New SEC update lets BlackRock open Wall Street to unusual investors

Group 1 - Major asset managers like BlackRock are attracting Bitcoin whales to Wall Street by offering a way to integrate into the traditional financial system without selling their assets [1][3] - BlackRock launched spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January 2024, with its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holding approximately $89 billion in net assets as of October 20 [2][6] - The SEC's regulatory update on July 29 allows in-kind creations and redemptions for crypto asset exchange-traded products, facilitating the conversion of Bitcoin holdings into ETF shares [5][6] Group 2 - BlackRock has converted over $3 billion worth of Bitcoin into ETF shares, providing convenience for clients to manage their exposure through existing financial advisers [6][7] - Bitcoin, while still considered a risky asset, can be used as collateral and passed on to heirs once integrated into the traditional financial system through ETF shares [7] - Other firms like Bitwise Asset Management and Galaxy are also participating in this trend, highlighting the benefits of traditional financial systems [8] Group 3 - The irony noted by industry leaders is that Bitcoin was originally created to escape traditional finance, yet its largest holders are now seeking to reintegrate into it [9] - Bitcoin's trading price was reported at $108,403.74, reflecting a 2.32% decrease in a day [9]