A quantum roadmap would push Bitcoin much higher: Charles Edwards

Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Investments, urged Bitcoin developers to publicly present a clear plan to protect the Bitcoin blockchain from future quantum computing attacks. He told Cointelegraph that if the Bitcoin core team were to announce a roadmap within the next two to three months detailing steps to make Bitcoin’s cryptography quantum-resistant over the following years, it would instantly reduce uncertainty and could lead to a rapid increase in Bitcoin’s price. Edwards considers a clear roadmap a potential catalyst for “double digits” price gains and believes it would discount much of the current perceived quantum computing risk overnight.

The quantum threat refers to the eventual point—estimated by leading quantum research around four to five years away—when quantum computers might break Bitcoin’s cryptography and compromise wallets. This uncertainty has apparently weighed on investor sentiment, with some analysts and leading institutions like BlackRock citing quantum risk as a long-term concern for Bitcoin investors. Ethereum, by contrast, is expected to complete its post-quantum upgrade by 2029, putting additional pressure on Bitcoin to clarify its own preparedness.

Edwards estimates that Bitcoin’s current market price, about $65,270 at the time of publication, already factors in approximately a 30% discount related to quantum risk, contributing to Bitcoin trading roughly 40% below its “fair value” based on energy value analysis. He notes, however, that this discount assumes no new developments accelerate the quantum threat, which could worsen the risk profile and further pressure price if, for example, a company like Google made unexpected advances.

While some in the Bitcoin community debate the timing and necessity of serious changes—fearing major protocol modifications might conflict with Bitcoin’s core principles or that quantum computing is still too distant—Edwards argues that the current lack of genuine solutions in Bitcoin Improvement Proposals contributes to risk uncertainty. In his view, having a well-defined quantum-resistance roadmap would reassure investors and act as an upside catalyst. Edwards, who specializes in crypto investments through his Melbourne-based hedge fund Capriole, blends quantitative, AI, and macroeconomic methods in his market analysis.