Major Banks to Launch Bitcoin ETFs by 2025 End

Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, has announced that major banking institutions are poised to launch Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) services by the end of 2025. According to Hougan, the four largest wirehouses globally—Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and UBS—collectively managing over $10 trillion in assets, are preparing to offer their clients access to Bitcoin through ETFs.

Hougan expressed confidence that all four wirehouses will be operational with Bitcoin ETF services by the end of the year. This development is expected to drive significant net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, potentially setting a new record despite the current year's inflows of $3.7 billion, which is lower compared to the $35 billion recorded in 2024.

Hougan also anticipates that more institutionally oriented investors will embrace Bitcoin as the asset continues to achieve significant milestones. These milestones include institutional custody, government adoption, and easier access through ETFs. Hougan noted that developments once considered far-fetched, such as the U.S. government owning Bitcoin or the world's largest asset manager embracing the asset, are now becoming a reality. This shift is expected to influence more people to recognize the potential of Bitcoin this year.