Arthur Hayes, the founder of Maelstrom, has recently outlined a compelling connection between U.S. geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding Venezuela, and the anticipated growth of Bitcoin. In his latest analysis, Hayes suggests that U.S. efforts to manipulate oil prices could have a significant impact on financial markets, including the cryptocurrency sector.
In his article titled “Suavemente,” Hayes articulates that the U.S. maneuvers in Venezuela are not just about energy resources but are also aimed at controlling inflation through lower oil prices. This strategy, he argues, could create a favorable environment for risky assets such as Bitcoin. Hayes, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency investment landscape and former co-founder of BitMEX, emphasizes the importance of adopting a proactive investment stance towards Bitcoin and privacy-oriented cryptocurrencies under the current economic climate.
Hayes advocates for investments in privacy-centric projects, highlighting Zcash (ZEC) as a prime candidate for growth. He believes that the ongoing geopolitical actions by the U.S. will facilitate an extended period of monetary expansion, making crypto assets, especially Bitcoin, a vital hedge against inflation. With a strategic allocation heavily favoring Bitcoin and select privacy assets for the upcoming years, Hayes maintains that this approach could yield significant returns.
The market”s reaction to Hayes” insights has been mixed. Some analysts have drawn parallels between past Federal Reserve liquidity interventions and the subsequent price movements of Bitcoin, suggesting that there may be validity to Hayes” predictions. The growing interest in privacy-focused assets like Zcash reflects a broader trend in the digital economy, where privacy innovations are becoming increasingly important.
As of January 6, 2026, Bitcoin is trading at $93,196.06, with a market capitalization of $1.86 trillion. Recent data from CoinMarketCap indicates a 24-hour price increase of 0.76% and a seven-day rise of 6.65%. The cryptocurrency continues to assert its dominance in the current market, with nearly 20 million BTC in circulation out of a maximum supply of 21 million.
Research from Coincu highlights that the geopolitical focus on managing energy resources could significantly influence the valuations of crypto assets. With the increasing emphasis on liquidity and privacy in crypto investments, Hayes” perspectives could gain traction as the market shifts towards assets such as Zcash.
