#20 Riding Out 80% Drawdowns: Scott Ellam’s Case for Corporate Bitcoin Adoption

In this episode, Dan sits down with Scott Ellam, CEO and founder of XCE , to explore how a traditional executive recruitment firm became one of the first publicly listed companies built around a Bitcoin treasury strategy. For financial advisers, this conversation offers a clear, real-world example of how Bitcoin can function inside a regulated business, how volatility can be managed, and why ignoring the asset may soon risk losing clients, assets and talent. Scott walks through his journey from discovering Bitcoin in 2016 to building a four-year corporate treasury that held firm through an 80% drawdown. He explains why the volatility never shook his conviction, how denominating the balance sheet in Bitcoin became a long-term strategic choice, and what ultimately led to the IPO. The discussion also covers how XCE handles global payments across the US, Europe and the Middle East, the practical advantages of using Bitcoin and stablecoins, and why network effects inside traditional industries may accelerate corporate adoption sooner than expected. Scott outlines how talent attraction, share-option structures and a Bitcoin-experienced board support the firm’s growth model. For advisers seeking to understand the operational side of Bitcoin — rather than abstract theory — this episode provides a grounded, accessible view of how one company applied it through volatile markets and into a public listing. Enquire about P1 Investments here - marketing.p1-im.co.uk/bitcoinifa Website - www.thebitcoinifa.com We always recommend watching ‘What’s the Problem’ by Joe Bryan: https://bit.ly/jbwtp DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for FCA-authorised financial advisers only and is not for retail clients. The views expressed in this content, and all other content on this channel, are those of the individuals speaking and do not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to invest in any product, asset, or strategy — including those discussed in sponsored segments. This content is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research and consider all relevant risks before making any investment decisions.