It’s time to talk about Bitcoin

It’s time to talk about Bitcoin
Advisers don’t have to join the bulls, but they better join the discussion.
MAR 08, 2021

Bitcoin fell 5.3% last Thursday, plummeting to $48,357.31.

Bitcoin bulls and bears will respond to that statement of fact with disparate views. (Disclosure: I’m a Bitcoin agnostic.) The bears might note that the current price and volatility stem from speculative froth across all financial markets. But the bulls would likely counter that the digital asset is grabbing more mainstream attention and the inherent value is coming to the fore, and that’s why the price has climbed so high. But they will talk about it. 

The battle of words reminded me of a recent conversation with a portfolio manager who discussed having to evaluate the Noise-to-AUM ratio of any potential investment. 

For years, that N/AUM ratio for Bitcoin has skewed, dare I say, loudly toward noise. The mystery of its creation, and the debate of its value overwhelmed any real value, or AUM applied toward it. And that let people avoid the conversation. 

That has changed. Between Tesla Inc.’s investment (putting Bitcoin above employees), Chamath Palihapitiya putting the power of his voice behind it, and the S-1 filing by Coinbase Global Inc., the ratio is shifting quickly toward even. 

And as that ratio turns even, it’s a conversation that advisers can no longer avoid. Advisers don’t have to join the bulls, but they better join the discussion.

Latest News

FINRA eyes fraud 'speed bump' rule doubling hold to 10 business days
FINRA eyes fraud 'speed bump' rule doubling hold to 10 business days

FINRA's proposed rule filing would create a new 10-day fraud delay and nearly triple the maximum hold period for exploited senior investors

MAI Capital pushes into Atlanta with Waypoint Wealth deal
MAI Capital pushes into Atlanta with Waypoint Wealth deal

Fueled by a recent shot in the arm from private equity firm Carlyle, MAI adds a $490 million Atlanta RIA as it keeps building out its national footprint.

Georgia advisor gets maximum – 20 years – for $400 million Ponzi
Georgia advisor gets maximum – 20 years – for $400 million Ponzi

“Todd Burkhalter organized what is likely the largest Ponzi scheme in Georgia history,” said one FBI official.

Carson taps Osaic recruiting veteran as independent channel expansion continues
Carson taps Osaic recruiting veteran as independent channel expansion continues

With experience from Goldman Sachs and TD Ameritrade, the RIA's newest SVP hire adds to a recent wave of executive departures from hybrid Osaic.

Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026
Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026

Chicago-based Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions adds flexPATH's plan-level outsourced fiduciary book, boosting its retirement market reach to $164 billion.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income