Quantum computing is often cited as a potential long-term risk to Bitcoin and blockchain technology — but one that the industry is likely to overcome.
Speaking in an interview with TheStreet Roundtable's Alp Gasimov , Grayscale 's head of research, Zach Pandl, described quantum as part of a broader evolution in digital security, rather than a fundamental threat to crypto.
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What quantum computing means for digital security
Pandl explained that modern digital systems — including blockchains — rely on cryptography built on mathematical assumptions that are difficult for traditional computers to solve.
"Think about digital security, the cryptography that underpins that is based on a certain type of mathematics that assumes some numbers are hard to calculate by a conventional computer," he said.
Quantum computing introduces a different paradigm.
"If we create a new type of computer based on the magic of quantum physics, potentially we can calculate those numbers more quickly and unpick some of these digital locks," Pandl said.
While that may sound concerning for crypto investors, Pandl emphasized that the implications extend far beyond blockchain networks.
"This applies to everything on the internet, everything in our economy that uses digital security, not just blockchains," he added.
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A system-wide challenge, not just crypto
According to Pandl, the rise of quantum computing would force a broad upgrade across global digital infrastructure— including banks, governments, and major technology companies.
"This is a solvable engineering related issue not just for Bitcoin and Ethereum and Solana , but for every type of institution — banks, the US government, big tech companies, everyone is going to have to tackle this," he said.
That shared challenge, he suggested, puts crypto on equal footing with traditional systems rather than uniquely at risk.
Instead of viewing quantum as a singular threat to Bitcoin , Pandl framed it as a technological shift that will require coordinated adaptation across industries.
'Another hurdle' for Bitcoin
Despite the potential risks, Pandl expressed confidence that Bitcoin and other blockchain networks will evolve to meet the challenge — just as they have done in the past.
"Quantum is just another hurdle that the Bitcoin community is going to clear," he said.
"I think it's a matter of if and not when this engineering and social challenge is overcome."
He pointed to Bitcoin's history of overcoming skepticism — from early doubts about adoption to concerns around scalability — as evidence of its resilience.
When quantum-related challenges are eventually addressed, Pandl believes they will further strengthen confidence in decentralized systems.
"When it is overcome, it will just be another thing on this list to demonstrate the resilience of decentralized communities and decentralized technologies," he said.
What investors should take away
For investors, Pandl's message is not to ignore quantum risk — but to view it in context.
Rather than a near-term existential threat, quantum computing represents a longer-term technological shift that will impact the entire digital economy.
Bitcoin, in that sense, is not uniquely vulnerable — and may even benefit from the same innovation cycle that strengthens broader digital security systems.
Related: New warning says quantum tech may crack Bitcoin by 2040
This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
