Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the country's largest bank, has introduced the **Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (IBTC)** on its trading platform. This move grants its vast customer base of 17 million access to **Bitcoin ETF investment opportunities**.  The **Monochrome Bitcoin ETF**, managed by Australian investment firm **Monochrome Asset Management**, allows investors to **gain direct exposure to Bitcoin's price movements** while adhering to regulatory standards. This launch signifies Australia's commitment to **integrating digital currencies into mainstream investment options**. In a parallel development, **Itau Unibanco**, the largest bank in Brazil, has also embraced Bitcoin. The bank's in-house investment platform, Ion, now offers **Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services** after a successful launch in December 2023.

In a landmark development, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has introduced the Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (IBTC) on its trading platform. The bank has provided Bitcoin ETF investment opportunities to its vast customer base of 17 million. This move underscores CBA&#8217;s proactive stance in catering to the rising demand for cryptocurrency investments within a regulated framework. <a class="mh-excerpt-more" href="https://coingape.com/australia-largest-bank-offers-monochrome-bitcoin-etf-to-17m-customers/" title="Australia&#8217;s Largest Bank Offers Monochrome Bitcoin ETF To 17M Customers"></a>
The post <a href="https://coingape.com/australia-largest-bank-offers-monochrome-bitcoin-etf-to-17m-customers/">Australia&#8217;s Largest Bank Offers Monochrome Bitcoin ETF To 17M Customers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://coingape.com">CoinGape</a>.

<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Australia&#039;s Largest Bank Offers Monochrome Bitcoin ETF To 17M Customers" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" srcset="https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2.jpg 1200w, https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2-150x100.jpg 150w, https://coingape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BITCOIN_ETF_2-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />In a landmark development, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has introduced the <a href="https://coingape.com/australias-first-bitcoin-etf-starts-trading-tomorrow-heres-all/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monochrome</a> Bitcoin ETF (IBTC) on its trading platform. The bank has provided Bitcoin ETF investment opportunities to its vast customer base of 17 million. This move underscores CBA&#8217;s proactive stance in catering to the rising demand for cryptocurrency investments within a regulated framework.
<h2>Spot Bitcoin ETF Debut In Australia</h2>
The Monochrome Bitcoin ETF is managed by the Australian investment firm Monochrome Asset Management. The ETF was launched on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 10:00 am (AEST) on CBOE Australia. Moreover, this ETF allows investors to gain direct exposure to Bitcoin&#8217;s price movements while adhering to regulatory standards.
Hence, the recent CBA listing marks a significant step towards integrating digital currencies into mainstream investment options. Australia has positioned itself alongside global crypto ETF centers such as the <a href="https://coingape.com/hong-kong-spot-etf-lacks-bank-support-as-institutional-interest-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>.
The nation is embracing Bitcoin ETFs as part of its strategy to boost innovation and meet evolving investor preferences. Furthermore, Monochrome&#8217;s initiative of introducing a Spot Bitcoin ETF further solidifies Australia&#8217;s commitment to advancing digital asset investments.
Monochrome Asset Managemenet, in collaboration with CBOE Australia, initiated the regulatory process earlier in April. This demonstrates their dedication to pioneering digital asset offerings within the region. Additionally, the strategic move by Monochrome reflects their confidence in the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among both retail and institutional investors.
The decision by CBA to list the IBTC Bitcoin ETF on its platform comes amid a broader trend in the banking sector towards embracing cryptocurrency opportunities. Banks worldwide are increasingly recognizing the potential of digital assets to complement traditional financial services. Thus, they are expanding their product offerings to cater to evolving customer demands.
Also Read: <a href="https://coingape.com/spot-bitcoin-etfs-saw-100m-inflow-reversal-but-risks-still-looms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spot Bitcoin ETFs Saw $100M Inflow Reversal But Risks Still Looms</a>
<h2>Brazil Bank Embraces BTC</h2>
In a parallel development in Latin America, Itau Unibanco, the largest bank in Brazil and the entire Latam region, has also embraced Bitcoin (BTC). The bank boasts a customer base exceeding 60 million and nearly 100,000 employees. Whilst, Itau Unibanco has recently announced the availability of crypto trading services through its in-house investment platform, Ion.
The trading service was initially launched in December with limited availability. However, Itau Unibanco&#8217;s crypto trading service has garnered substantial interest among users, prompting its gradual expansion. Hence, it now offers Bitcoin and <a href="https://coingape.com/metamask-launches-ethereum-staking-service-theres-a-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ethereum (ETH)</a> investments on the platform.
Guto Antunes, head of Itau Digital Assets, highlighted the positive reception of the bank&#8217;s cryptocurrency custody solution. He emphasized high levels of customer trust and acceptance, which catalyzed the latest move.
Also Read: <a href="https://coingape.com/bitcoin-short-term-investment-hits-new-highs-with-etf-popularity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bitcoin Short-term Investment Hits New Highs with ETF Popularity</a>
The post <a href="https://coingape.com/australia-largest-bank-offers-monochrome-bitcoin-etf-to-17m-customers/">Australia&#8217;s Largest Bank Offers Monochrome Bitcoin ETF To 17M Customers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://coingape.com">CoinGape</a>.

