Galaxy Digital's Alex Thorn Says Bitcoin Community Reaching Consensus on Quantum Computing Threat Response

Galaxy Digital Research Director Alex Thorn reports in a May 3, 2026 research note that the Bitcoin community is reaching consensus on how to address quantum computing threats. The emerging agreement involves leaving Satoshi Nakamoto's approximately 22,000 addresses holding 50 BTC each untouched, as interfering with these holdings could damage Bitcoin's core property rights value proposition. Instead, the community favors developing post-quantum cryptographic solutions and keeping them ready for deployment if needed, while active entities like exchanges can upgrade to post-quantum addresses when necessary. Though concerns exist about moving too quickly and diverting developer resources or creating consensus gridlock, Thorn notes that even a one percent chance of quantum computing affecting Bitcoin justifies continued preparedness work.

Consensus on Leaving Satoshi's Bitcoin Untouched

• ▪The Bitcoin community broadly agrees that Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin should remain untouched
• ▪Alex Thorn shared observations from recent discussions held in Las Vegas about quantum computing and Bitcoin
• ▪Interfering with Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin holdings could seriously damage Bitcoin's core value proposition around property rights
• ▪Alex Thorn is Research Director at Galaxy Digital

Actual Quantum Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis

• ▪Each of Satoshi Nakamoto's addresses holds 50 BTC
• ▪Alex Thorn referenced the hourglass proposal as a potential measure if a long-range quantum attack ever appeared imminent
• ▪Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin is spread across roughly 22,000 addresses
• ▪A long range quantum attack would have to crack all of Satoshi Nakamoto's roughly 22,000 addresses

Post-Quantum Cryptography Development Strategy

• ▪Alex Thorn stated that even a one percent chance of quantum computing affecting Bitcoin justifies continued work on the issue