Banks Power Crypto Surge as Bitwise Hits $15B Mark

Bitwise Asset Management, a leading crypto-focused alternative asset manager, has identified banks as a pivotal force in driving Bitcoin and cryptocurrency adoption, according to CEO Hunter Horsley. The company has seen significant growth in 2025, with over $15 billion in client assets across more than 40 investment products. This milestone follows substantial regulatory clarity in the crypto industry, enabling broader institutional and wealth management firm participation. Since January, over 550 wealth management teams and firms have invested in Bitwise solutions, alongside endowments, corporations, and banks. Notably, Bitwise products have been approved for use on five bank and private bank wealth management platforms across the U.S. and Europe [1].

The company’s growth is supported by a 20% team expansion this year, bringing the total number of professionals to 111, with offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. Horsley emphasized that crypto is now a recognized alternative asset class, with clients actively integrating it into their portfolios. Bitwise’s solutions, including exchange-traded products (ETPs), private alpha strategies, separately managed accounts (SMAs), options overlays, and staking, are witnessing increased adoption [2]. The firm’s commitment to being a “reliable specialist partner” in the crypto space underscores its role in helping clients navigate the evolving industry landscape.

Earlier in 2025, Bitwise announced a $70 million equity raise to further expand its team and capabilities. The funding round included participation from prominent investors such as MassMutual, Electric Capital, MIT Investment Management Company, and Haun Ventures, among others [3]. This financial backing has allowed the firm to enhance its research and product development, reinforcing its position as a leader in the crypto investment sector.

Bitwise also plays a vital role in market education and analysis, having published a mid-year scorecard evaluating its 2025 predictions and a quarterly Crypto Market Review. Its weekly memo from the Chief Investment Officer reaches tens of thousands of investors and financial professionals, offering insights into market trends and strategies. These resources are designed to support informed decision-making in an increasingly complex and dynamic crypto environment [1].

The broader crypto market is also experiencing regulatory developments that could shape the future of crypto investment products. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently delayed decisions on several crypto ETF applications, including those from Bitwise, as it works to establish a comprehensive digital asset framework. According to industry analysts, this delay reflects the SEC’s strategy to define approval criteria for crypto ETFs before granting individual applications. The proposed framework could streamline the listing process by setting generic standards for digital assets in ETFs, potentially reducing the current case-by-case review burden [4].

Bitwise’s strategic focus on banks and financial institutions highlights the importance of institutional adoption in legitimizing and scaling the crypto market. As more banks integrate crypto solutions into their platforms, the potential for broader retail and institutional participation increases. Horsley’s vision aligns with this trend, as Bitwise continues to serve as a bridge between traditional finance and the emerging crypto landscape, offering a range of tools to help investors navigate this space effectively.

Source: [1] Bitwise Surpasses $15bn in Client Assets (https://www.marketsmedia.com/bitwise-surpasses-15bn-in-client-assets/) [2] Bitwise Surpasses $15 Billion in Client Assets, Up 200% From October 2024 (https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250814049711/bitwise-surpasses-15-billion-in-client-assets-up-200-from-october-2024) [3] Bitwise Surpasses $15 Billion in Client Assets, Up 200% ... (https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250814049711/en/Bitwise-Surpasses-%2415-Billion-in-Client-Assets-Up-200-From-October-2024) [4] SEC delays decisions on several crypto ETFs amid work ... (https://cryptoslate.com/sec-delays-decisions-on-several-crypto-etfs-amid-work-on-streamlined-approval-process/)