Australia's Largest Bank Launches Bitcoin ETF

## Silver's Meteoric Rise and Future Outlook

In 2025, gold and silver prices soared, outperforming the **S&P 500** and top cryptocurrencies. The **iShares Silver Trust (SLV)** gained over 162% in the past year, more than double the rise of comparable gold ETFs. This surge was driven by increased demand and a shift toward safer assets. Beyond jewelry, silver has industrial applications in electric vehicles and solar panels.

![A person uses a computer in an office.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F857303%2Ftrader-investor-chart-decision-buy-sell-hold-stock.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)

*Image source: Getty Images.*

Silver may continue rising in 2026, but this growth could be unsustainable if industrial demand fades as manufacturers seek cheaper alternatives. Investors face volatility and unpredictability in both cryptocurrencies and precious metals, though they react differently to global distress.

For those seeking the next big opportunity, programmable cryptocurrencies are key. These blockchains host **stablecoins**—tokenized versions of traditional currencies and assets. In 2026, stablecoin adoption could boost these cryptos similarly to how industrial demand and investor concerns fueled silver's rise.

## 1. Ethereum: The Smart Contract Pioneer

**Ethereum (ETH)** was the first cryptocurrency to introduce **smart contracts**, enabling applications and other cryptos to run on its network. These are gaining traction rapidly.

![Ethereum Stock Quote](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fart%2Fcompanylogos%2Fmark%2FETH.png&w=128&op=resize)

**Citigroup** projects the stablecoin market could surge over 1,200% from about $300 billion today to $4 trillion by 2030, influenced by U.S. stablecoin legislation. Stablecoins offer faster, lower-cost transactions for global payments, as per **The Motley Fool** research.

Ethereum dominates about half of **decentralized finance (DeFi)** activity and stablecoin circulation. Historically, funds on the network, transaction volume, and price are closely correlated. Even if stablecoin volumes only double or triple, it could significantly boost Ethereum's price.

Currently trading around $2,100—down nearly 60% from its all-time high—Ethereum presents an opportunity. It could not only reclaim that high but potentially reach $10,000 in the coming years. However, as the stablecoin market expands, Ethereum's ability to retain market share will be crucial. For instance, **JPMorgan Chase** built its tokenized money fund on Ethereum but is also part of a group developing its own ledger.

## 2. Solana: The High-Speed Contender

**Solana (SOL)** benefits from increasing blockchain adoption. While Ethereum has a first-mover advantage, Solana processes more transactions per second at lower costs. It ranks second to Ethereum in network funds and developer activity, making it a major player in stablecoins and **tokenization** of real-world assets.

