SAN FRANCISCO — April 22, 2026
Executive Summary
Bitwise Asset Management and RFG Advisory have announced the rollout of diversified crypto model portfolios designed for financial advisors operating on the RFG platform. The initiative introduces a structured approach to accessing the $2.5 trillion digital asset class, enabling 150+ advisors managing over $8 billion in client assets to incorporate curated crypto exposure into client portfolios.
The offering leverages Bitwise’s research capabilities and portfolio construction expertise to deliver model-based allocation strategies, supporting advisors in navigating the complexity of crypto investments. The rollout reflects a continued expansion of model portfolios as a scalable investment framework and marks a strategic milestone for both organizations in integrating digital assets into advisory platforms.
Announcement Overview
The partnership between Bitwise Asset Management and RFG Advisory establishes a framework for delivering crypto model portfolios tailored to financial advisors and their clients. The rollout enables advisors on the RFG platform to access diversified, research-driven crypto investment strategies through a structured and scalable model portfolio approach.
RFG Advisory, recognized as an award-winning registered investment advisor platform, provides services to more than 150 advisors collectively managing over $8 billion in assets. Through this initiative, advisors gain access to pre-constructed crypto portfolios designed to reflect varying investor profiles and risk preferences.
Bitwise, a global crypto asset manager with more than $11 billion in client assets, contributes its expertise in digital asset research, portfolio design, and asset selection. The collaboration enables advisors to incorporate crypto exposure within client portfolios using a curated and systematic investment framework, aligning with the growing interest in blockchain technology and digital assets.
Key Announcement Details
Core Announcement and Metadata
- Announcement Type: Crypto model portfolio rollout for financial advisors
- Announcing Organizations: Bitwise Asset Management and RFG Advisory
- Announcing Entity: Bitwise Asset Management
- Announcement Date: April 22, 2026
- Geographic Dateline: San Francisco, United States
- Nature of Collaboration: Strategic partnership to deliver crypto model portfolios
- Primary Objective: Enable structured crypto exposure through model portfolios
Advisor Platform Scale and Client Reach
- Advisor Network Size: More than 150 financial advisors
- Client Assets Managed: Over $8 billion in assets under management
- Client Base Access: Clients served by RFG advisors across the platform
- Platform Type: Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform
- Platform Positioning: Award-winning advisory platform
- Deployment Scope: Rollout across the full RFG advisor network
Digital Asset Market Context and Exposure
- Referenced Market Size: Approximately $2.5 trillion digital asset class
- Asset Class Definition: Crypto assets including cryptocurrencies and tokens
- Exposure Objective: Provide curated access to digital assets
- Access Mechanism: Model portfolios integrated into advisory workflows
- Client Outcome Goal: Enable exposure aligned with complexity of crypto markets
Portfolio Design Architecture
- Portfolio Type: Diversified crypto model portfolios
- Construction Approach: Curated and research-driven
- Underlying Instruments: Crypto-themed exchange-traded products (ETPs)
- Portfolio Categories:
- Core portfolios
- Thematic portfolios
- Core Portfolio Design: Broad exposure across crypto ecosystem
- Thematic Portfolio Design: Focused exposure on specific strategies and themes
Thematic Portfolio Strategy Components
- Risk-Oriented Strategies: Risk-managed exposure configurations
- Asset Diversification Scope: Inclusion of crypto assets beyond bitcoin
- Positioning Flexibility: Ability to fine-tune allocations
- Investor Profile Alignment: Tailored to different risk preferences
- Strategic Allocation Capability: Supports differentiated portfolio construction
Portfolio Operations and Lifecycle Management
- Monitoring Framework: Continuous monitoring of model portfolios
- Rebalancing Mechanism: Systematic and periodic rebalancing
- Primary Objective: Maintain target asset allocation
- Drift Management: Mitigation of portfolio asset-allocation drift
- Operational Model: Scalable and repeatable portfolio deployment
Bitwise Operational Capabilities and Contribution
- Core Role: Design and management of crypto model portfolios
- Research Capability: In-depth digital asset research
- Specialist Expertise: Dedicated focus on crypto asset class
- Team Strength: More than 200 professionals
- Portfolio Input: Selection of crypto-themed ETPs based on research
- Strategic Focus: Enabling structured access to crypto investments
- Platform Expansion: Continued entry into model portfolio segment
RFG Advisory Strategic Intent and Positioning
- Strategic Theme: Innovation and growth within advisory platform
- Crypto Focus Area: Recognition of blockchain technology benefits and potential
- Advisor Enablement Objective: Provide thoughtful and structured crypto exposure
- Client Engagement Objective: Deliver exposure aligned with market complexity
- Partner Selection Basis: Bitwise expertise in digital assets and education
Industry Growth and Model Portfolio Adoption
- Industry Trend: Increasing adoption of third-party model portfolios
- Assets Under Model Portfolios (2023): $400 billion
- Assets Under Model Portfolios (2025): More than $645 billion
