Bitcoin: Pay attention, the cryptocurrency is too big to ignore

Bitcoin is a US$1.3 trillion asset class now. (Image: Getty)

Sat, 09 Mar 2024

If you haven’t noticed what’s happening with bitcoin in the last few weeks, you are sleeping in a cave. Get on X (Twitter) – it’s blowing up the internet (the memes are amazing). This is a US$1.3 trillion (NZ$2.1t) asset class now, with bitcoin hitting a record US$69,191 on Tuesday this week before dropping back and taking a breather.Like it or not, you need to understand it – it’s too big to ignore. 'Stack' coinsOn Jan 22, I did a podcast on the Sharesies platform with BusinessDesk&...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

World

Why are Americans relocating? The data shows surprises

Americans remain the most mobile among the populations of developed countries.

The Washington Post 5:00am

My Net Worth

My Net Worth: Megan Welch, Kathmandu CEO

From Crocs to Kathmandu: Megan Welch’s high-energy, say-yes approach to leadership.

Cécile Meier 5:00am

My Net Worth: Megan Welch, Kathmandu CEO

On the Money

On the Money: Kathmandu, the Warehouse, Luxon, and more

Your weekly dose of corporate fun.

Victoria Young 04 Oct 2025

On the Money: Kathmandu, the Warehouse, Luxon, and more

Sponsored

Fiji’s exclusive side revealed

Private islands and 5-star luxury, closer than you think.

Tourism Fiji

Sponsored

The double edge of AI in cyber security

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become both a lifeline and a liability for modern organisations, as a revolutionary tool capable of spotting threats at lightning speed, but also the ultimate weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.

Spark