![Solana Stock Quote](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fart%2Fcompanylogos%2Fmark%2FSOL.png&w=128&op=resize)

Solana has overcome past technical issues like outages and now handles high transaction volumes resiliently. Its price has fallen about 55% in the past six months, not escaping the crypto slump, but it remains a prime candidate for growth once market confidence returns.

*Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase are advertising partners of Motley Fool Money. The author holds positions in Ethereum and Solana. The Motley Fool has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, JPMorgan Chase, and Solana.*

Smart-contract cryptos could be the silver to Bitcoin's digital gold.

Silver's 2026 Surge? These 2 Cryptocurrencies Could Outperform with Massive Upside Potential

## Bitcoin's Prediction Market Puzzle

Things look a bit grim for **Bitcoin** right now. It's down 42% from its all-time high of $126,000 from a few months ago and trades for just $72,000.

No wonder **prediction market traders on Polymarket** are only giving Bitcoin a 1% chance of hitting the $150,000 price level by the end of March. After all, it's almost inconceivable that Bitcoin could rally by a head-spinning 108% in the course of just 30 days.

But those 1% odds might be telling a very different story about Bitcoin than people think. Here's why.

## Bitcoin's Volatility

Many investors continue to underestimate Bitcoin's **volatility**. Even in years when Bitcoin has had monster rallies, it has also had its share of peaks and valleys. The price of Bitcoin does not go straight up, even in good years.

The long-term trajectory, of course, is straight up. But along the way, there are plenty of panics, sell-offs, and flash crashes.

Here's a Bitcoin chart for 2020, when it rallied in price by an incredible 304%. Bitcoin literally quadrupled in price that year, but there were plenty of head-fakes, abrupt turns, and fake-outs for the first nine months. It was only in October that Bitcoin really turned on the afterburners.

![Bitcoin chart](https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/BTCUSD/)

And, if you study the historical data for Bitcoin, one fact becomes readily apparent: Bitcoin can turn on a dime. It can be down 40% one quarter and then rebound by 25% in the next quarter, as it did in 2021. There is no such thing as a gradual recovery with Bitcoin.

In short, Bitcoin is more volatile than any typical stock. It may not really matter what Bitcoin does in one quarter, because it can abruptly reverse course in the next quarter. That's why Bitcoin's poor first-quarter performance in 2026 might matter less than you think.

![Excited person looks at phone.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F857295%2Fexcited-man-happy-good-news.jpg&w=700)

## Binary "Yes/No" Outcomes

According to new research from **Galaxy Digital**, prediction markets tend to overstate consensus. This is due to their emphasis on binary "yes/no" outcomes.

That's what sometimes trips up prediction market traders. They see a 1% chance of an event occurring in the future and immediately assume there's massive consensus among traders. Right now, it seems like the entire crypto universe is against Bitcoin.

However, there's a big difference between thinking that Bitcoin might hit a certain price and being absolutely, 100% convinced. Those on the fence about Bitcoin might change their opinions overnight. Once they do, the probabilities might shift markedly.

## What Were the Odds of Bitcoin Hitting $100,000?

I'm taking that 1% probability of **Bitcoin hitting $150,000** by the end of March with a grain of salt. That's because I'm not focused on Bitcoin's price on a quarter-over-quarter or even an annual basis. I'm looking at Bitcoin's price over the long haul.

With that in mind, Bitcoin is a **cryptocurrency** that has seen exponential price growth over an incredibly short period of time. Thirteen years ago, I'm sure that anyone trying to predict the future price of Bitcoin when it was trading for under $100 could never have predicted a day when Bitcoin traded for upwards of $100,000. After all, 1000x returns in the span of just over a decade would have been just too improbable, right?

Key PointsPolymarket traders give Bitcoin just a 1% chance of hitting $150,000 by the end of March.

Why Bitcoin's 1% Chance to Hit $150,000 by March Might Be Misleading – The Wild Card You Can't Ignore

## Actor-Turned-Investigator Ben McKenzie Pulls Back the Curtain on Cryptocurrency

**Ben McKenzie**, known for his roles in 'The OC' and 'Gotham', has sold his directorial debut documentary **'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'** to The Forge, which has acquired North American distribution and international sales rights. The film is based on the best-selling book **'Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud'**, co-authored by McKenzie and Jacob Silverman.

