Wells Fargo increased its Strategy and Ethereum holdings, cut back on some Bitcoin ETFs

Wells Fargo has adjusted its portfolio of crypto-related assets, according to its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The bank boosted its holdings in Strategy shares—a company known for holding large Bitcoin reserves—as well as in Ethereum and Solana-linked investment products. In contrast, Wells Fargo scaled back certain Bitcoin ETF positions, reflecting a more defensive approach amid increased geopolitical tension.

Shift in Strategy and Bitcoin ETF Portfolio

The filing shows that Wells Fargo increased its holdings in Strategy shares, led by Michael Saylor, by approximately 125% from the previous quarter to nearly 726,000 shares. This expansion cost about $41.5 million. Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, is closely tied to Bitcoin price movements due to its massive Bitcoin reserves.

The bank reduced its investment in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust by 75,102 shares, but simultaneously opened a new call option position on the product. The filing also reveals increased exposure to put options on IBIT, indicating a more conservative outlook. These changes come against the backdrop of rising tensions between the US and Iran, prompting a more risk-averse strategy.

Additionally, Wells Fargo trimmed its positions in the Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund. However, the bank did not fully exit Bitcoin exposure; instead, it increased investments in Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, and Bitwise Bitcoin ETF. Notably, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF position grew by 24% quarter-over-quarter.

Expansion in Ethereum and Solana Investments

Wells Fargo expanded its exposure to Ethereum-linked products as well. The bank increased its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust by nearly 65%. This position now stands at over 1.10 million shares, valued at approximately $17.56 million.

According to the filing, the bank also holds 257,157 Bitwise Ethereum ETF shares, 4,637 Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF shares, and 623 VanEck Ethereum ETF shares. In a first, Wells Fargo took positions in Solana, buying 13,280 shares of Grayscale Solana Trust and 1,638 shares of Fidelity Solana Fund.

Glossary: Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, is a US-based software company notable for holding a significant volume of Bitcoin on its balance sheet. An Ethereum staking ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that aims to provide investors with returns tied not only to the price of Ethereum but also to validation income generated by staking.

Broader Moves in Crypto-Linked Equities

Beyond exchange-traded products, Wells Fargo also broadened its portfolio in crypto-related equities. The bank dramatically increased its holding in Bitmine Immersion from 2,323 shares to 21,547 shares, an increase of about 828%, valued at approximately $426,000.

The disclosure also lists new treasury-related positions in American Bitcoin Corp. and Strive Asset Management. American Bitcoin Corp. has previously received backing from the Trump family. In addition, Wells Fargo increased its Robinhood stake by 65% to roughly 2.56 million shares and opened a new put option position valued at around $116,000 in Robinhood.

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