Bank of America Bitcoin ETFs Enter the Wealth Management Mainstream
Bank of America is taking a decisive step toward normalizing cryptocurrency inside traditional finance.
The bank has approved its wealth advisers across Merrill, Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill Edge to proactively recommend spot Bitcoin ETFs, making Bitcoin exposure part of routine investment portfolio discussions rather than a client-driven exception.
This move positions Bank of America Bitcoin ETFs as a legitimate component of diversified investment strategies for US wealth clients—marking another milestone in Bitcoin’s institutional evolution.
Which Bank of America Bitcoin ETFs Are Approved
CIO Clears Four Major Spot Bitcoin Funds
Bank of America’s Chief Investment Office (CIO) has signed off on four US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs:
- BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
- Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)
- Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
- Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC)
These funds rank among the largest and most liquid Bitcoin ETFs in the market, making them easier to assess from both a risk management and regulatory standpoint.
According to Samar Sen, APAC head at institutional trading platform Talos, these issuers stand out due to their infrastructure and experience.
“These four names are among the top digital asset ETF providers based on assets under management, execution capabilities, and operational maturity,” Sen said.
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From Client Requests to Adviser-Led Bitcoin Allocations
A Major Shift in Wealth Advisory Strategy
Previously, Bank of America advisers could only facilitate access to Bitcoin ETFs when clients specifically requested them. Under the new framework, advisers are now encouraged to raise Bitcoin exposure proactively, backed by internal research and CIO guidance.
The bank’s investment team currently frames Bitcoin as a 1% to 4% portfolio allocation for suitable clients, depending on risk tolerance and regulatory considerations.
To support the rollout, Bank of America is deploying:
- Formal allocation guidance papers
- CIO-backed research
- adviser training programs
This ensures the bank’s 15,000+ wealth advisers can discuss Bitcoin alongside equities and bonds—without treating crypto as a fringe investment.
Bitcoin First — But What About Ether ETFs?
The Next Frontier for Institutional Crypto Adoption
For now, Bank of America’s approved list includes Bitcoin only, with no public commitment to Ether or other digital asset ETFs.
That leaves an open question: when will spot Ether ETFs receive the same institutional green light?
Sen noted that expansion beyond Bitcoin will likely hinge on:
- Market liquidity
- Maturity of market structure
- Availability of institutional-grade execution and risk controls
He added that asset managers are already experimenting with multi-asset crypto ETF structures, including baskets of large-cap cryptocurrencies.
As of publication, Bank of America had not commented on whether Ether ETFs are under consideration.
Why This Matters
By allowing advisers to proactively recommend Bitcoin ETFs, Bank of America is sending a powerful signal: crypto is no longer experimental—it’s investable.
As one of the largest wealth managers in the United States embraces Bitcoin as a portfolio component, pressure will likely mount on other institutions to follow suit—accelerating the shift from speculative curiosity to institutional standard.
For Bitcoin, this isn’t just another endorsement. It’s a step closer to becoming a permanent fixture in global wealth management.
