Bitwise CEO Says Investor Busyness Is Now Top Hurdle for Crypto Adoption

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley has identified a new challenge for cryptocurrency adoption: the busyness of investors. In a discussion with Wolf Of All Streets, Horsley explained that while regulatory and access barriers have largely been overcome, many investors simply aren’t prioritizing crypto. Financial advisors report that clients aren’t asking about crypto, even when their firms offer access to Bitwise products. Horsley described this as the “final boss” of obstacles, as infrastructure and accessibility have significantly improved over the years.

Horsley emphasized the importance of steady price gains for broader adoption. He noted that gradual increases in Bitcoin’s price are more beneficial than sharp declines or sudden rallies, as they help boost sales and maintain investor confidence. On Sunday, Bitcoin traded near $85,200 with a modest 0.5% increase, but retail interest appeared subdued, with negative sentiment and low discussion volume on Stocktwits.

Regarding regulatory clarity, Horsley acknowledged the proposed Clarity legislation but stated that clients and institutional partners are moving forward regardless. He highlighted the GENIUS Act and the SEC’s new custody framework as strong foundations for crypto oversight, enabling advisors to offer exposure to cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokenized assets. Bitwise recently launched its NEAR ETF (NRR) on the NYSE in late September, with net inflows exceeding $50 million, reflecting steady institutional interest.