Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s first and most well-known cryptocurrency, has been making headlines once again. In late June 2023, the digital asset broke above the crucial $30,000 price point, thanks to a series of significant developments in the financial industry. This article dives into the pivotal roles played by BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF filing, the launch of EDX Markets backed by Citadel, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab, and Deutsche Bank’s application for a digital asset custody license in Germany. Each of these factors contributed to Bitcoin’s price surge, demonstrating the burgeoning acceptance and integration of digital assets into the traditional finance sector.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Filing

In an unprecedented move, BlackRock Inc. (NYSE: BLK), the world’s largest asset manager, submitted an application for the first spot-Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. The firm filed for the iShares Bitcoin Trust with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, aiming to have the ETF trade on Nasdaq. Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN), America’s largest crypto exchange, would serve as the custodian, should the ETF launch.

The introduction of an ETF by BlackRock, a finance giant, is a significant endorsement of Bitcoin’s legitimacy and potential as an investment asset. This bold move has sent waves through the cryptocurrency markets, providing investors with increased confidence and contributing to Bitcoin’s recent price surge above the $30,000 mark.

EDX Markets Begins Operations

Recently, EDX Markets, a digital asset marketplace supported by Charles Schwab (NYSE: SCHW), Citadel Securities, and Fidelity Digital Assets, among others, launched its platform and completed an investment round with new equity partners. The new exchange was first announced in September and was touted as “a first-of-its-kind exchange” that caters to the latent demand for digital asset trading by enabling safe and compliant trading of digital assets through trusted intermediaries.

EDX, which aims to become “the crypto marketplace of choice for industry leaders,” offers a unique, non-custodial model designed to mitigate conflicts of interest, and provides distinctive benefits such as liquidity and competitive quotes. This significant development has helped boost the Bitcoin price, as it provides additional liquidity to the market and opens up a new avenue for institutional and retail investors to trade Bitcoin and other digital assets.

EDX has reported its plans to introduce ‘EDX Clearing’ later in 2023, which will settle trades matched on the platform. This clearinghouse will improve price competition, decrease settlement risks, and enhance operational efficiencies. The firm’s recent funding round closed with investments from International Holdings, DV Crypto, GTS, GSR Markets LTD, and HRT Technology, helping EDX to solidify its market leadership position and continue the development of its trading platform.

The launch of EDX Markets is a testament to the growing recognition of crypto as a significant asset class. The exchange’s board of directors stated that “Crypto is a $1 trillion global asset class with over 300 million participants and pent-up demand from millions more.” In line with this statement, EDX aims to facilitate a highly liquid cryptocurrency ecosystem, aggregating liquidity from multiple market makers to reduce spreads and enhance transparency, potentially offering better prices for investors than those offered by existing cryptocurrency exchanges.

Deutsche Bank Applies for Digital Asset Custody License

In another leap for cryptocurrency acceptance, Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE: DB) has submitted an application for regulatory permission to operate a digital asset custody service. This move demonstrates that the bank is ramping up its digital assets and custody business. The application for the digital asset license was submitted to Bafin, Germany’s securities watchdog.

By applying for this license, Deutsche Bank is signaling a significant shift towards embracing digital assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This action by a major bank not only lends more credibility to Bitcoin and other digital currencies, but it also opens up new opportunities for investors seeking secure custodial services for their digital assets. This development, combined with the aforementioned factors, contributes to the increase in the Bitcoin price.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the recent surge in Bitcoin’s price is a testament to the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the traditional financial world. The developments by BlackRock, EDX Markets, and Deutsche Bank signal a shift in the industry’s perspective on digital assets, demonstrating that these are not just fringe investments, but key components of the modern financial ecosystem. As we move forward, the actions of these financial giants are likely to continue influencing Bitcoin’s price, along with other factors such as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and market sentiment. The recent breakthrough above the $30,000 mark may just be the beginning of Bitcoin’s next significant journey.

Disclosure: No position. Spotlight Growth has no relationships with any of the companies mentioned in this article and did not receive payment in any form for its creation. This is an opinion article and is not meant to be financial advise. We are not broker-dealers or investment professionals. Please conduct your own due diligence. For more information on our disclosures, please visit: https://spotlightgrowth.com/disclosures/

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