However, Bitcoin probably represents the first seriously existential threat to conventional banks, burdened with their massive running costs, in living memory.
In theory, at least, Bitcoin is their Amazon.
I like that part. Existential threat it could quite possibly be.
Bitcoin also poses something of an issue for central banks like the Bank of England or US Federal Reserve, which appear to have no ability to influence the value of Bitcoins. So Bitcoin represents a challenge to their duties of monetary stewardship.
Banks might not be able to influence it, but unfortunately FUDsters and panic sellers do.