Bitcoin's ETF chances are improving as global crypto regulation increases

An underlying narrative remains the potential for a U.S.-regulated Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, which should theoretically allow any investor to easily and securely build a bet on digital assets.

Firms such as Gemini and VanEck have made multiple attempts at launching a Bitcoin ETF for the masses, but all attempts have failed thus far.

Many in the crypto space see this as a net positive for the Bitcoin market as it removes a key unregulated player, which theoretically could have facilitated users that were manipulating markets.

Secondly, Bitcoin is starting to have a macro impact and persona.

This may increase the chances that U.S. securities regulators see a Bitcoin ETF as a needed instrument for investors.

It's worth asking if an exchange-traded fund for Bitcoin is even needed at this point.

Fidelity Investments, Kraken Financial, and other entities in the space are working on crypto prime brokerage services that should allow investors, from retail investors to institutional investors, to easily obtain exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets in a secure and cost-efficient manner.

We're starting to see this with the number of institutions announcing large stakes in Bitcoin.

Business services company MicroStrategy purchased $425 million worth of Bitcoin in August and September to hedge inflation risks and other macroeconomic trends.

There are also firms such as Robinhood, Square, and PayPal moving towards offering Bitcoin and crypto services.