Core Insights - Bitcoin's market capitalization has reached approximately $2.4 trillion, surpassing the total market capitalization of the five largest banks globally [1][3] - Over the past five years, Bitcoin has appreciated over 1,000%, while the largest banks have seen significantly lower returns [2][4] - Institutional interest in Bitcoin is increasing, driven by demand for exchange-traded products and its recognition as a new asset class [5][6] Market Capitalization Comparison - The five largest banks combined have a market capitalization of just over $2.05 trillion, which is about 17.1% smaller than Bitcoin's market cap, creating a gap of roughly $350 billion [3] - JPMorgan Chase has a market capitalization of $845.7 billion with a five-year gain of 214%, while Wells Fargo and Bank of America have market caps of approximately $260 billion and $373.9 billion, respectively, with gains of 235% [2][3] Institutional Demand and New Asset Class - Research indicates that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are viewed as a new asset class distinct from traditional stocks and bonds, with investors diversifying their portfolios to manage risk [5] - The introduction of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs has facilitated easier access for brokers to hold Bitcoin, with BlackRock's ETF accumulating $93.5 billion in assets and experiencing significant weekly inflows [6]