- Growth Rate: 62% increase
- Source of Data: Morningstar, 2025 U.S. Model Portfolio Landscape
- Advisor Use Case: Leveraging third-party expertise for allocations
- Scalability Benefit: Seamless and scalable investment implementation
Leadership Commentary and Strategic Alignment
- RFG Leadership Insight: Rick Wedell emphasized innovation, growth, and structured exposure
- Blockchain Perspective: Recognition of increasing awareness of blockchain benefits
- Framework Objective: Provide thoughtful approach to crypto investing
- Bitwise Leadership Insight: Matt Hougan highlighted value of structured investment frameworks
- Collaboration Insight: Alignment on crypto’s potential and disciplined implementation
- Execution Capability: Bitwise team dedicated to crypto opportunities
Product Access, Distribution, and Support
- Official Information Resource: https://bitwiseinvestments.com/models
- Primary Contact Name: Stephen Degnan
- Role: Head of Key Accounts at Bitwise
- Contact Email: stephen@bitwiseinvestments.com
- Purpose of Contact: Advisor onboarding and information support
- Access Method: Through RFG advisory platform integration
Investment Risk and Suitability Disclosures
- General Risk Statement: Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal
- Investor Responsibility: Independent examination and investigation required
- Suitability Requirement: Investors must determine suitability independently
- Decision Basis: Must rely on own investigation and evaluation
- Advisory Limitation: Content does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice
- Professional Consultation Requirement: Investors should consult advisors
Performance and Return Disclosures
- Performance Prediction Disclaimer: No prediction of investment performance
- Outcome Uncertainty: No assurance that outcomes will match expectations
- Return Comparison Limitation: Actual returns may differ from expected returns
- Historical Performance Context: Generated with benefit of hindsight
- Account Representation: Does not represent actual account performance
- Fee Exclusion: Returns exclude fees and expenses
- Future Results Disclaimer: Past performance is not indicative of future results
Information Accuracy and Usage Conditions
- Information Status: Provided “as is” and “as available”
- Accuracy Disclaimer: No representation of completeness or accuracy
- Usage Risk: Use at the user’s sole risk
- Purpose of Content: Discussion purposes only
- Representation Limitation: No warranties given or implied
- Amendment Clause: Subject to discussion, completion, and amendment
- Change Notification: Information may change without notice
- Research Limitation: Not intended as research or investment advice
Crypto Asset-Specific Risk Factors
- Asset Classification: Crypto assets are highly speculative
- Technology Nature: Blockchain and crypto technologies are new and developing
- Regulatory Risk: Future regulation may restrict use, trading, or exchange
- Market Concentration Risk: Prices may be influenced by a small number of holders
- Adoption Risk: Decline in popularity or acceptance may impact value
- Liquidity Consideration: Limited number of public companies tied to crypto revenue
- Market Development Stage: Early-stage and evolving ecosystem
Expansion of Crypto Access Through Model Portfolios
Structured Access to the Digital Asset Class
The rollout introduces a structured pathway for financial advisors to access the $2.5 trillion crypto asset class, providing clients with exposure through diversified model portfolios. These portfolios are designed to simplify the process of investing in digital assets while maintaining alignment with broader portfolio strategies.
The initiative enables advisors to integrate crypto exposure into client portfolios without requiring the development of independent strategies, thereby supporting scalability and consistency across advisory practices.
Role of Model Portfolios in Advisory Platforms
Model portfolios have emerged as a critical tool for financial advisors seeking to leverage third-party expertise in portfolio construction. They provide a framework for:
- Standardized investment allocation
- Efficient portfolio management
- Access to specialized asset classes
- Consistency across client portfolios
The adoption of model portfolios within advisory platforms reflects a broader industry trend toward outsourced portfolio construction, enabling advisors to focus on client relationships and strategic planning.
Market Growth of Model Portfolios
Expansion in Assets Tracking Model Portfolios
The rollout aligns with the rapid growth of model portfolios within the financial advisory industry. According to referenced data:
- Assets tracking third-party model portfolios increased from $400 billion in 2023
- To more than $645 billion in 2025
- Representing a 62% increase
This growth reflects increasing adoption among advisors seeking scalable solutions for portfolio construction, particularly in emerging asset classes such as digital assets.
Increasing Relevance for Emerging Investment Themes
Model portfolios provide a mechanism for incorporating emerging investment themes, including crypto assets, into diversified portfolios. The structured approach allows advisors to:
- Access specialized expertise
- Implement consistent allocation strategies
- Adjust exposure based on evolving market conditions
The integration of crypto model portfolios into advisory platforms reflects the growing recognition of digital assets as a component of diversified investment strategies.
