Michael Saylor, the outspoken chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and one of Bitcoin’s most vocal advocates, has once again stirred discussions in the crypto space with his bold forecast. In a recent tweet, Saylor declared that Bitcoin could soon become “unaffordable” for the average investor, as the next wave of adoption may be led by traditional banks and institutional finance. His statement reflects the growing narrative that large-scale institutional endorsement is set to propel Bitcoin into a new phase of value appreciation and scarcity.

Saylor’s company, Strategy, is one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin. Under his leadership, Bitcoin has become the firm’s core treasury reserve asset, and Saylor has spent years promoting the digital currency as a superior store of value compared to traditional fiat. His newest prediction hinges on the belief that mainstream financial institutions are gradually shifting their stance on Bitcoin. While some banks and regulators have historically approached the asset with caution or outright skepticism, increasing evidence shows that the tide is turning. If legacy banks begin offering Bitcoin-related services or adding it to their balance sheets, it could trigger unprecedented demand, says Saylor.

His outlook is grounded in a simple yet powerful economic principle: scarcity increases value. With Bitcoin’s maximum supply permanently capped at 21 million, any spike in institutional interest would tighten the available supply for individual investors. Saylor warns that the current price levels, which hover just below $94,000 at the time of writing, may eventually look cheap in hindsight. He believes that once banking giants and sovereign institutions fully embrace Bitcoin, its price will surge to levels that price out many latecomers.

The current momentum supports Saylor’s view to some extent. According to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin is trading at around $93,953, following a minor intraday decline of 0.3%. However, the more telling figure is the trading volume, which spiked by over 90% in just 24 hours to hit $31.8 billion. Such a rise in activity suggests mounting investor interest and possibly early signs of institutional positioning.

Moreover, recent data from on-chain analytics platforms like Glassnode shows that U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded one of their highest weekly net inflows recently, absorbing more than 31,000 BTC, valued at nearly $2.9 billion. This ranks among the top three highest weekly inflows in dollar terms, following previous surges in late 2024. This renewed appetite for Bitcoin exposure from institutional investors, especially via regulated vehicles like ETFs, underscores a strengthening belief in Bitcoin’s long-term role in global finance.

For Saylor, this shift is about more than price—it’s about legitimacy. Once banks and financial regulators treat Bitcoin as a credible asset class, the psychological and structural barriers that have kept much of the institutional world on the sidelines could disappear. This would not only validate Bitcoin’s place in financial portfolios but also push demand beyond what current holders can imagine.

However, it’s worth noting that institutional adoption is not without hurdles. Regulatory clarity, risk management frameworks, and macroeconomic stability all play significant roles in shaping institutional behavior. Still, Saylor remains confident. He urges investors to take action now, implying that waiting for broader institutional approval could mean missing out on what he views as a historic opportunity.

In summary, Michael Saylor’s latest prediction underscores a critical moment for Bitcoin. With prices nearing all-time highs and institutional interest on the rise, his warning about Bitcoin becoming unaffordable may not be mere speculation. It reflects a broader sentiment that the world of traditional finance is slowly waking up to the potential of decentralized assets. Whether his projection materializes or not, one thing is clear: the conversation around Bitcoin’s future is shifting rapidly, and the window for early adoption may be narrowing.