### A Deep Dive into Crypto's Culture of Hype and Fraud

In this documentary, McKenzie transforms into an investigator, exposing the **cryptocurrency industry's culture of hype, misinformation, and speculation** that fueled its rapid rise. According to the official description, what started as a promise of financial freedom has evolved into a **volatile ecosystem rife with fraud and reckless gambling**, leading to devastating consequences for everyday people.

The film utilizes **firsthand reporting and expert interviews** to trace how crypto became one of the most aggressively marketed financial products of the modern era. It highlights how warning signs were **ignored, dismissed, or deliberately obscured**, painting a critical picture of the industry's practices.

### Theatrical Release and Production Details

'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' had its world premiere at **SXSW London 2025** and is scheduled for release in theaters on **April 17**. The documentary was produced by McKenzie and Giogio Angelini, with the deal negotiated by representatives from both the filmmakers and The Forge.

### Industry Reactions and Statements

McKenzie commented on the challenge of attracting audiences, humorously noting, "I console myself with the fact that if we can somehow manage not to lose $50 million, 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' will be more profitable than 'Melania'"—a reference to Amazon's acquisition of a documentary on Melania Trump.

Mark Mathias Sayre, CEO of The Forge, praised the film, stating, "In a moment when financial systems, digital markets, and public trust are all under scrutiny, Ben has delivered a film that feels both urgent and darkly funny. It doesn't just revisit the crypto boom; it interrogates the culture that allowed it to thrive."

### Watch the Official Trailer

<iframe loading="lazy" title="Everyone Is Lying to You for Money | Official Trailer UHD" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzL7D6qzEy0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Ben McKenzie, star of 'Southland' and 'The OC,' has sold his cryptocurrency documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' to The Forge.

Ben McKenzie Exposes Crypto's Dark Side in Explosive Documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'

Bitcoin is currently trading around $69,000, having experienced a brutal 27% slide over the last three months, casting a grim shadow over the crypto market. Speculation is rife, with some predicting a further drop to $45,000, while others optimistically forecast a swift return to $100,000. For long-term investors, short-term price fluctuations may not be worth fixating on, but exploring these scenarios can help shape investment strategies.

![A Bitcoin logo rests behind a charging bull with a rising stock chart.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F857956%2Fbitcoin-bull.jpg&w=700)

## What Would It Take to See $45,000?
A fall from $69,000 to $45,000 represents a 35% decline, which is not inconceivable given the current sour sentiment and market instability. Historically, such drops align with Bitcoin's patterns after hitting all-time highs, like the $126,000 peak in October 2025. However, after months of selling, a further decline might require a new bearish catalyst, such as geopolitical conflicts like a war with Iran or pessimistic U.S. macroeconomic data. Despite this, a crash wouldn't impact Bitcoin's core value drivers, like its scarcity.

## Why $100,000 Could Be Ahead
Bitcoin's supply mechanics, unaffected by sentiment, drive its long-term value upward. The next halving in early 2028 will permanently reduce new Bitcoin production, making it harder to obtain. This incentivizes buying now, regardless of price fluctuations. While timing is uncertain, a return to $100,000 could occur within months if investors recognize recent sentiment as an overreaction, assuming no major global disruptions. Therefore, allocating more to Bitcoin while it's cheap is reasonable, but the investment thesis should remain the focus.

## Should You Buy Stock in Bitcoin Right Now?
Before investing, consider that The Motley Fool Stock Advisor identified 10 stocks they believe are better buys than Bitcoin, with historical examples like Netflix and Nvidia yielding massive returns. Their service offers insights for individual investors, but Bitcoin's long-term potential remains tied to its fundamentals.

Key PointsBitcoin has lost a lot of value since its all-time high in October.

