Author: amandabira

A phone displays the words “FedNow 24/7 Instant Payments” in front of a circle inscribed with an eagle and the words “United States Federal System”

What does FedNow Mean for Crypto?

Posted on | by amandabira

The recent launch of the Federal Reserve’s instant payment system FedNow has raised concerns among crypto enthusiasts. Could it be a threat to crypto? Find out why FedNow was created, what it is, how it compares to crypto, and what if any competition it presents for the crypto space.

Why was FedNow developed?

FedNow was created in direct response to one key problem: the Federal Reserve’s back-end payment system was simply in need of a long overdue upgrade. It was essentially developed to bring the previous system up to the speed that European countries and foundational cryptocurrencies have been comfortable with for years.

Prior to the launch of FedNow, Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments were completed in batches once a day, so it normally took one to three days (if not weeks) for domestic payments to be processed. Instant payments are now possible for opted-in U.S. banks, thanks to this system upgrade.

Will FedNow replace crypto?

While instant settlements are one of FedNow’s notable similarities to crypto, there are still a number of differences between what FedNow and cryptocurrencies, such as stablecoins, offer.

With the FedNow upgrade, “banks and credit unions of all sizes can sign up and use this tool to instantly transfer money for their customers, any time of the day, on any day of the year.” In other words, the FedNow is only available for use by opted-in United States-based financial institutions and “a bank account is required,” according to Blockworks.

Crypto on the other hand is a borderless payment solution for the underbanked and unbanked. Its decentralized nature allows “crypto-to-crypto exchanges,” which means you don’t need to be a bank, have a bank account, or opt-in to an institution to send or receive crypto. While transaction fees may be applied to some cryptocurrencies, unlike banks, they do not charge remittance fees for international transfers.

While FedNow modernizes U.S. bank payment infrastructure, it doesn’t replace the majority of use cases for crypto due to its restricted market reach, cross-border limitations, and infrastructural constraints. It may even open doors for increased crypto adoption in the future, which will be of interest to potential BItcoin IRA investors.

 

Bitcoin ETF vs. Bitcoin IRA

Posted on | by amandabira

Investing in Bitcoin, the world’s first and most popular cryptocurrency, has attracted a significant amount of attention from both retail and institutional investors. Besides buying Bitcoin directly on an exchange, two common investment avenues are Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Bitcoin Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Both offer exposure to Bitcoin, but there are notable differences between them that prospective investors should be aware of. This blog will compare Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin IRAs, discussing their unique advantages and considerations.

What is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF is a type of investment that monitors Bitcoin’s price and is available for trading on a traditional stock exchange, such as NASDAQ. The ETF is managed by a professional fund manager who takes care of all the technical aspects of holding Bitcoin, such as storage and security. The fund manager buys and holds Bitcoins, and the ETF’s shares represent a proportional interest in the underlying Bitcoin assets.

Bitcoin ETFs provide a simple and efficient way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities and risks associated with purchasing, storing, and securing the cryptocurrency directly. They’re also accessible to anyone with a brokerage account, making them a popular choice among many investors.

Bitcoin Spot ETF vs. Bitcoin Futures ETF

As you dive into the world of Bitcoin ETFs, you’ll likely come across two different types: Bitcoin spot ETFs and Bitcoin futures ETFs. These two financial products differ in the way they provide exposure to Bitcoin.

A Bitcoin spot ETF is designed to track the spot price of Bitcoin directly. The ETF holds actual Bitcoin and its price changes in conjunction with the price of Bitcoin itself. This type of ETF allows for direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price without the need to manage the digital asset.

On the other hand, a Bitcoin futures ETF doesn’t hold Bitcoin directly. Instead, it tracks Bitcoin futures contracts, which are agreements to buy or sell Bitcoin at a specific future date and price. This can be beneficial for investors looking to speculate on future Bitcoin prices, but it can also add an additional layer of complexity and risk, as the price of futures contracts can significantly deviate from the spot price of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin ETFs: Traditional Finance Leaders Jump Onboard

One remarkable trend in the finance industry is the increasing number of traditional finance leaders and investment firms applying to launch their own Bitcoin ETFs. This growing interest is a clear indication of Bitcoin’s rising acceptance and potential in the mainstream finance sector.

Institutions like Fidelity, a leading financial services corporation, and Global X, a well-regarded provider of exchange-traded funds, have filed applications with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for Bitcoin ETFs. These established players jumping onboard serves as a potential catalyst for Bitcoin’s growth and signifies greater acceptance of cryptocurrency in traditional investment portfolios.

Bitcoin IRA: A Retirement-Focused Investment

On the other hand, there is another vehicle investors can use to gain exposure to Bitcoin to save for retirement age: a Bitcoin IRA. This is a self-directed Individual Retirement Account that allows you to hold Bitcoin as a long-term, tax-advantaged investment. Bitcoin IRAs function similarly to regular IRAs, but instead of holding traditional assets like stocks or bonds, you’re investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin IRAs offer the modern retail investor a unique opportunity to diversify their portfolio, and investors with employee retirement plans can also save for their golden years with crypto and Bitcoin 401k accounts.

Leading Bitcoin IRA Company

A leading example of a company offering Bitcoin IRAs and Bitcoin 401ks is BitcoinIRA. With BitcoinIRA, investors gain the opportunity to grow their retirement wealth on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis (depending on whether they choose a traditional or Roth IRA), all with the chance to benefit from the potential appreciation of Bitcoin. When you invest with BitcoinIRA, you are also provided with secure, insured storage for many digital assets.*

Key Differences Between a Bitcoin ETF and a Bitcoin IRA

The primary difference between a Bitcoin ETF and a Bitcoin IRA lies in their investment goals and tax treatment. A Bitcoin ETF is mainly a trading tool, designed to allow investors to profit from short-term price changes in Bitcoin. The profits from Bitcoin ETFs are subject to capital gains tax each year.

Conversely, a Bitcoin IRA is mostly designed for long-term, retirement-focused investing. Trading and swapping can be allowed in a Bitcoin IRA, but the digital assets are ultimately held until retirement age. The tax advantages of a Bitcoin IRA can be significant, as taxes on gains are deferred until retirement age (for traditional IRAs) or accumulated tax-free (for Roth IRAs), if the account is held for the requisite period and meets all of the requirements.

Another distinction is accessibility. While Bitcoin ETFs can be bought and sold like stocks by anyone with a brokerage account, Bitcoin IRAs require a specialized provider, like BitcoinIRA, to comply with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

How to Open a Bitcoin IRA with BitcoinIRA

If you’re considering a Bitcoin IRA, the process of opening a crypto retirement account is straightforward:

  1. Apply for an Account: Fill out an application online. This form involves providing some personal and financial information.
  2. Fund Your Account: You can fund your IRA by transferring or rolling over existing retirement funds, or by making a fresh contribution.
  3. Choose Your Investment: Once your account is funded, you’ll have access to buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for your IRA.

Bitcoin IRAs are designed to help you make the most of the cryptocurrency revolution while enjoying significant tax benefits. As always, investment decisions should be made based on careful consideration of your individual financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and retirement goals.

Riding the Bitcoin Wave: Making an Informed Investment Decision

With their unique features and benefits, both Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin IRAs can be attractive investment avenues for those looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin. Understanding these differences can help you choose the investment path that aligns best with your financial goals. Whether you choose to invest in a Bitcoin ETF, or a Bitcoin IRA depends on your personal investment goals, risk assessment, and future financial plans.

*Security, storage, and insurance may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available.

Let us help you get started with BitcoinIRA, click to get started.