Renowned author Robert Kiyosaki, best known for Rich Dad Poor Dad, has issued a stark warning about Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), comparing them to "paper guns" that offer illusory protection. In a social media post, Kiyosaki emphasized the superiority of owning physical assets: "BEWARE of PAPER... an ETF is like having a picture of a gun for personal defense. Sometimes it’s best to have real gold, silver, Bitcoin, and a gun."
While acknowledging ETFs as useful tools for average investors seeking regulated exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), Kiyosaki stressed they are no substitute for direct ownership during systemic crises. This stance aligns with his long-standing economic warnings, including predictions of stock, bond, and real estate market collapses that could devastate traditional investors. His advocacy comes amid 2025's 28% gains for both gold and Bitcoin, with silver ETFs like iShares Silver Trust surging 32%.
Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs are demonstrating remarkable momentum, attracting $1.3 billion in weekly inflows and $4.3 billion month-to-date, according to NoOnes CEO Ray Youssef. Institutional players have accumulated over $3 billion worth of ETH directly in 2025 alone, with some corporations targeting ownership of 5% of Ethereum's circulating supply. This activity occurs despite recent Bitcoin ETF outflows totaling $280 million over three trading days.
Overall commodity ETFs now command $170 billion in assets, with BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) approaching $100 billion. Ethereum ETFs are rapidly gaining traction, with ETHA ranking among the top 17 most popular ETF funds globally per Barchart data.