Wells Fargo Ventures into Crypto with Bitcoin ETF Stakes

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Wells Fargo (WFC), a prominent US banking institution, has disclosed its involvement in cryptocurrencies through investments in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The disclosure was made in a regulatory filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Wells Fargo has purchased shares of Grayscale's GBTC spot Bitcoin ETF, providing exposure to the digital asset. The bank also invested in ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), offering investors exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts.

However, Wells Fargo's (WFC) investments in these crypto-related vehicles are relatively small. The filing reveals that Wells Fargo's holdings in GBTC amount to $141,817, while its investment in ProShares is less than $1,200. The bank also has a $99 exposure to Bitcoin Depot Inc., a Bitcoin ATM provider. This move follows reports in February suggesting that the bank, along with Merrill, was offering wealth management clients the opportunity to invest in Bitcoin ETFs through brokerage accounts.