiat money, potentially boosting Bitcoin’s value as a neutral alternative.
This view builds on earlier analyses from Standard Chartered, where Bitcoin was framed as a broader hedge against U.S. isolationism, now refined to focus specifically on tariff-related risks. While Bitcoin’s price has seen volatility—recently dropping below $80,000 before hovering around $77,000—Kendrick remains optimistic, projecting a possible return to $84,000 if broader market selloffs subside. His long-term outlook is even more bullish, with price targets reaching $200,000 by the end of 2025 and climbing to $500,000 by 2029. This reflects a belief that Bitcoin could thrive amid economic fragmentation and protectionism, positioning it as a store of value in a way that contrasts with its short-term behavior as a risk asset tied to tech stocks or market sentiment.
