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- Financial giant Morgan Stanley’s investment through GBTC positions the bank as a major holder of Bitcoin.
- Leading global banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and UBS, have also reported holdings in Bitcoin ETFs.
- This growing acceptance suggests that cryptocurrencies are being viewed as a potential asset class by major financial institutions.
In a sign of growing mainstream adoption, financial giant Morgan Stanley revealed a hefty $269.9 million investment in Bitcoin through Grayscale’s GBTC trust, as disclosed in its first-quarter 13F filing. And as per CNBC, This positions the bank as a major holder of GBTC, trailing only Susquehanna International Group’s $1 billion stake.
Morgan Stanley’s move reflects a broader trend among leading global banks. The Royal Bank of Canada, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, BNP Paribas, and UBS have all disclosed similar investments in Bitcoin ETFs, underscoring institutional warming to the cryptocurrency.
The trend extends beyond traditional banks. Recent filings show significant exposure to Bitcoin ETFs by prominent investment firms. New York-based Pine Ridge Advisers holds a $205.8 million portfolio, including stakes in BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, and Bitwise’s BITB. Boothbay Fund Management, a hedge fund manager, boasts a diversified $377 million portfolio across the same Bitcoin ETFs.
Alternative asset managers are also joining the fray. Aristeia Capital revealed a $163.4 million position in IBIT, while Graham Capital Management holds a combined $102.6 million across IBIT and FBTC. Crcm LP, another hedge fund manager, reported a $96.6 million stake in IBIT.
While the long-term viability of Bitcoin remains a subject of debate, Morgan Stanley’s sizable investment and the increasing participation of other financial institutions suggest a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a potential asset class. This trend necessitates a close watch, as it could have significant implications for the future of finance.
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