Position: Bitcoin Critic
Education: Master of Business Administration from Boston University
Mark Williams is a professor at Boston University, a contributor to major publications like Financial Times and Reuters, and an advisor at the Brattle Group.
Controversy
On December 17, 2013, shortly after Bitcoin’s run up to $1,200, Williams published an op-ed on Business Insider. Among other analysis, Williams predicted that one Bitcoin would be worth $10 or less by July-2014:
I predict that Bitcoin will trade for under $10 a share by the first half of 2014, single digit pricing reflecting its option value as a pure commodity play. Miners/speculators will be best served to acknowledge the meltdown has begun, act quickly and take fleeting profit off the table.
At the time of his prediction, one Bitcoin was worth $610.
Bitcoin’s price never dropped close to William’s prediction of $10 at anytime during 2014. On July 1, 2014, one Bitcoin was valued at $635.59.
Six months earlier, a reddit user called Williams “Professor Bitcorn”. His incorrect prediction and other attacks on Bitcoin have caused the nickname to stick.
Video
CCTV Global Business interview with Mark Williams: