In a recent strategic move, asset management firm Cetera has greenlit four spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for their advisors to offer clients. The decision enables the firm, which manages over $190 billion in assets, to incorporate Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, Franklin Bitcoin ETF, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, and Blackrock iShares Bitcoin Trust into investment portfolios. This initiative reflects Cetera’s cautious yet progressive approach towards integrating digital asset products.
Advisors to Receive Bitcoin ETF Training
Cetera has planned to commence educational sessions for its 12,000 affiliated financial professionals on the nuances of Bitcoin ETFs starting March 25. This training aims to equip advisors with the necessary tools and understanding to effectively leverage these new offerings. The Wall Street Journal notes that Cetera will be delivering Bitcoin ETFs exclusively to commission-based accounts while carefully tailoring investment opportunities to align with individual client risk profiles.
Expanding the Bitcoin ETF Landscape
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission sanctioned 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 10, highlighting the growing acceptance and institutional interest in cryptocurrency investment vehicles. The availability of these products coincides with increased market liquidity and a bullish trend in Bitcoin’s trajectory, indicating a sustained influx of capital into the market even amidst periodic market corrections.
Cetera has now joined other prominent asset managers such as Charles Schwab and Robinhood Markets, who have already been offering spot Bitcoin ETFs to their clientele. Additionally, UBS, Bank of America’s Merrill, and Wells Fargo’s brokerage division have provided these products to asset management clients, albeit in varying degrees of accessibility.
However, the burgeoning spot Bitcoin ETF market faces scrutiny from certain U.S. political figures. Two Democratic senators recently appealed to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, requesting a halt to the approval of further spot crypto asset ETFs. Despite this, the number of Bitcoin owners has surged to 50 million as of February, a significant jump from the previous year’s figures, as reported by Cetera.