Digital asset management platform launches cryptocurrency tool for RIAs

Digital asset management platform launches cryptocurrency tool for RIAs
Blockchange gives advisers discretionary management over digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin, among others.
JUL 22, 2020

Silicon Valley-based Blockchange is looking to make its mark in the advisory industry with the roll out of its digital asset management platform designed for RIAs, the company announced Tuesday

The cloud-based investing platform operates with a single web browser-like interface similar to an adviser workstation or portfolio management platform. Blockchange gives an adviser discretionary investment management over digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin, among others, purchased through a qualified custodian and exchange.

There are two ways that advisers can participate in the platform, which is called BITRIA. The first is by onboarding their client accounts directly into the platform as well as the custodian and adopting a model-based approach — portfolio changes are made to all clients at once — or on a client-by-client basis, according to company CEO Dan Eyre.

Alternatively, an adviser can use the platform by a separately managed account structure. “Using this structure offers a variety of benefits versus a fund, such as deeper customization and flexibility, superior tax benefits, and ownership of the underlying assets — which is particularly critical in the digital asset ecosystem,” Eyre said. 

To date, Blockchange is in pilot phase with six asset managers, Eyre said. The platform is getting the most attention from firms with between $200 million and $1 billion in client assets under management. “They see it as an opportunity to differentiate their offering versus much larger competitors,” he said. 

Moving forward, the fintech’s clientele will likely consist of RIAs managing between $250 million and $10 billion in client assets, he said. Although larger firms are not necessarily out of the question, Eyre said, they just tend to be less agile in regards to adopting new asset classes.

Still, digital assets might begin to ramp up further as a result of pandemic-driven economic uncertainties that have advisers eyeing other asset classes to diversify their clients’ portfolios. 

“If we were having this conversation eight months ago, we would be hearing that it’s way too early for digital assets and no one is looking for a digital TAMP,” Eyre said. “When COVID-19 struck, it changed the dynamic as RIAs' fiduciary standard is compelling them to look at other assets that can mitigate risk for clients.” 

Latest News

Raymond James nabs more Edward Jones advisors in Washington
Raymond James nabs more Edward Jones advisors in Washington

The wealth management giant has bolstered its independent advisor arm again with the latest additions in the Pacific Northwest.

Sotheby's pays $6.25M in tax evasion probe
Sotheby's pays $6.25M in tax evasion probe

Employees at the auction house nudged wealthy clients to use questionable strategies in order to dodge millions in taxes, according to New York's attorney general.

Dynasty Financial unveils outsourced investment program
Dynasty Financial unveils outsourced investment program

The giant RIA platform's new turnkey multi-manager program offers automated, tax-aware options to manage $5 billion in assets across its partner firms.

Captrust snaps up $5B Boston Financial Management
Captrust snaps up $5B Boston Financial Management

The deal extends the RIA giant's presence in New England with new locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Avantax adds former LPL advisor in South Carolina
Avantax adds former LPL advisor in South Carolina

The Cetera subsidiary continues to demonstrate the appeal of its tax focus with its latest independent advisor addition in the East Coast.

SPONSORED Out with the old and in with the new: a 50% private markets portfolio

A great man died recently, but this did not make headlines. In fact, it barely even made the news. Maybe it’s because many have already mourned the departure of his greatest legacy: the 60/40 portfolio.

SPONSORED Destiny Wealth Partners: RIA Team of the Year shares keys to success

Discover the award-winning strategies behind Destiny Wealth Partners' client-centric approach.