Bitcoin presents a variety of opportunities that did not exist prior to its development.  Yet, it has failed as yet to convert investors concerned about its potential rate of adoption as an alternative currency.  Recent acknowledgement by the IRS that Bitcoin is an asset for tax purposes has clarified the situation for investors, and the promise of frictionless value transfer suggests innovative use cases in foreign direct investment.  In the near term, much of the volatility will be driven by investor perception of the ability of gateways to safeguard individual holdings and provide for a reliable store of value as adoption increases.