Citi Warns Bitcoin Faces Greater Quantum Risks Than Ethereum
In a recent analysis, Citi analysts highlight that Bitcoin is significantly more exposed to quantum computing threats compared to Ethereum. The findings, published in late May, underscore urgent concerns for institutional holders of Bitcoin, as the upgrade process for its cryptographic defenses lags behind that of Ethereum, according to CoinDesk.
On June 10, 2026, a research note from Citi analysts raises alarms regarding the quantum computing risks associated with Bitcoin, indicating that it faces significantly greater vulnerabilities than Ethereum. This assertion aligns with findings from a Google Quantum AI paper published in March 2026, which estimates that the computational capability needed to break Bitcoin's foundational cryptography is drastically lower than previously thought.
Should advanced quantum computers become reality, the report suggests these machines could feasibly derive a Bitcoin private key from its public key in under nine minutes—an event that poses an imminent risk for the estimated 6.9 million Bitcoin (BTC) currently vulnerable. Nic Carter, a prominent voice within the digital assets space, has consistently warned that quantum computing represents a long-term threat to Bitcoin's security. He believes that unless substantial upgrades occur, the situation could deteriorate as early as 2028.
The governance structure of Bitcoin plays a crucial role in its vulnerability. With a conservative consensus-driven approach, significant upgrades can take years to implement. Recent proposals aimed at enhancing Bitcoin's quantum resistance remain at the draft stage as of 2026. In contrast, Ethereum’s proactive stance towards quantum safety underscores a substantial structural difference between the two cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum has already begun implementing measures to enhance quantum resistance. Following the NIST post-quantum cryptography standards finalized in August 2024, Ethereum introduced EIP-7702 during the Pectra upgrade in May 2025. This upgrade allows individual accounts to adopt quantum-safe signatures voluntarily, promoting adaptability that Bitcoin's architecture currently lacks. Analysis indicates that Ethereum's forthcoming Hegotá hard fork will further solidify its quantum resistance capabilities.
Institutions holding Bitcoin must seriously evaluate the potential risks affiliated with the asset given its delayed response to quantum threats. U.S. federal agencies are mandated to devise post-quantum cryptography strategies, reflecting a mounting recognition of the urgency posed by this issue. Meanwhile, Ethereum's transparent upgrade path positions it as a more resilient choice within this context.
Ultimately, as insights from firms like Google and Citi risk altering the institutional landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that Ethereum's framework is designed for this evolving technological landscape, whereas Bitcoin may struggle to adapt in time.
Summary based on original reporting by Samir Tabar at CoinDesk, originally published Jun 10, 2026. SolanaWire does not republish source content.
Mastercard Launches AI Agent Payments Platform with Support from Major Crypto Firms
Mastercard announces the launch of Agent Pay for Machines, a platform enabling autonomous AI-driven payments. The initiative includes participation from major companies such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Polygon, aiming to facilitate machine-to-machine transactions. Decrypt reports that this move reflects Mastercard's growing integration of AI and cryptocurrency.
36 minutes ago·Decrypt·Reported by Jason Nelson
Netomi CEO Projects $5 Trillion AI Market to Boost Stablecoin Demand
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DeFi Builders Must Act Like Accountable Money Managers, Says CoinDesk
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1 hour ago·Decrypt·Reported by Sander Lutz
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