Bitcoin’s Institutional Momentum Grows as Ex-Morgan Stanley Exec Launches DeFi Fund in Crypto Valley

In a significant move signaling growing institutional interest in bridging traditional finance with decentralized ecosystems, Andrew Peel, Morgan Stanley’s former head of digital asset markets, has left the banking giant to establish a crypto investment firm in Switzerland’s famed ’Crypto Valley.’ This development underscores Bitcoin’s expanding role as the cornerstone asset driving institutional-grade DeFi infrastructure.

Morgan Stanley Crypto Chief Exits to Launch DeFi Fund in Switzerland

Andrew Peel, Morgan Stanley’s former head of digital asset markets, has departed to establish a crypto investment and tech firm in Zug, Switzerland. The venture will specialize in tokenized funds and trading tools designed to bridge traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi). Peel, a seasoned trader with stints at Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley, stepped down in March and is preparing to initiate fundraising shortly.

The move coincides with Morgan Stanley’s plans to roll out retail crypto trading on E*Trade next year, expanding its digital asset offerings beyond the Bitcoin fund access introduced for institutional clients in 2021. Wall Street’s accelerating push into digital assets reflects shifting U.S. regulatory dynamics and growing institutional interest, exemplified by firms like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton exploring tokenized funds.

Bitcoin (BTC) Surges Past $100,000 Amid Macro Tailwinds

Bitcoin has reclaimed the $100,000 threshold, marking a dramatic recovery from its 32% plunge earlier this year. The resurgence reflects growing institutional confidence and favorable macroeconomic shifts.

Federal Reserve dovishness and easing trade tensions have fueled risk appetite across markets, with bitcoin outpacing traditional assets. Bitfinex data highlights this rebound as evidence of BTC’s resilience despite January’s historic volatility.

Regulated Crypto Derivatives Platform GFO-X Launches in the UK

GFO-X, a Financial Conduct Authority-authorized platform for centrally cleared Bitcoin derivatives, has officially launched in the UK. The platform specifically targets institutional investors, addressing regulatory concerns that have previously barred an estimated 90% of such entities from crypto markets.

CEO Arnab Sen confirmed advanced onboarding discussions with multiple Tier 1 institutions and banks, including Nomura. The platform has already facilitated its first institutional trade between Virtu Financial and IMC.

GFO-X differentiates itself from US competitors like CME Group and Deribit (recently acquired by Coinbase) through two key features: 24/7 trading availability and options contracts based directly on the Bitcoin index rather than futures contracts.

Bitcoin: Bullish Recovery Accelerates as Price Surges Past $100,000

Bitcoin’s bullish momentum strengthens as it reclaims the $100,000 threshold, trading firmly above $102,800. Weekly gains of 10% accompany a 33% surge in trading volumes, signaling robust institutional interest and retail participation.

Technical indicators reinforce the upward trajectory, with key support now established at $88,177. Resistance NEAR $105,720 may temporarily slow the rally, but market sentiment remains firmly in greed territory—fueled by relentless inflows into BTC spot ETFs.

Derivatives markets echo the optimism, with rising open interest and funding rates confirming sustained buying pressure. This rally mirrors the 2021 bull run’s intensity, yet with markedly stronger institutional participation.

BTC Surges Again: BCH Miner Emerges as Leading Cloud Mining Option

Bitcoin’s latest price surge has reignited interest in cryptocurrency mining, with UK-based BCH Miner positioning itself as a top-tier cloud mining solution. The platform, operational since 2016, offers investors a low-barrier entry point to passive income generation through Bitcoin mining.

BCH Miner’s longevity in the volatile crypto space lends credibility to its infrastructure claims. The company emphasizes security and regulatory compliance - critical factors as institutional players demand enterprise-grade solutions. Cloud mining platforms are seeing renewed attention as BTC’s price action makes mining profitability calculations more attractive.

The service offers tiered mining contracts, though specific hash rates and ROI projections aren’t detailed in this promotional content. Market observers note that while cloud mining reduces hardware burdens, investors should carefully evaluate fee structures against potential returns.