Fed's Neel Kashkari Calls Cryptocurrency 'Utterly Useless': What It Means

Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, has labeled cryptocurrency as 'utterly useless,' raising critical questions about its future. He draws a stark comparison between stablecoins and established payment platforms like Venmo, emphasizing the latter's superiority.

Feb 20, 2026, 11:01 AM

Key Takeaways

  • 1## Fed’s Kashkari: Crypto “Utterly Useless,” Stablecoins No Match for Venmo In a recent revelation, Neel Kashkari, the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, expressed a scathing critique of cryptocurrency, labeling it as "utterly useless.
  • 2" This bold statement marks Kashkari's ongoing skepticism toward the digital asset space, a stance he has maintained since he first entered the conversation about cryptocurrencies.
  • 3Kashkari's remarks come at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant volatility, swaying from extreme optimism to skepticism.
  • 4In his comments, he compared stablecoins to popular payment platforms like Venmo, asserting that they simply don't stack up.
  • 5This comparison highlights how traditional financial services are increasingly adapting to digital transactions, while cryptocurrencies are viewed as lacking utility within mainstream financial systems.

Fed’s Kashkari: Crypto “Utterly Useless,” Stablecoins No Match for Venmo

In a recent revelation, Neel Kashkari, the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, expressed a scathing critique of cryptocurrency, labeling it as "utterly useless." This bold statement marks Kashkari's ongoing skepticism toward the digital asset space, a stance he has maintained since he first entered the conversation about cryptocurrencies.

Kashkari's remarks come at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant volatility, swaying from extreme optimism to skepticism. In his comments, he compared stablecoins to popular payment platforms like Venmo, asserting that they simply don't stack up. This comparison highlights how traditional financial services are increasingly adapting to digital transactions, while cryptocurrencies are viewed as lacking utility within mainstream financial systems.

This criticism from Kashkari adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy and viability of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as alternative financial instruments. While proponents of digital currencies point to their decentralized nature and potential for privacy and security, Kashkari's strong words underscore a growing unease among regulators and financial institutions about their place in the economy.

Why It Matters

For Traders

Kashkari's comments could influence short-term market tendencies, especially for traders closely monitoring regulatory sentiment towards crypto. His assertion that cryptocurrencies are "utterly useless" may prompt market reactions, causing traders to reconsider their positions amid such harsh critique. Regulatory clarity remains a significant factor that traders must navigate as they decide to buy or sell.

For Investors

Investors looking for exposure to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology should weigh Kashkari's concerns seriously. The Fed's continued skepticism might signal potential challenges for the market's long-term acceptance and integration into mainstream finance. Awareness of these sentiments is critical for investors gauging risk versus reward in their cryptocurrency investments.

For Builders

For developers and entrepreneurs in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, Kashkari’s remarks emphasize the need to establish more tangible use cases for their innovations. As traditional financial solutions like Venmo gain market share and trust among consumers, builders have the opportunity to create applications that not only compete with such platforms but also demonstrate real utility in everyday transactions. The challenge now lies in addressing the concerns raised by Kashkari and proving that crypto can bring value beyond speculation.

In conclusion, while Neel Kashkari's views may feel discouraging to some advocates in the crypto space, they also provide vital feedback that can drive innovation and discussions about the future of digital currencies. As the dialogue around regulation and acceptance continues, the responses from various sectors will be essential in defining what lies ahead for the crypto market.

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