Digital assets are rapidly changing the investing landscape. We’re here to help find your way.
July 6, 2023
Defining crypto and the future of finance
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Crypto for Advisors is changing. I’m Sarah Morton, the new editor of this newsletter. Think of me as your tour guide on an ongoing journey through the evolving crypto ecosystem. I’m here to curate timely, relevant and thought-provoking content as well as answer pressing questions that clients ask.
But first: Why me?
My learning journey into the world of crypto started more than six years ago. I was drawn to blockchain technologies and the new opportunities driven by what we now call the new digital money (aka “crypto”) for the finance industry. This journey led me to co-found MeetAmi Innovations, where we work daily with advisors, financial professionals and various digital asset community players to understand their challenges in answering client questions related to investing in digital assets.
There is no question that current and next-generation investors are interested in digital assets (cryptocurrencies, tokens, smart contracts, and other digital representations of value). Just yesterday, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink suggested: “Bitcoin could revolutionize finance.” If he’s right, it would amplify demand from investors (recently surveyed by BCG) and their financial advisors for guidance on how to think about investing in this emerging asset class. And it’s not a simple answer.
Recent news adds to the complexity. In just the past couple of months:
The SEC has sued high-profile crypto Exchanges Binance and Coinbase.
Globally, the U.K. and Hong Kong made bold moves toward becoming digital asset financial hubs.
A recent Coinbase study showed that over 50% of Fortune 100 companies have started crypto, blockchain and Web3 projects. Such studies raise bigger questions like: How will these advancements affect digital assets? How will advisors navigate the complexities and rapidly changing nature of digital assets?
Advisors have a significant opportunity to support today’s clients and meet the needs of the next generation of investors – as long as they have a roadmap to navigate the digital-asset landscape.
This newsletter is here to help point the way. Each week Crypto for Advisors will share thought leadership from the industry, answer common and pressing questions from clients, and point to resources to better understand this rapidly evolving asset class.
If you have questions for our advisor network – or have topics you’d like to see covered – simply reply to this email, and we’ll try to answer them in future newsletters.
Thanks for subscribing – your readership means a lot to us. Here’s to the journey,
Is investing in digital assets secure? I’ve heard of people losing all their money.
It can be secure if you know how to hold the assets and do your homework regarding custody.
Digital assets and crypto are based on self-custody, meaning I hold my own assets in my own wallet(s).
However, we often use centralized custodians – such as an exchange – to hold assets for ourselves and clients, as they take on much of the technology’s heavy lifting. For both you and your clients, it’s important that you research the custodian to ensure they don’t commingle assets and are solvent.
Do digital assets have real value?
Each crypto asset has its own value proposition and investment thesis. For example, bitcoin is often viewed as a hedge against inflation, government and banks. Ether is used to run applications on the Ethereum network. Other tokens derive their value from cash flows.
Advisors should understand some of the investment theses and value drivers of various crypto assets to properly evaluate them for client portfolios.
What are the risks of investing in digital assets?
We’ve already talked a bit about custodial risk. Cryptocurrencies are also volatile, which poses allocation risks in client portfolios, especially with clients who may need liquidity. Many of the projects and protocols the tokens represent carry their own risks, which can be deeply technical and complicated to understand.
We don’t expect advisors to evaluate all the risks on their own, and we’re seeing more models and services which help determine crypto-asset risks as they relate to client portfolios.
Adam Blumberg is the co-founder of Interaxis, a company dedicated to educating financial professionals about digital assets.
The largest transfer of generational wealth is happening as Web3 emerges. If you are looking to meet the needs of the next generation of investors, there’s a lot to consider.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter, and any information linked through the items contained herein, is not intended to provide sufficient information to form the basis for an investment decision. You should seek additional information regarding the merits and risks of investing in any cryptocurrency or digital assets. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of CoinDesk. The content of this newsletter is provided for information purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a digital asset, cryptocurrency, or security.
