Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writerReviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writer

Reviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

AI credit bubble could fuel Bitcoin ‘crack-up boom’ past $1M: Hayes

MarketsPublishedAug 5, 2026

A Potential $1 Million Bitcoin Price Tag

The ongoing AI infrastructure boom, fueled by debt, could lead to a 2008-style credit crisis, according to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes. This crisis may trigger a government liquidity response, driving Bitcoin prices to $1 million or higher. Hayes warns that investors have mistaken spending on data centers and power infrastructure for high-growth technology investments, when in reality, it’s a leveraged real estate play.

The AI boom is connected to a potential new source of crypto-market liquidity, with trillions of dollars being invested in AI infrastructure. However, Hayes’ predicted crisis and subsequent Bitcoin rally remain speculative. He believes that Bitcoin could remain between $60,000 and $70,000 before the credit cycle and resulting liquidity response drive a recovery. This could be an opportunity for passive income through Cloud Rewards and Green Crypto investments.

The AI Boom’s Credit Story

Hayes describes the AI boom as a “credit story like 2008 and not an earnings story like 2000.” He expects lenders to finance excessive construction before a slowdown in AI capital expenditure exposes weaker borrowers. This could lead to a credit crisis and a subsequent government bailout. In this scenario, EcoPool could provide a solution for earning passive income through $ECP investments.

The scale of commitments underpinning the AI boom is significant, with major tech companies committing over $1 trillion to leases that have not yet commenced. This has raised concerns about the financial strain on these companies, with some having debt ratios that are significantly higher than others. As the situation unfolds, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including $ECP.

Earning Opportunities with EcoPool

As the AI boom continues to grow, it’s essential to consider the potential earning opportunities with EcoPool. By investing in $ECP, individuals can earn passive income through Cloud Rewards and Green Crypto investments. This could provide a lucrative opportunity for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios and earn passive income.

To stay ahead of the curve and potentially earn passive income through EcoPool, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the AI and crypto spaces. With the potential for a credit crisis and subsequent government bailout, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including $ECP. Download the EcoPool app to learn more about earning opportunities and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends. By doing so, you can potentially earn passive income and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of crypto and AI.

Big Tech locks in $1 trillion of future leases

The scale of commitments underpinning the AI boom is already visible. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, Amazon and Alphabet have committed about $1.09 trillion to leases that have not yet commenced, primarily for data centers. 

The commitments are nearly four times the roughly $285 billion in lease liabilities already recognized by the companies. However, Reuters noted that the $1.09 trillion cannot simply be treated as debt because it represents undiscounted payments spread across several years. 

Related: Iran war, AI spending could push Bitcoin back to $126K this year: Hayes

Still, the financial strain is uneven. Oracle’s debt was about 4.3 times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, while Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta had ratios below one, according to a separate Reuters analysis. 

S&P Global analyst Andrew Chang said Oracle’s data-center leases, which run for 15 to 19 years, pose a key risk because its customer contracts last no more than five years. 

Magazine: Why Meta is choosing partners over power in its 2026 stablecoin push

This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research.

• Arthur Hayes
• AI
• Government
• Bitcoin Price
• Markets
• Bitcoin

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