Strike CEO Jack Mallers Says Bitcoin Could Expand Merchant Payment Choice

Speaking on stage at Bitcoin 2026, Jack Mallers said Bitcoin is a global, liquid and saleable asset, and argued that Visa and Mastercard limit merchant options for accepting payments.

BTC

Summary

Strike CEO Jack Mallers said at Bitcoin 2026 that Bitcoin is a global, liquid and saleable asset, framing it as a potential alternative for merchants seeking more payment flexibility. He also said the current card-payment market leaves businesses with only Visa and Mastercard as practical options, arguing that this structure blocks broader Bitcoin adoption in commerce. His remarks reflect a common industry argument that Bitcoin can function not only as a store of value but also as a payments rail (system for moving money) outside traditional card networks.

Terms & Concepts
  • Bitcoin: A decentralized digital asset that can be transferred globally without relying on a central bank or payment company.
  • liquid asset: An asset that can be bought or sold relatively easily without causing a major change in its price.
  • payments rail: The underlying network or infrastructure used to move money between payers and recipients.