Bitcoin’s recent climb has piqued the interest of conservative investors, with many pension funds demonstrating an increasing interest in crypto.
The recent rally in Bitcoin (BTC), surpassing the $100,000 mark and reaching an all-time high of $108,000, has sent ripples through the financial world.
This surge, marking a 130% rise over the past year, has drawn traditionally conservative investors, including pension funds, into the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.
With pension funds now diversifying their portfolios into crypto assets, this trend signals a transformative shift in institutional adoption.
The increasing demand for cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin’s explosive price movement have fueled the growth of crypto-focused pension funds globally.
Pension Funds Turn to Crypto and ETFs
In the United States, pension schemes in Wisconsin and Michigan have emerged as notable investors in cryptocurrency-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
For instance, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board holds approximately $155 million in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF.
Michigan follows suit, with a $12.9 million stake in Grayscale’s Ethereum ETF and a significant position in Cathie Wood’s ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF.
Across the Atlantic, UK pension funds have started cautiously allocating small portions of their assets to Bitcoin, seeing it as a hedge against inflation and economic instability.
Similarly, Australia’s AMP Ltd. recently revealed a $27 million investment in Bitcoin futures, signaling its entry into the crypto space. “Bitcoin is no longer on the fringes—it’s becoming part of a broader diversification strategy,” noted Anna Shelley, AMP’s Chief Investment Officer.
According to the Financial Times, much of this institutional interest is being directed toward U.S.-regulated ETFs, enabling indirect investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Alex Pollak, head of UK and Israel at 21Shares, remarked, “The headwinds are disappearing. Institutional adoption is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.”
The Pension Industry’s Crypto Boom
The pension industry, long considered slow-moving, is now poised for “very interesting” growth driven by crypto investments, said Sam Roberts, director of investment consulting at Cartwright.
Roberts revealed that more than 50 clients recently approached his consultancy, seeking to pivot to crypto-based retirement investments.
This growth comes even as pension funds remain cautious following high-profile setbacks in the crypto industry, such as the FTX collapse.
Experts believe the industry is adapting, with enhanced regulatory oversight and the approval of Bitcoin ETFs serving as key enablers.
However, skepticism persists. Daniel Peters, a partner at Aon’s global investment practice, warned, “We don’t think pension funds should allocate to crypto—it’s highly volatile, and there’s no robust valuation framework to justify its inclusion. Hedge funds remain a safer alternative for pension funds exploring alternative assets.”
Bitcoin’s Rally and Market Dynamics
Bitcoin’s price surge is being closely watched, particularly in the context of the incoming administration of President Donald Trump.
Analysts predict heightened volatility before and after the January 20 inauguration. “Bitcoin ETFs have played a pivotal role in attracting conservative investors, but we’re also looking at how market sentiment will shift post-inauguration,” said Jeroen Blokland, an investment strategist.
The cryptocurrency has seen a 3% jump in the past 24 hours, with prices hovering around $99,178. Trading volumes have increased by 11% in the same period, reflecting growing interest among traders.