Design and Structure of Bitwise Model Portfolios
Core and Thematic Portfolio Frameworks
Bitwise’s model portfolios are structured into distinct categories to address different investment objectives and risk profiles:
- Core Models:
Provide broad exposure to the crypto ecosystem, enabling participation across a wide range of digital assets. - Thematic Models:
Allow investors to refine portfolio positioning by focusing on specific themes, including:- Risk-managed exposure
- Assets beyond bitcoin
- Targeted crypto segments
This dual-structure approach enables advisors to tailor crypto allocations according to client-specific requirements.
Use of Crypto-Themed Exchange-Traded Products
The portfolios leverage crypto-themed exchange-traded products (ETPs) selected based on Bitwise’s research and specialist expertise. This approach facilitates:
- Diversification within the crypto asset class
- Ease of implementation for advisors
- Alignment with regulatory frameworks applicable to ETPs
Systematic Monitoring and Rebalancing
The model portfolios are subject to ongoing monitoring and systematic rebalancing, ensuring that asset allocations remain aligned with target objectives. This process helps:
- Mitigate portfolio drift
- Maintain intended risk exposure
- Support long-term portfolio consistency
Strategic Rationale for the Partnership
Alignment With Innovation and Growth Objectives
Rick Wedell, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at RFG Advisory, emphasized the organization’s focus on innovation and growth, stating:
“RFG was built with an emphasis on innovation and growth, and one of the areas where innovation has been particularly evident is the crypto space. As awareness of blockchain technology’s benefits and potential grows, we wanted to enable clients and advisors to obtain exposure in a way that was thoughtful and reflective of the complexity of the fast-growing space. Bitwise’s deep understanding of digital assets and thoughtfully designed model portfolios, coupled with the firm’s emphasis on research and education, made the offering a perfect match for RFG’s platform.”
This statement highlights the intent to provide structured and informed access to digital assets, addressing both the opportunities and complexities associated with the crypto market.
Bitwise Perspective on Collaboration
Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, commented on the partnership:
“One of the things that came through in our conversations with RFG was their sense of crypto’s potential and the value of a carefully designed framework for investing in it. With the full force of Bitwise’s team of over 200 professionals devoted to the opportunities in crypto, we’re excited to help RFG advisors and their clients gain exposure to one of the most exciting asset classes in a smart, thoughtful way.”
The statement reflects Bitwise’s role in providing research-driven portfolio construction and supporting advisors in accessing digital assets through structured frameworks.
Access and Implementation for Advisors
Integration Within the RFG Platform
The crypto model portfolios are made available to RFG’s advisor network, enabling integration within existing client portfolio structures. Advisors can incorporate these models as part of broader asset allocation strategies.
Contact and Information Access
Advisors and interested parties can obtain further information about the model portfolios through:
- Online Resource: https://bitwiseinvestments.com/models
- Direct Contact: Stephen Degnan, Head of Key Accounts at Bitwise
This ensures accessibility to detailed information and support for implementation.
Risks and Important Information
General Investment Risks
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors are required to conduct their own independent evaluation of investment opportunities, including assessing the merits and associated risks.
Investors are advised:
- Not to interpret the material as legal, tax, or investment advice
- To consult with their own advisors regarding:
- Legal considerations
- Tax implications
- Financial suitability
- Regulatory requirements
Performance and Forecasting Limitations
The information provided does not constitute a prediction of investment performance. Specific considerations include:
- No assurance that actual outcomes will match assumptions
- No guarantee that returns will align with expectations
- Historical performance data may be based on hypothetical scenarios
Past performance is explicitly stated as not indicative of future results.
Information Usage and Limitations
The material is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, with no representations or warranties regarding completeness or accuracy. The content is intended for discussion purposes only and is subject to:
- Further discussion
- Completion
- Amendment
Users are cautioned against relying on the material as definitive research or investment guidance.
Crypto Asset Risks
Certain Bitwise investment products involve exposure to crypto assets, which are characterized by:
- High volatility
- Limited historical data
- Speculative nature
Additional risks include:
- Potential regulatory changes affecting usage or trading
- Price sensitivity to concentration of ownership
- Variability in market adoption and acceptance
- Ongoing development of underlying blockchain technology
The number of publicly listed companies significantly involved in crypto and blockchain remains limited, which may affect market dynamics.
About Bitwise Asset Management
Bitwise Asset Management is a global crypto asset manager with more than $11 billion in client assets. The firm specializes in providing investment solutions that enable access to digital assets through structured and research-driven approaches.
Bitwise focuses on:
- Portfolio construction
- Digital asset research
- Investment product development
The organization supports financial advisors and institutions in integrating crypto exposure into diversified investment strategies.
About RFG Advisory
RFG Advisory is an award-winning platform serving financial advisors. The organization supports a network of more than 150 advisors, collectively managing over $8 billion in client assets.
RFG Advisory emphasizes:
- Innovation in financial advisory services
- Growth-oriented platform development
- Access to advanced investment solutions
The platform enables advisors to deliver tailored investment strategies to clients across a range of asset classes.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit bitwiseinvestments.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
