Looking for crypto investing advice?
You're not alone.
With Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) both breaking into new all-time highs in recent days, investor interest in cryptocurrencies is booming.
And if rocketing prices weren't enough, last week saw the launch of the first ASX listed crypto-related exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP) kicked off on the ASX last Thursday. Rather than investing directly in Bitcoin, Ether or other altcoins, the ETF offers investors exposure to a range of crypto mining and blockchain-related companies.
By the end of its first day of trading, the crypto ETF notched up net buys of $39.7 million, breaking all the records for an ETF on its first day of trade. (Details here.)
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CommBank enables customer crypto services
Last week also saw Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) become the first Aussie bank to offer crypto services to its customers. Aside from Bitcoin and Ethereum, CommBank reported its customers will be able to buy, sell and hold up to 10 selected cryptos, including Bitcoin Cash (CRYPTO: BCH) and Litecoin (CRYPTO: LTC).
But don't go asking CBA's certified financial advisers which tokens have the better outlook.
In fact, as The Australian reported, you likely won't get that advice from any of Australia's 20,000 qualified advisers.
Their lips are sealed by red tape
It looks like this is a situation where slow-moving government regulations can't keep up with the rapid pace of crypto adoption.
As it stands, Australia's small army of financial advisers aren't allowed to offer any advice on crypto at all. Rather ironically, people outside of certified financial advisers can offer most any kind of personal insights into cryptos they see fit across a range of social media.
Part of the problem lies with advisers' professional indemnity insurance.
A recently renewed financial adviser professional indemnity insurance contract, as reported by The Australian, stipulates:
The policy is extended (to include) virtual currency exclusion arising directly or indirectly from or in any way connected with cryptocurrency, alternative cryptocurrency, digital currency, or any other form of virtual currency.
Now advisers might be able to advise so-called "sophisticated investors" on their virtual currency investing plans. Which is also rather ironic as these high experience, high wealth investors are likely in less need of exactly this type of advice than mum and dad investors.
Commenting on the situation, financial adviser James Gerrard said, "We have a very odd situation now that I can't, under the terms of licence or insurance, advise on something from CBA."
Dante De Gori, CEO of the Financial Planning Association, added, "The current restrictions are going to have to change. First, we have to get advisers qualified in the topic, then we have to get licence issues sorted out and crucially we are going to have to get the insurers to come on board."
Until the red tape is sorted, however, crypto investors would do well to do their own thorough research. And never invest more than they can afford to lose.
