While direct Bitcoin holdings are restricted for U.S. banks, they have been profiting through futures investments. Data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) shows that banks began purchasing Bitcoin futures before the recent U.S. election, capitalizing on Bitcoin's surge from $62,000 to nearly $90,000. According to a report, major banks invested around $3 billion in these futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), yielding significant paper profits.
This major position represents the banks' most bullish stance on Bitcoin since CME launched Bitcoin futures in 2017. Although Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules prevent broker-dealers from owning Bitcoin directly, they can still invest in derivatives like futures and ETFs.
Currently, banks are estimated to be holding $1.4 billion in profits due to Bitcoin’s price climb. According to Tech666 ’ calculations, these institutions also saw nearly a tenfold increase in Ethereum futures, rising from $35 million to $297 million in just weeks.
This surge in interest aligns with expectations that the U.S. administration might soon adopt crypto-friendly policies. If realized, such changes could allow banks and other financial players to further engage with digital assets directly.
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