Hunter Horsley and Matt Hougan: The Spot Crypto ETF Champions

As a seasoned crypto investor with over a decade under my belt, I can confidently say that the relentless pursuit of Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley and CIO Matt Hougan to bring institutional money into crypto has been nothing short of transformative. Their unwavering dedication, evident in their seven-year journey, has culminated in the approval of spot ETFs for both bitcoin and ether by the SEC this year, catapulting Bitwise’s assets under management to over $10 billion.

Over the last seven years, Hunter Horsley, Bitwise CEO, and Matt Hougan, chief investment officer, have persistently worked towards attracting institutional investments into cryptocurrencies. This long-term endeavor culminated when the SEC granted approval for spot ETFs for both bitcoin and ether earlier this year. Consequently, their digital asset management firm introduced funds for both assets, increasing their total assets under management to over $10 billion. There’s also speculation that a third ETF for Solana may be announced soon.

Beyond just working in the cryptocurrency field, they also extend their endeavors significantly. They frequently impart their experiences and perspectives to their substantial social media audiences about their activities, emphasizing that prominent financial institutions like large banks, multi-family offices, and other key players are actively striving to make Bitcoin more accessible for a wider range of investors.

In terms of which U.S. presidential candidate they believed would be more beneficial for cryptocurrency, Horsley and Hougan consistently maintained a clear focus on crypto, stating that the industry would prosper regardless of who assumed office in January. After Trump’s victory, however, Hougan expressed that we are now stepping into the “Age of Prosperity for Cryptocurrency.

As a researcher examining influential figures within the cryptocurrency sphere, I am proud to be profiling someone included in CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2024 selection. To delve deeper into all the nominees for this year, please follow this link.