Warren Buffett to Step Down as CEO, But Berkshire’s Anti-Bitcoin Stance Remains

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and longtime CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, will step down at the end of the year, with Greg Abel set to take over. Despite the leadership transition, the firm’s negative stance on bitcoin is expected to continue. Buffett, who will remain chairman, has famously labeled bitcoin as “rat poison squared” and a “gambling token,” signaling deep skepticism about digital assets.

Incoming CEO Greg Abel, currently vice-chairman overseeing non-insurance operations and head of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, is seen as a steady hand unlikely to shift direction. Analysts like KBW’s Meyer Shields believe Abel will preserve Buffett’s conservative investment philosophy, especially regarding cryptocurrencies. “I would be very surprised if there’s a meaningful change in Berkshire’s attitude toward Bitcoin,” Shields said, noting a clear distinction between Buffett’s reluctance to embrace tech stocks and his outright opposition to crypto.

Although Buffett recently acknowledged that economic conditions might one day lead Berkshire to diversify into other currencies, bitcoin does not appear to be on that list. His criticism of cryptocurrencies remains unwavering, making any pivot under Abel improbable in the near term.

Still, Buffett’s succession plan received praise for its execution. Macrae Sykes of GAMCO Investors called it “another brilliant example” of Berkshire’s careful management, noting how Buffett addressed shareholders directly before the news became a distraction. Sykes also emphasized that Buffett’s continued role on the board would ensure leadership continuity.

With the transition from Buffett to Abel, Berkshire Hathaway is entering a new chapter. However, its anti-crypto stance, deeply rooted in Buffett’s values, is expected to persist—at least for now.