In one of the more unexpected twists this month, an HBO documentary has sparked speculation that cryptographer Peter Todd could be the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto. For those new to Bitcoin lore, Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym of Bitcoin’s creator, who disappeared from public life after laying the foundation for what would become the world’s leading cryptocurrency.
Peter Todd, who has long been an influential voice in the Bitcoin development community, is featured in the documentary, which has led some to wonder if he could be the mastermind behind Bitcoin. Todd himself has denied these claims, and most in the crypto community remain skeptical — but it’s always fun to imagine who might really be behind the curtain.
Whether it’s Todd, Hal Finney, or someone else entirely, the mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto is part of what makes Bitcoin’s origin story so compelling. But even as we speculate about the past, there’s no denying that Bitcoin’s future is just as intriguing, especially given recent developments.
October saw some big moves for Bitcoin. Prices ranged from a low of $58,957 to a high of $68,286 — volatility that continues to keep traders and investors on edge. But what’s behind these sharp movements?
A big part of the story is the shifting market sentiment. Throughout the month, the Fear & Greed Index — a key indicator of market sentiment — hovered around 49, signaling cautious optimism. However, in mid-October, we saw this number peak in the 70s, signaling a shift towards “greed” as investors anticipated further gains. This tells us that while Bitcoin remains volatile, there’s growing confidence that it still has room to climb.
For long-term Bitcoin holders, this volatility is nothing new. But with institutional interest heating up, the future of Bitcoin looks stronger than ever.
One of the most exciting developments in the Bitcoin world is the increasing interest from institutional investors. At Bitcoin Amsterdam 2024, industry experts, including BlackRock’s Larry Fink, made bold predictions about Bitcoin’s future, with many forecasting a massive decade ahead.
Right now, less than 1% of global wealth is invested in Bitcoin. But that number is expected to grow as more traditional financial institutions start to view Bitcoin not just as a speculative asset but as a legitimate store of value. This shift is fueled by concerns over inflation and the desire for assets that offer a hedge against economic instability.
The potential for widespread Bitcoin adoption has led some to speculate about Hyperbitcoinization — where Bitcoin could become the world’s dominant form of currency. While that’s still a ways off, the fact that large institutions are now buying in shows that Bitcoin is no longer just the playground of early adopters and retail investors. The big players are here, and they’re here to stay.
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the shift towards self-custody. Since February, over $31 billion in Bitcoin has been moved off exchanges. Why is this happening?
The answer is simple: security. More investors are realizing that keeping their assets on exchanges leaves them vulnerable to hacks, regulatory issues, and potential loss of control. By moving their Bitcoin into self-custody solutions — like hardware wallets — they’re ensuring that their private keys (and their crypto) remain secure and fully under their control.
This movement is significant because it reduces the overall selling pressure on Bitcoin. When coins are moved to self-custody, they’re effectively taken off the market, which strengthens Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition as a store of value. As more people shift to self-custody, the market becomes less reactive to short-term fluctuations and external risks, like exchange hacks or government intervention.
If you’re looking to join the ranks of these savvy investors, a hardware wallet like Trezor is the way to go. It’s the safest, most reliable way to store your Bitcoin without depending on third-party platforms.
For beginners, the Trezor Safe 3 offers simple, secure storage with PIN protection and easy-to-use features, perfect for anyone new to self-custody. If you’re looking for something more advanced, the Trezor Safe 5 provides enhanced security with a sleek color touchscreen and haptic feedback for seamless crypto management.
Beyond its role as a financial asset, Bitcoin is steadily making its way into everyday transactions, particularly in the travel industry. More travel companies are now accepting Bitcoin for bookings, allowing crypto holders to use their assets for flights, hotels, and vacation packages.
This trend was highlighted during World Tourism Day, where platforms like Travala reported a 46% increase in crypto payments over the past year. As more people start to view Bitcoin as a spendable currency rather than just a speculative investment, its real-world use cases will continue to grow.
The fact that you can now book a holiday with Bitcoin reflects its increasing integration into global commerce. While it’s still early days for mainstream adoption, these developments signal that Bitcoin is more than just digital gold — it’s also becoming a viable medium of exchange for the modern traveler.
In what might be one of the strangest Bitcoin stories in recent memory, a man named James Howells is currently suing Newport City Council for $647 million after they refused to let him search a landfill for a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin. That hard drive, which has been buried since 2013, is now worth over $500 million.
Despite offering the council 10% of the recovered Bitcoin, Howells’ search attempts were blocked due to environmental concerns. The council has maintained its stance, and the legal battle continues. This story is not just a bizarre anecdote — it’s also a cautionary tale about the importance of backing up your keys and keeping them secure.
For anyone managing significant amounts of Bitcoin, this case highlights why secure storage solutions, like hardware wallets, are so critical. Losing access to your private keys can mean losing your entire fortune. And while few of us can relate to misplacing millions of dollars, the lesson is the same: always take security seriously.
At Trezor, we’re always looking for ways to make crypto management easier and more secure for our users. That’s why we’re excited to announce some major updates:
1. Introducing the Smart Trading Engine in Trezor Suite
The Smart Trading Engine is one of our newest features, designed to make buying, selling, and swapping cryptocurrencies even more convenient. This tool compares multiple offers across different platforms and criteria, helping you find the best deal for your needs — whether you’re looking for a specific price, payment method, or currency option. And the best part? All trades happen directly through the safety of your Trezor hardware wallet.
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just getting started, this feature simplifies the process and ensures that you’re getting the best value with every trade.
2. Lower Prices for Trezor Model One and Model T
We’ve also dropped the prices on two of our most popular hardware wallets. The Trezor Model One is now just $49, down from $59, making it the perfect choice for beginners looking to improve their crypto security. For those looking for a more premium experience, the Trezor Model T — with its sleek color touchscreen — has been reduced to $129 (previously $149).
Now is the perfect time to invest in a hardware wallet, whether you’re just starting your crypto journey, looking to upgrade your setup, or giving a gift that just keeps on giving.
October has shown us that Bitcoin’s role in the world is only getting stronger. From institutional investors betting big on its future to everyday people moving their assets into self-custody, the landscape is evolving rapidly. And as Bitcoin continues to break into everyday commerce — whether through travel bookings or other real-world transactions — its potential is becoming more apparent.
As we move into November, with the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, it’s safe to say we haven’t seen the last of Bitcoin’s surprises. But no matter what happens in the short term, one thing is clear: Bitcoin is here to stay.
Keep stacking, stay informed, and most importantly — stay secure.
The Trezor Team
