Crypto Update: The financialisation of crypto

Crypto Update: The financialisation of crypto

Cryptocurrencies 4 minutes to read
Picture of Jacob Pouncy
Jacob Pouncey

Cryptocurrency analyst, Saxo Bank

Summary:  A rising total market cap, record futures volume on the CME, and some big moves by major financial institutions mean that the crypto space is seeing increased liquidity and the prospect of further expansion as new instruments and infrastructure enter the arena.


This week the entire crypto market cap rose by 1%, bringing the market cap to just above $175 billion. Bitcoin rose by 5%, while Ethereum saw a negligible decline over the week. Recently, the number of on-chain transactions reached a volume not seen since late 2017. The number of transactions bottomed in April 2018 and has been increasing steadily ever since.

CME futures volume sets new record

In the past 24 hours, the CME futures market has had more volume than the top spot exchange by over $74 million or close to 13,000 BTC. Binance, the world largest spot exchange, had a volume of $294m while CME had a notational volume of $367m according to data compiled by Bitwise. This comes after the exchange saw its largest Bitcoin futures volume on record at the beginning of the month.

TD Ameritrade testing BTC trading

Litecoin inventor and founder Charlie Lee confirmed that TD Ameritrade is testing the trading of Litecoin and Bitcoin on its platform. The news broke from a quantitative analyst who clarified the broker was testing paper trading on its platform through NASDAQ. Although paper trading does not directly mean an increase for the underlying asset, it could lead to more effective price discovery should the instrument find adequate liquidity.

eToro launches new crypto initiative

The online exchange eToro recently launched a new, three-pronged approach aiming to bring more adoption to cryptocurrencies. First, the company released a new cryptocurrency exchange, eToroX, which trades the top digital assets. Secondly, the exchange launched a range of stable coins for the assets to trade against CAD, USD, GBP.JPY, AUD, CHF, NZD and EUR. Lastly, the exchange launched its proprietary digital asset wallet that allows users to send and receive digital assets as well as third-party payments. This is good news in the effort of bringing greater liquidity to digital assets.
XBTUSD

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

Content disclaimer

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Bank A/S and its entities within the Saxo Bank Group provide execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer and notification on non-independent investment research for more details.

Saxo Bank A/S (Headquarters)
Philip Heymans Alle 15
2900
Hellerup
Denmark

Contact Saxo

Select region

International
International

All trading and investing comes with risk, including but not limited to the potential to lose your entire invested amount.

Information on our international website (as selected from the globe drop-down) can be accessed worldwide and relates to Saxo Bank A/S as the parent company of the Saxo Bank Group. Any mention of the Saxo Bank Group refers to the overall organisation, including subsidiaries and branches under Saxo Bank A/S. Client agreements are made with the relevant Saxo entity based on your country of residence and are governed by the applicable laws of that entity's jurisdiction.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.