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Crypto has long had a communication problem. Between technical jargon, volatile headlines and confusing interfaces, many investors still see it as too complex or too risky to touch.
In the latest episode of the “Clear Crypto Podcast,” host Nathan Jeffay welcomes Ryan Rasmussen, head of research at Bitwise Asset Management, to discuss the evolving landscape of crypto investing and how it’s finally becoming less intimidating for everyday and institutional investors alike.
Crypto clarity
Rasmussen said crypto’s complex reputation is rapidly changing. “At Bitwise, our investors want different types of exposure to the crypto economy,” Rasmussen said.
“The majority of our investors, in fact, want direct exposure to the underlying crypto assets… through vehicles that they’re used to investing in.”
That includes index-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), along with diversified crypto index funds that resemble tools like the S&P 500, but for digital assets.
Bitwise manages nearly $15 billion in crypto-focused products, and Rasmussen emphasized that these new products aren’t just about convenience; they’re about accessibility and scalability.
“They put dollars into the fund, and then the fund goes and buys the underlying crypto assets. It holds them in cold storage with custodians like Coinbase and Anchorage,” he explained.
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That structure removes the friction that often deters financial advisors or institutions. “A financial advisor… can’t go out and buy Bitcoin and hold it in a cold storage wallet on behalf of their client,” Rasmussen said. “It’s just not realistically practical.”
Staking is the future
The episode also dives into staking, an essential crypto mechanic that rewards users for helping secure proof-of-stake networks.
While staking is still murky in the US due to inconsistent national and state laws, Rasmussen sees a clear path forward:
“We believe over the long term that staking will be seen as just a service provided to investors.”
Rasmussen also reflected on the current regulatory shift in Washington. With greater clarity, major financial institutions are warming up to crypto, which the Bitwise researcher called “the largest catalyst besides the Bitcoin ETFs that we’ve ever seen.”
To hear the complete conversation on the “Clear Crypto Podcast,” listen to the full episode on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don’t forget to check out Cointelegraph’s full lineup of other shows!
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