One in five financial institutions are considering trading cryptocurrencies within the next year, according to a survey recently published by Thomson Reuters. 

Among those respondents who said they were reviewing cryptocurrency trading with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Stellar, 70% confirmed that they were planning to begin trading in the next three to six months. 

The buying and selling of the digital currency spiked at the end of 2017, and institutional involvement is expected to grow, with banks examining client interest and several hedge funds attempting to trade the digital coins, Reuters has said.

In fact, as previously reported on, Goldman Sachs has initiated its plans to begin working on its crypto-trading desk operation at a Wall Street bank. One the necessary regulatory approvals go through, Goldman will begin competing with its main rival Morgan Stanley, offering futures and hedge funds for investor capitalists.

However, as is to be expected, the crypto market remains volatile.

Following the massive market appreciation of 1,200% in 2017 that saw Bitcoin reach record highs of $20,000, and with investor interest in the virtual currency soaring, Capital.com CEO Ivan Gowan argues that regulatory concerns must be addressed “head on” if the market is to be “fully embraced” by the mainstream of the financial services industry. 

Gowan said: “These findings show a significant perceptual change towards cryptocurrencies, and it is reassuring to see that the consumer demand for digital currencies is being taken seriously. Many financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs have moved away from outright denunciation of the market and are cautiously looking for ways to better meet the demands of their clients through participation.”

On this issue of regulation of the crypto sector, deVere CEO, Nigel Green has publicly stated that he believes that it is now “inevitable” – and it’s a view shared by the Head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde.

Mr Green comments: “Cryptocurrency regulation is necessary, on its way, and the vital work being done by many international financial watchdogs and lawmakers must be championed.”