Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX and chief investment officer of Maelstrom, posted on X on Thursday, October 8, 2026, his view that the crypto market is entering a significant growth phase. Hayes asserted that "In the beginning of a mega bull run the market must climb a wall of worry." He drew parallels to past market cycles, citing "2017 - block size wars," "2020 - Covid," and "2023 - FTX collapse and rising central bank policy rates" as previous obstacles. For 2026, he identified "AI encryption FUD" as the current challenge, concluding with a bullish outlook: "Money shall be printed, bags shall pump."
The digital asset market has experienced volatility, with Bitcoin currently trading at $81,654, down 2.0% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum is at $2,471, a 4.0% decrease over the same period. Recent Gokhshtein coverage includes reports that Pete Rizzo noted Grant Cardone bought $3 million in Bitcoin, and the U.S. government moved $1 billion in seized Bitfinex Bitcoin. Concerns about quantum risk affecting digital assets have also been highlighted, with 6 million Bitcoin reportedly exposed.
Hayes's statement implies that despite present anxieties, such as those surrounding artificial intelligence and encryption, the fundamental drivers for a crypto bull market remain strong. His historical comparison suggests that current FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) is a necessary hurdle before significant price appreciation. Investors might view his comments as a signal to look past short-term concerns and prepare for an expansionary phase, anticipating that central bank policies will continue to fuel liquidity.
