- Charles Schwab plans to offer direct crypto investments, highlighting growing institutional interest in digital assets.
- Bitcoin hits $99K, driven by $30B inflows into US spot ETFs as institutional players like BlackRock dominate the market.
- Schwab's crypto push includes investments in EDX Markets and STCE ETF, aligning with its promise to disrupt crypto.
Charles Schwab is set to offer direct crypto investments to its clients. Rick Wurster, the company's president and incoming CEO, revealed the plan as shown by Altcoin Daily on X. This move shows the growing influence of institutional players in the cryptocurrency, fueled by increasing client activity through ETFs, futures, and closed-end funds. Schwab believes regulatory clarity will soon pave the way for its entry.
Schwab's Strategic Crypto Push
Schwab has long shown interest in the crypto sector but has taken a measured approach to its adoption. Unlike competitors like Vanguard, which restricted spot Bitcoin ETF trading, Schwab has maintained a more open stance.
The bank has already invested in crypto-focused initiatives like EDX Markets, a digital asset exchange launched in 2022. Furthermore, Schwab introduced the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index (STCE), an ETF tracking firm benefiting from cryptocurrency advancements.
This strategy aligns with Schwab’s 2021 declaration of becoming a disruptive force once it enters the crypto market. The move will allow the financial giant to compete directly with established crypto platforms and cater to rising client demand for seamless crypto access.
Institutional Momentum Fuels Bitcoin Surge
Institutional participation in cryptocurrency markets has reached unprecedented levels, driving Bitcoin prices to record highs. Bitcoin recently broke the $99,000 barrier, largely fueled by cash inflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs. These ETFs have amassed over $104 billion in assets under management, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the charge.
Moreover, companies like MicroStrategy and MARA Holdings continue to accumulate Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and fiat currency devaluation. MicroStrategy recently completed a $3 billion offering to acquire more Bitcoin, adding to its growing reserve of 331,000 BTC units.
Market sentiment shows that the popular adoption of cryptocurrencies is rising. Notably, the overall cryptocurrency market worth has climbed to nearly $3.5 trillion. Many industry observers predict more nations will eventually incorporate Bitcoin into their strategic reserves.
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