What You Might Have Missed at the Cryptocurrency Symposium

Last week was perhaps one of the biggest weeks in the history of cryptocurrency, as the SEC finally approved 10 spot bitcoin ETFs from a range of issuers. To help ETF-oriented investors better understand these products, and the cryptocurrency industry overall, VettaFi hosted a Cryptocurrency Symposium on January 12, 2024. The event was a success that included some of the top firms and individuals in the crypto industry offering insights into several different cryptocurrency-related topics.

Below, readers will find a summary of some of the key points the speakers shared at the event and links to additional coverage from some of the sessions. To view the playback of the Cryptocurrency Symposium, please register for the on-demand replay here.

The Crypto Revolution: Understanding Crypto’s New Place in the Market

In the first panel of the symposium, moderator Tom Lydon, vice chairman of VettaFi, spoke with Jonathan Steinberg, founder and CEO of WisdomTree, and Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Investments. The trio discussed how the release of spot bitcoin ETFs will affect the ETF industry at large. In addition, both speakers also shared why they feel it is important to offer ETFs that give advisors exposure to digital currencies.

To learn more, read our coverage of the session: “WisdomTree’s Steinberg, Bitwise’s Hougan Talk Spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The Case for Bitcoin in 2024

During the second panel of the symposium, Todd Rosenbluth, head of Research at VettaFi, was joined by Cathie Wood, founder, CEO, and CIO of ARK Invest, and Ophelia Snyder, co-founder and president at 21Shares. Wood and Snyder shared the importance of investors learning more about the ins and outs of bitcoin. The duo also gave their insights into what their expectations are for bitcoin in 2024 and beyond. Additionally, Wood and Snyder discussed how the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) separates itself from the other funds currently on the market.

Maximizing the Potential of Spot Bitcoin ETF Investments

Paul Cappelli, head of liquid passive strategies at Galaxy Asset Management, and David LaValle, global head of ETFs at Grayscale Investments, joined the symposium to give their take on the approval of spot bitcoin ETFs. The pair also explores the benefits of these products, and how to include them in a portfolio effectively.

To learn more, read our coverage of the session: “Spot Bitcoin ETFs ‘Massive Win for the Advisor Community,’ Grayscale Says.