Crypto has long battled stigma—with complex jargon, headline volatility, and daunting interfaces. But this reputation is rapidly evolving, making digital assets far more accessible to everyday and institutional investors, according to a leading expert.
Crypto Clarity: Institutional Entry Points
In the new episode of the “Clear Crypto Podcast,” host Nathan Jeffay discussed the maturing crypto investing landscape with Ryan Rasmussen, Head of Research at Bitwise Asset Management, an industry leader managing nearly $15 billion in crypto-focused products.
“The majority of our investors seek direct exposure to underlying crypto assets, through familiar investment vehicles like index funds,” explained Rasmussen.
Rasmussen highlighted the rising demand for traditional investment structures to access the crypto economy. “Investors want exposure through products that look familiar and operate neatly within existing financial systems,” the Bitwise executive stated.
Key among these structures are index-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for BTC and ETH, alongside diversified crypto index funds patterned after traditional indices like the S&P 500.
These products are reshaping crypto adoption, offering institutional-grade security (holding assets in cold storage with providers like Coinbase) and practicality, according to Rasmussen.
“For financial advisors who need to act on behalf of clients, direct crypto purchases and storage are impractical without sophisticated solutions,” Rasmussen explained. “These funds provide a seamless alternative.”
Staking: The Next Frontier
The podcast also examined staking—a process rewarding users for participating in the security of proof-of-stake blockchains.
While US regulations remain unclear and fragmented regarding staking, Rasmussen expressed confidence: “We believe over the long term, staking will be seen as just another service provided to investors, much like any other asset management function,” he predictably concluded.
Rasmussen also noted the confluence of ETF approval and growing institutional involvement as the “largest catalyst” beyond simple Bitcoin ETFs.
