Goldman Sachs Hedge-Fund Clients Surge Into Crypto Post Bitcoin ETF Approval

• Goldman hedge funds pivot to crypto after the US approves Bitcoin ETFs, signaling a market interest shift.
• Goldman’s crypto strategy focuses on derivatives, not spot products, amid ETF-driven demand.
• Investment in blockchain tech and tokenization projects reflects Goldman’s commitment to digital assets.

Goldman Sachs’ hedge-fund clients have reportedly increased their activities in the crypto options space, sparked by the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This shift, as noted by Max Minton, the head of digital assets for Goldman Asia Pacific, highlights a growing interest and engagement from the firm’s influential clientele. 

Minton’s comments, part of a March 24 Bloomberg report , reveal that this renewed enthusiasm is largely driven by the U.S. authorization of ten new Bitcoin ETFs . This event occurred earlier in January, marking a key moment for crypto assets within traditional market frameworks.

“The recent ETF approval has triggered a resurgence of interest and activities from our clients.”

According to Minton, the introduction of these ETFs has not only validated cryptocurrencies’ place in the financial markets but also reignited Goldman’s clients’ interest in the sector. Minton explains that the majority of this renewed focus is channeled through Goldman’s futures and options offerings, with hedge funds being particularly active. This surge in activity comes after a relatively quiet period last year, indicating a notable shift in the market’s dynamics since the start of the year.

“It was a quieter year last year, but we’ve seen a pickup in interest from clients in onboarding, pipeline, and volume since the start of the year,” Minton said.

Despite Goldman Sachs’ impressive $2.8 trillion in assets under management by the end of 2023, the firm currently does not provide any spot cryptocurrency products. Instead, its offerings are concentrated on crypto derivatives, including Bitcoin and Ether options and futures, first introduced with the launch of its crypto trading desk in 2021. These products allow clients to navigate the volatility of the crypto market and make informed predictions on price movements.
Additionally, Goldman Sachs is exploring the tokenization of traditional assets using blockchain technology. The firm’s involvement in this area includes the development of the GS DAP digital-asset platform and participation in a blockchain network pilot designed to connect banks, asset managers, and exchanges. Furthermore, Goldman’s investments in startups, particularly those developing blockchain infrastructure, underscore its focus on shaping the digital asset market structure.