Crypto for Advisors: The crypto advice gap

- Joyce Lai, founder, Real Mamas Community and New Territories LLC

Ask an Expert

Q. Why are more investors seeking professional management for digital assets instead of handling everything themselves?

As digital assets mature, investors are increasingly distinguishing between speculation and wealth building. We're seeing more products that offer tradable exposure to assets — from bitcoin ETFs to pre-IPO companies — but exposure and ownership are not always the same thing.

Many investors want direct ownership of their assets without the operational risks of self-custody. As portfolios grow, they begin thinking about custody, estate planning, reporting, and long-term financial goals rather than simply making the next trade.

Historically, speculation tends to create more losers than winners. Wealth is more often built through disciplined ownership, proper planning, and a long-term investment approach. That's why many investors are looking for professional guidance that helps integrate digital assets into a broader financial plan.

Q. What about the negative headlines?

There were negative headlines in March 2020. There were negative headlines during the market capitulation of late 2022. Through both periods, bitcoin experienced significant volatility, but the underlying network continued to operate exactly as designed.

That's an important distinction for advisors and investors. Headlines often reflect short-term sentiment, while long-term investment outcomes are typically driven by fundamentals.