“You know what’s interesting these days? Bitcoin”, says the most interesting man in the world.

That was from one of BitWise’s campaigns for their Bitcoin ETF. Other large tradFi players like Hashdex and VanEck have also released commercials kicking off what people are touting as the “Spot ETF Marketing War”.

Massive companies like Blackrock, Grayscale, BitWise, Hashdex, VanEck, among many others are battling it out for market share for their Bitcoin ETF product.

But, what is a Bitcoin ETF? How will it affect the crypto market? How is it different from Bitcoin? As the January 10th, SEC approval deadline approaches, here’s everything you need to know about the Bitcoin ETF.

Before we get into the Bitcoin ETF, what is an ETF?

An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is a financial instrument that comprises a collection of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and is traded on stock exchanges. ETFs offer investors a way to diversify their portfolios without directly owning the underlying assets. These funds are designed to track the performance of a specific index or asset class.

What is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF is a specific type of ETF that tracks the price movements of Bitcoin. Unlike purchasing and holding actual bitcoin, investing in a Bitcoin ETF involves buying shares of the fund, providing a more traditional and regulated avenue for gaining exposure to the cryptocurrency market.

For eg: You would be invest in the price movements of Bitcoin by investing in the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF or Grayscale Bitcoin ETF (or any other Bitcoin ETF) directly in your brokerage platform.

How will the Bitcoin ETF affect the crypto market?

The Bitcoin ETF will potentially destigmatize ownership of Bitcoin as the ETF is a regulated avenue to access the price of Bitcoin. It could also open up Bitcoin access to institutional investors which means we could see north of $100 billion being poured into Bitcoin.

What does this mean for the price of Bitcoin? Will your Bitcoin holdings go up? We don’t know. We’re just grabbing a bowl of popcorn and sitting in wait 🍿

Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin ETF: Should I buy Bitcoin directly or the Bitcoin ETF?

It's crucial to grasp the distinction between Bitcoin and Bitcoin ETFs. Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a blockchain.

On the other hand, a Bitcoin ETF is a financial product that tracks the performance of Bitcoin, allowing investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without directly owning it.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Bitcoin ETF vs. Direct Bitcoin Investments:

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs:

Pros:

1. Regulated Environment: Bitcoin ETFs operate within the regulated framework of traditional financial markets, providing a level of oversight and investor protection that some may find reassuring.
2. Ease of Access: Investing in Bitcoin ETFs is relatively straightforward, especially for those familiar with traditional brokerage platforms. It allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without navigating the complexities of cryptocurrency exchanges (although, we’ve fixed this at Juno)

Cons:

1. Management Fees: Investors in Bitcoin ETFs may incur management fees, which can impact overall returns. It's essential to be aware of these fees and factor them into your investment strategy.
2. Indirect Ownership: When investing in a Bitcoin ETF, you don't own the actual Bitcoin but rather shares in the fund.

Direct Bitcoin Investments:

Pros:

1. Ownership and Control: Owning Bitcoin directly means having ownership and control of the actual cryptocurrency. This eliminates the need for intermediaries and allows for greater control over what you do with your bitcoin
2. Potential for Higher Returns: Direct ownership may offer the potential for higher returns if the value of Bitcoin appreciates. This is because, unlike ETFs, there are no management fees eating into your profits.

Cons:

1. Technical Complexity: Managing and securing a Bitcoin wallet, understanding private keys, and staying vigilant against cybersecurity threats may be intimidating for less tech-savvy investors.

We agree, buying and owning Bitcoin directly used to be complex. But, we made it a lot simpler for you to buy and own Bitcoin. How? One app for cash and crypto.

How to buy Bitcoin on Juno?

1. Sign up and create your Juno account
2. Add money to your Juno account: You can fund your Juno account the way you’re used to. Transfer money via ACH, Wire, Cash App, Venmo, or Apple Cash.
3. Buy Bitcoin: Buy Bitcoin starting with as low as $10. (or you can choose from over 30+ coins including your favorite L1s and L2s)
4. Transfer Bitcoin to your wallet: You can now transfer your Bitcoin to your wallet instantly. No holding period on your withdrawals.

Conclusion

Choosing between investing in Bitcoin ETFs and direct Bitcoin ownership involves weighing the pros and cons against your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and preferences. Whether opting for the regulated convenience of ETFs or the direct control of owning Bitcoin, thorough research and careful consideration of your financial strategy are essential in navigating the dynamic world of cryptocurrency investments.