Bitcoin's Next Move: Crash to $45,000 or Soar to $100,000?

Bitcoin is experiencing a significant rebound, with analysts pointing to a combination of structural catalysts that could signal a turning point for the crypto market. The world's largest cryptocurrency traded around **$72,800** on Wednesday, up about **6.8%** over the past 24 hours, though it remains roughly **42% below its October all-time high** near $126,000.

### ETF Inflows and Market Sentiment Shift

Nearly **$700 million flowed into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs** across Monday and Tuesday, marking a sharp reversal after four months of steady outflows. This influx is seen as a key driver behind the recent price surge. Rachael Lucas, crypto analyst at BTC Markets, described the move as the market "finally exhaling after months of relentless selling pressure." Having fallen from its October high and logging five consecutive monthly declines, the market has largely "wrung out the weak hands," Lucas said.

### Policy Momentum in Washington

A more vocal push for crypto policy in Washington is also shaping a more positive outlook. On Tuesday, **President Donald Trump urged Congress** to move quickly on digital-asset market-structure legislation, accusing major banks of attempting to undermine the administration’s crypto agenda. Trump warned that delays risk pushing the industry overseas and called for the rapid passage of the **CLARITY Act**, a bill designed to define regulatory oversight for digital assets.

### Integration with Financial Infrastructure

Regulators continue integrating crypto infrastructure into the financial system. **Kraken’s banking unit recently secured approval** for a Federal Reserve master account, granting the exchange direct access to the Fed’s payment rails and enabling it to move dollars through the central bank’s core systems. This move, despite pushback from banks citing systemic risks, represents a deeper integration of crypto with traditional finance.

### Geopolitical Context and Market Resilience

Bitcoin’s rebound has unfolded as fighting between Israel and Iran entered its fifth day, raising concerns about energy markets and global financial stability. Yet crypto’s response has been comparatively resilient. Analysts at crypto brokerage K33 said Wednesday that several technical indicators have reached levels historically associated with **market bottoms**, echoing conditions seen during the 2022 collapse of FTX. "The worst is behind us; now we wait," K33 researchers wrote, noting that bottoming phases for Bitcoin have historically unfolded gradually.

### Analyst Outlook and Bullish Predictions

Analysts at fintech prime brokerage and clearing firm Clear Street said the convergence of policy progress, infrastructure integration, and institutional adoption may mark a turning point for the industry. "This shift could essentially end the crypto bear market and trigger the beginning of a bull run," they stated in an investor note. Users of Myriad Markets now see a **57% chance of Bitcoin reaching $84,000** instead of falling back to $55,000, reflecting a 7% shift over the past 24 hours.

Fresh ETF inflows, policy momentum and a deeper integration with the financial system are beginning to shift sentiment, analysts say.

Australia's Largest Bank Launches Bitcoin ETF

Summary:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has introduced the Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (IBTC) on its trading platform.

This grants 17 million customers access to Bitcoin ETF investment opportunities.

The ETF allows investors to gain direct exposure to Bitcoin's price movements while adhering to regulatory standards.

This move showcases Australia's commitment to integrating digital currencies into mainstream investment options.

Itau Unibanco, the largest bank in Brazil, now offers Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services through its in-house investment platform, Ion.

This follows a successful launch in December 2023 and reflects the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by traditional financial institutions.

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Ben McKenzie Exposes Crypto's Dark Side in Explosive Documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'

Bitcoin's Next Move: Crash to $45,000 or Soar to $100,000?

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Other Latest News

Silver's 2026 Surge? These 2 Cryptocurrencies Could Outperform with Massive Upside Potential

Why Bitcoin's 1% Chance to Hit $150,000 by March Might Be Misleading – The Wild Card You Can't Ignore

Ben McKenzie Exposes Crypto's Dark Side in Explosive Documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'

Bitcoin's Next Move: Crash to $45,000 or Soar to $100,000?

Bitcoin's Bullish Reversal: How Washington Policy and ETF Inflows Are Fueling a Crypto Comeback