Haciyev Reşit 
Rick Rieder, whose name is among the strongest candidates for the chairmanship of the U.S. Federal Reserve (FED), has drawn the attention of crypto markets with his past and recent statements on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. As President Donald Trump’s decision on the next FED Chair approaches, Rieder’s views on monetary policy and digital assets are being closely watched by investors.
How Strong a Candidate Is Rick Rieder for FED Chair?
According to prediction markets, Rick Rieder’s probability of being nominated as FED Chair is priced at 49%. This makes him one of the strongest contenders among current candidates and reflects growing market expectations around a potential leadership change at the FED. With the current FED Chair Jerome Powell’s term set to end on May 15, President Donald Trump will soon have to make a critical decision.
Although Trump originally appointed Powell to the role, he frequently criticized him publicly during his term for not cutting interest rates quickly enough. Trump’s remark at Davos describing Rick Rieder as “very impressive” has strengthened this scenario not only in political circles but also across financial markets.
As BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer for Global Fixed Income, Rick Rieder is known for maintaining a positive and constructive stance toward Bitcoin. He has openly described Bitcoin as “the new gold,” arguing that it should play a balancing role in portfolios, especially during inflationary periods and phases of monetary expansion. In a 2020 interview with CNBC, Rieder suggested that Bitcoin could replace gold as a store of value, stating that it is “far more functional than passing around gold bars.” He emphasized Bitcoin’s suitability for the digital age thanks to its portability, accessibility, and efficiency. According to Rieder, these characteristics elevate Bitcoin beyond a purely speculative asset and position it as a long-term investment and portfolio diversification tool.
How Are Bitcoin and Gold Positioned in Portfolios?
In more recent remarks, Rieder has described both Bitcoin and gold as “stabilizing elements” within portfolios. He argues that these assets play an important role in reducing volatility and balancing long-term risks during periods of uncertainty. In September, when Bitcoin was trading above $112,000, Rieder reiterated this perspective, emphasizing Bitcoin’s long-term potential regardless of short-term price levels.
Although Bitcoin has recently traded around $88,000 amid geopolitical risks, tariff concerns, and broader macroeconomic uncertainty, Rieder’s approach focuses less on short-term fluctuations and more on Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. In his view, as the global financial system continues to evolve, Bitcoin is becoming increasingly important, and temporary pullbacks may present strategic opportunities for long-term investors.
Why Does the FED Chair Matter for Crypto Markets?
While the FED Chair does not have direct regulatory authority over cryptocurrencies, the FED’s monetary policy, interest rate decisions, and economic guidance significantly influence market sentiment. Therefore, a FED Chair who openly holds a positive view of Bitcoin would be symbolically significant. Additionally, uncertainty remains over whether Jerome Powell will stay on the FED’s Board of Governors after his term ends—an outcome that could affect Trump’s ability to make new appointments within the FED.
Rick Rieder’s emergence as a leading candidate for FED Chair is seen as a noteworthy development for the crypto market. A figure who calls Bitcoin “the new gold” and supports its inclusion in portfolios may not immediately change policy, but it could serve as an important signal for market perception and investor confidence. Trump’s forthcoming decision will be closely monitored by both traditional financial markets and the crypto ecosystem.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.