Matt Hougan, chief investment officer of Bitcoin and crypto asset manager Bitwise Investments, claims the “most powerful people in finance” are allocating to Bitcoin and crypto.

In a memo, Hougan described a telling moment at a recent financial advisor summit hosted by Barron’s magazine. When asked, nearly every attendee said they owned Bitcoin and crypto assets personally.

Bitwise is a major Bitcoin and crypto index fund provider managing over $4.5 billion in assets. Earlier this year, the company secured regulatory approval for the first Bitcoin exchange-traded…

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A growing number of top financial advisors are investing in crypto assets personally, signaling a potential shift in the finance world, according to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan. Speaking at the Barron’s Advisor 100 Summit, Hougan revealed that around 70% of advisors now own Bitcoin or other crypto assets, a sharp rise from just 10-20% in previous years.

Hougan noted that while advisors aren’t yet making significant crypto allocations in client portfolios—largely due to broker-dealer restrictions—this personal adoption could signal what’s ahead. Historically, personal investments by advisors often translate to client recommendations within 6 to 12 months.

This trend, along with other bullish indicators like recent Bitcoin ETF approvals and interest rate cuts, suggests a promising future for crypto. Hougan emphasized that personal investment fosters understanding, stating, “When it spreads from them to their clients, things could get interesting quickly.”

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Ireland is positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain innovation through the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Speaking at the European Compliance and Legal Conference, Derville Rowland, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, emphasized Ireland’s focus on safe innovation, particularly in crypto adoption. Rowland highlighted the importance of blockchain technology, citing its positive impact on sectors like investment and infrastructure.

MiCA introduces a harmonized regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, ensuring clear guidelines for issuers of e-money tokens and crypto-asset service providers. Ireland, along with other EU nations, is actively working to ensure consistent implementation across the region. Rowland stressed the need for coordination with European Supervisory Authorities to prevent regulatory divergences.

With the EU aiming to lead global crypto regulation, Ireland is dedicated to improving its authorization processes for businesses. By focusing on financial inclusivity and fostering innovation, the country aims to strengthen both the economy and its position in the rapidly evolving crypto space.

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