If the value of Bitcoin drops before a deal closes, the impact largely depends on the nature of the deal and how payment terms are structured. Here’s what might happen:
- For Buyers:
- If you’re using Bitcoin to pay and its value drops significantly, you might need to transfer more Bitcoin to meet the agreed-upon value in fiat currency.
- If the seller requires the full agreed amount in fiat terms, you’ll face a higher cost in Bitcoin than you initially anticipated.
- For Sellers:
- If you agreed to accept Bitcoin at its market value when the deal closes, you might receive less fiat equivalent than expected.
- If you’re holding Bitcoin after the transaction, the reduced value means a potential loss in the value of your holdings.
- Price-Locked Agreements:
- If the deal specifies a fixed amount of Bitcoin (e.g., 1 BTC), the seller bears the risk of a drop in value.
- If the deal specifies a fiat amount (e.g., $50,000) and Bitcoin is used as payment, the buyer takes on the volatility risk.
- Mitigation Strategies:
- Hedging: Use financial instruments to hedge against Bitcoin’s volatility (e.g., futures contracts).
- Immediate Conversion: Convert Bitcoin to fiat currency as soon as the transaction occurs to lock in the value.
- Stablecoins: Use stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies instead of Bitcoin for payments to reduce volatility risk.
- Contractual Safeguards: Include clauses in the agreement to adjust for significant price fluctuations.
In essence, Bitcoin’s volatility makes clear agreements and potential risk mitigation strategies essential in transactions involving cryptocurrencies.