Global Settlement Network CEO Ryan Kirkley argues that macroeconomic conditions, rather than US election results, remain the primary drivers for Bitcoin prices. Factors such as borrowing costs, the strength of the dollar, and global liquidity levels continue to dictate investor risk appetite, regardless of political outcomes.

Kirkley emphasizes that institutional adoption is increasingly driven by practical economic benefits, including efficient cross-border payments and the migration of financial assets to blockchain infrastructure. He notes that GSN focuses on developing such infrastructure for banks and regulated institutions to improve settlement efficiency.

While political developments may cause short-term market volatility, Kirkley identifies regulatory clarity as the key factor for institutional growth by 2027. He suggests that Congress may attempt to pass market structure legislation in 2027, though significant disagreements persist regarding the classification of digital assets and the oversight roles of the SEC and CFTC.

The GSN executive advocates for a pragmatic legislative approach, prioritizing clear rules on custody, settlement finality, and ownership. He believes that a functional framework that institutions can implement is more valuable than broad, sweeping legislation that fails to gain traction.