ARK Invest to Offer Crypto Separately Managed Accounts to Financial Advisors

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On October 03, Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest announced a strategic collaboration with Eaglebrook Advisors to launch its first crypto separately managed accounts (SMAs) for financial advisors and wealth managers. This marks a significant step forward in bringing institutional-grade, actively managed digital asset strategies into mainstream wealth management.

The new offering allows registered clients of investment advisors to access two distinct ARK-managed crypto investment strategies: one focused on Cryptocurrency and another on broader Cryptoassets. These SMAs are designed to provide tailored exposure to digital assets while integrating seamlessly into traditional portfolio reporting systems.

A Strategic Move for Crypto Adoption

Cathie Wood, founder, CEO, and CIO of ARK Invest, emphasized that the firm has been deeply involved in the crypto space since its inception in 2014. Initially, ARK provided clients with equity and securities linked to blockchain and cryptocurrency companies. Now, through this partnership with Eaglebrook Advisors, ARK is taking a bold leap by offering direct crypto investment strategies.

“The strategies will be separately managed accounts (SMAs) designed to meet the needs of financial advisors, wealth managers, and their clients by offering direct ownership, low minimums, and portfolio reporting integration amongst other benefits.”

This expansion enables financial professionals to integrate digital assets into client portfolios without relying on indirect exposure through equities or unregulated products. The SMAs allow for customization, transparency, and alignment with fiduciary responsibilities—key factors in attracting institutional adoption.

Christopher King, Founder and CEO of Eaglebrook Advisors, highlighted that the partnership will accelerate trust and accessibility in the crypto market.

“Our partnership with ARK will drive this industry forward and deliver institutional access to actively managed crypto strategies to the wealth management market.”

By combining ARK’s research-driven investment approach with Eaglebrook’s infrastructure and distribution network, the joint initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the evolving digital asset ecosystem.

👉 Discover how institutional investors are reshaping crypto portfolios in 2025.

Understanding ARK’s Two Crypto Investment Strategies

ARK Invest is launching two distinct SMA strategies, each catering to different investor risk profiles and objectives:

1. ARK Cryptocurrency Strategy

This strategy targets investors seeking a high-conviction portfolio with concentrated exposure to leading cryptocurrencies. It primarily focuses on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)—the two largest digital assets by market capitalization. These assets are considered foundational to the crypto economy due to their security, decentralization, and widespread adoption.

The strategy is ideal for conservative crypto investors who want long-term exposure to proven networks without overexposure to speculative altcoins.

2. ARK Cryptoasset Strategy

In contrast, this strategy takes a more diversified and forward-looking approach. It includes a basket of 10 to 20 altcoins, carefully selected based on innovation potential and real-world utility. Key sectors targeted include:

Yassine Elmandjra, ARK’s crypto asset analyst, noted that launching these strategies at a time when speculative frenzy has cooled creates an opportunity for disciplined, research-based investing.

“We’re excited to offer these strategies now, as speculative behavior in the crypto market has calmed down. This allows us to focus on fundamental value creation.”

This shift reflects a maturing market where long-term utility increasingly drives investment decisions over short-term price speculation.

ARK’s Journey in the Digital Asset Space

While this SMA launch represents a new chapter, ARK Invest has long been a vocal advocate for blockchain technology and digital assets. The firm currently manages eight ETFs in the U.S., with the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) being particularly popular among tech and crypto enthusiasts.

ARKK holds significant positions in companies like Coinbase, Tesla, and Twitter—all of which have played pivotal roles in advancing crypto adoption. Additionally, ARK owns over 8 million shares in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), further underscoring its confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

Despite repeated attempts, ARK’s application for a spot Bitcoin ETF has been rejected by the SEC, primarily due to concerns about market manipulation and investor protection. The U.S. has yet to approve any spot crypto ETFs, though regulatory discussions continue to evolve.

Still, ARK remains bullish on Bitcoin’s future. In April 2022, Cathie Wood projected that Bitcoin could reach $1 million per coin by 2030, assuming just 2.5% of global assets are allocated to it.

“We don’t need much. All we need is that 2.5% of all assets is allocated in Bitcoin.”

This vision underscores ARK’s belief that digital assets will become a core component of global portfolios—not just speculative instruments.

👉 Learn how next-generation investment strategies are integrating blockchain technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) in crypto?
A: SMAs are personalized investment accounts managed on behalf of individual clients. In crypto, they offer direct ownership of digital assets, customized strategy implementation, and integration with traditional portfolio reporting tools—ideal for financial advisors managing multiple client portfolios.

Q: How do ARK’s crypto SMAs differ from ETFs?
A: Unlike ETFs, which pool investor money into a single fund, SMAs provide individual account ownership. This allows for greater tax efficiency, customization, and transparency—especially important for high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

Q: Are there minimum investment requirements for these SMAs?
A: Yes, but they are designed to be accessible. While exact figures depend on the advisor platform, ARK emphasizes “low minimums” compared to traditional private crypto funds, making them viable for a broader range of investors.

Q: Can financial advisors integrate these SMAs into existing client portfolios?
A: Absolutely. One of the key benefits is seamless integration with existing portfolio management systems, allowing advisors to maintain consistent reporting and compliance standards across all asset classes.

Q: Is this available to retail investors directly?
A: Not directly. These SMAs are offered through financial advisors and wealth managers. Retail investors must work with a registered advisor who offers the ARK-Eaglebrook crypto strategies.

Q: What makes ARK’s approach different from other crypto investment products?
A: ARK combines deep fundamental research with active management and sector-specific focus. Rather than passive tracking, their strategies are dynamically adjusted based on technological innovation, adoption trends, and macroeconomic factors.

Looking Ahead: Institutional Crypto Goes Mainstream

ARK Invest’s move signals a growing acceptance of digital assets within traditional finance. As volatility stabilizes and regulatory clarity improves, more advisors are seeking credible ways to include crypto in diversified portfolios.

With strong research backing, transparent structures, and strategic partnerships like the one with Eaglebrook Advisors, ARK is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation.

👉 Explore how professional-grade crypto solutions are changing wealth management today.

Core Keywords:

The integration of blockchain-based assets into mainstream finance is no longer a question of if, but how. ARK Invest’s latest initiative offers a clear pathway—one built on research, accessibility, and long-term conviction.