According to Fidelity Digital Assets, both Bitcoin and gold are increasingly being seen as alternatives to traditional financial systems based on the U.S. dollar.
Summary
- Fidelity says Bitcoin toll claims and gold demand show pressure on dollar-based settlement systems globally.
- Iran’s insurance proposal adds uncertainty as state-linked media publicly denies active crypto toll collection claims.
- USDT freezes recently pushed Bitcoin settlement debate higher, while Fidelity says BTC outperformance has lagged.
The firm made the statement in its “Six Key Trends Shaping Digital Assets in 2026” report.
Fidelity has observed increasing signs that nations are exploring payment systems independent of the U.S. They highlighted rising gold demand and noted reports of Bitcoin being used for toll payments in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
As an analyst at Fidelity Digital Assets, I recently led a review of the digital asset landscape. At the beginning of 2026, we identified key trends we expected to see. Now, six months later, the picture is becoming much clearer, though the story is still unfolding. You can find our mid-year review here.
— Fidelity Digital Assets (@DigitalAssets) May 28, 2026
The report highlights a growing trend of new ways people are settling financial transactions. Fidelity confirmed that gold’s recent gains align with their previous predictions, but Bitcoin hasn’t shown the same positive trend yet.
Bitcoin Toll Claims Remain Disputed
This section of the report focuses on Bitcoin use in Iran, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Fidelity mentioned reports indicating Iran is now accepting Bitcoin to pay for tolls and other fees related to shipping and activity in this important oil transit route.
However, these claims are still debated. Crypto.news previously reported that Iranian state media denied reports of Tehran collecting fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz using Bitcoin or stablecoins. This means that the idea of Iran accepting Bitcoin for tolls is unconfirmed, and not a proven payment method.
In May, Fars News reported that Iran’s Economy Ministry suggested a new system for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. This system would rely on marine insurance and proof of financial responsibility.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Bitcoin is unstoppable. Recent reports show Iran is using it to bypass sanctions, accepting Bitcoin as payment for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This signals a rapid shift in the global landscape, and those focused on national security need to recognize this change, adapt their thinking, and prepare for a new reality.
— Dennis Porter (@Dennis_Porter_) May 17, 2026
According to the report, this model has the potential to create over $10 billion in revenue for Iran. However, it didn’t definitively state whether Bitcoin payments are currently being used within the system as planned.
Gold Demand Strengthens Reserve Debate
Fidelity noted that the recent changes in the dollar’s value are connected to how much gold central banks are buying. They observed that despite a recent drop from its peak in January, central banks continue to purchase significant amounts of gold.
The report highlighted that gold is now a more significant component of global reserves than U.S. dollars and Treasury bonds. Fidelity noted this performance and ongoing interest from central banks supports their original expectations.
USDT Freeze Raises Settlement Questions
The discussion also covers stablecoins. Recently, U.S. officials blocked $344 million in USDT linked to Iran, as reported by crypto.news. This action demonstrated that even stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar are subject to American regulations and enforcement.
This point highlights a key difference discussed in Fidelity’s report. Stablecoins offer fast transactions, but their issuers have the power to pause them. Bitcoin, while more resistant to being blocked, is still difficult to use and track in everyday commerce.
Fidelity’s report doesn’t claim the dollar is losing its status as the world’s primary reserve currency. Instead, it notes that Bitcoin, gold, and new payment methods are becoming more popular as countries explore options beyond the traditional U.S.-dominated financial system.
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2026-05-29 09:38