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TLDR Crypto

WELLS FARGO AND BANK OF AMERICA’S MERRILL LYNCH ARE NOW OFFERING SPOT BITCOIN ETFS TO CLIENTS

Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo's brokerage unit have started offering select wealthy clients access to Bitcoin ETFs. This action shows banks are acknowledging the increased interest and demand for Bitcoin from affluent clientele seeking to diversify their portfolios and tap into Bitcoin's non-correlated growth potential. It is another example of further legitimization and integration of Bitcoin into traditional finance.

ARK: A SECOND-LAYER SOLUTION DESIGNED TO SCALE BITCOIN TRANSACTIONS

Ark is an L2 solution for Bitcoin that aims to address Bitcoin’s speed and cost issues. It facilitates off-chain payments using a shared UTXO model to ensure user data confidentiality. Transactions in the ecosystem are made with 'digital checks', which can be obtained by depositing Bitcoin into the L2. Digital checks have an expiry date. In case of inactivity or server failure, users can reclaim their Bitcoin through automated procedures.

EXPECTED VALUE IN CRYPTO & BUILDING INFINITE BLOCKSPACE

The fat protocol thesis, that most value will accrue to the underlying chains, is something that has gained popularity - it has been true so far in the space. Builders are focusing more on developing new L1 and L2 solutions instead of decentralized applications or application-focused protocols. This fragmentation could lead to surplus useless blockspace. Despite blockspace being one of the valuable aspects of crypto, the continuous creation of new blockspace could be a waste of resources. This article discusses three potential outcomes for the future of crypto, underscoring the importance of changing current dynamics to incentivize more diversity in the space.

BITCOIN ETF BUYING LED BY RETAIL, HEDGE FUNDS, FAS; LARGER PLAYERS STILL TO COME: BITWISE CIO

In a recent interview, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan highlighted the success of the spot bitcoin ETFs, explaining the demand and claiming the real demand is yet to come. Demand for these new products has so far been driven mainly by retail investors, hedge funds, and independent financial advisors. Hougan is forecasting an increase in demand for spot bitcoin ETFs once major US wirehouses start participating.

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