A research analyst at global investments bank RBC Capital Markets says Apple should consider being the next big tech name to join the trend of crypto-assets.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Mitch Steves said Apple could invest roughly $500 million in the development of a crypto exchange, while reaping billions of dollars in return equity.
He said,
I really do believe this is a pretty clear opportunity in my opinion, because if you look at Square’s R&D (research and development) budget, they spend about $670 million per year. Apple generates cash flow of that amount in less than 2 and a half days.
Steves said U.S.-based crypto exchange Coinbase was valued at $50 – $80 billion with a user base of 35 million, making Apple’s 1.5 billion install base significantly more lucrative.
The analyst argued Apple should consider creating a closed ecosystem software for trading and transferring crypto assets that could function as a wallet on iPhones.
Steves called developing a crypto exchange a low-risk was for Apple to enter the industry of cryptocurrency without gaining exposure to a single volatile asset.
He continued,
If I was working at Apple as a strategy officer, this is legitimately something I would do. Because if you can invest $500 million to potentially create $50 to $80 billion in equity value, that’s a lot more compelling to me than trying to compete against an Elon Musk and Tesla.
Featured Image Credit: Photo via Pixabay.com
