More and more traditional hedge funds are getting into the crypto game. A recent survey found that almost half of them are now holding some digital assets, up from 37% last year.
The Crypto Shift
The survey, conducted by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and PwC, shows that hedge funds are moving beyond just buying and selling crypto. They’re getting into more advanced strategies like trading derivatives, which are financial contracts based on the price of an underlying asset, like Bitcoin.
This shift is likely driven by a few factors:
- More Clarity: Regulators are starting to provide clearer rules for the crypto market, making it more appealing to traditional investors.
- Crypto ETFs: The launch of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US and Asia has made it easier for investors to get involved.
- Volatility: The wild swings in crypto prices offer opportunities for skilled investors to make big profits.
Not Everyone’s Convinced
While many hedge funds are jumping on the crypto bandwagon, some are still hesitant. A significant number of funds that aren’t currently holding crypto say they’re unlikely to change their minds in the next few years. They’re still worried about the lack of clear regulations and the overall risk associated with crypto.
The Future of Crypto in Finance
Overall, the survey paints a positive picture for the future of crypto in the traditional finance world. More and more institutions are recognizing the potential of this new asset class, and we can expect to see even more involvement in the coming years.