Karla Barker 
Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has issued a stark warning about financial markets. In a July 9 post on X, he argued that any asset requiring institutional trust could be destroyed in the next financial crash or possible depression.
Kiyosaki Targets Traditional Investments
Kiyosaki referenced a book called The Entrooy Trap while reiterating a long-held view. He wrote: “Any asset that requires ‘trust’ will be destroyed in the coming crash and possible Depression.”
He expanded this warning to include U.S. bonds, some stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s, IRAs, and Australian superannuation accounts. He also included all fiat currencies like the dollar, euro, yen, and peso. These are some of the most common savings and investment vehicles used by individuals worldwide.
Financial regulators generally classify these products as having different risk profiles, purposes, and regulatory protections. However, Kiyosaki lumps them together based on their dependence on government or institutional backing.
Debate Over Trust and Alternatives
Kiyosaki’s argument centers on the role of confidence in financial systems. Stocks, bonds, and ETFs offer ownership, income, and diversification benefits. U.S. Treasuries remain a cornerstone of global finance. Retirement accounts typically hold mixes of these assets based on personal strategies.
Kiyosaki has long promoted assets he believes require no trust. In the same post, he wrote: “As you may know, since 1965… I primarily [invest] in assets that require no trust, which are gold, silver, and oil.”
He has extended this view to bitcoin. He describes it alongside gold and silver as an alternative to fiat currencies. He says he owns bitcoin as a long-term holding, not a short-term trade. Supporters point to bitcoin’s fixed supply. Critics note its volatility and uncertain role as a store of value.
What the Future Might Hold
Kiyosaki concluded with a dramatic shift in perspective: “As I have been warning for years, those who are rich today will be tomorrows poor … I believe tomorrow has arrived. Its now today.”
The real question is whether traditional financial assets face the disruption Kiyosaki predicts. Markets have historically adapted through inflation, recessions, and other stresses. Diversified portfolios have helped investors manage risks over time.
The outcome will depend on how markets respond to future economic pressures. Bond yields, stock valuations, inflation trends, commodity prices, and cryptocurrency adoption will all play roles. For now, Kiyosaki’s warning remains a personal viewpoint, not a certainty. It reflects an ongoing debate about the safety of traditional assets compared to commodities and alternative stores of value like bitcoin.