Is Bitcoin Going Mainstream?
For over 200 years, the Bank of Montreal (BMO) has been a pillar of Canadian finance. But in 2025, this legacy bank made headlines by investing $150 million in Bitcoin ETFs, a move that’s turning heads. If one of Canada’s biggest banks is betting on Bitcoin, what does it mean for you? Is it time to jump in? For many Canadians, this raises practical questions about how to securely buy and own Bitcoin directly, rather than through traditional financial products like ETFs. Resources such as Buy Bitcoin in Canada help individuals understand their options beyond legacy banking rails.
BMO’s Bitcoin Breakthrough
In February 2025, BMO, Canada’s third-largest bank with over $1 trillion in assets, disclosed a $150 million investment in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) through a U.S. SEC filing. The bulk—$139 million—went to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), with $11 million spread across Ark 21Shares, Grayscale, and Fidelity ETFs, plus a $17,000 stake in ProShares’ Bitcoin futures ETF (BITO). This wasn’t a small experiment; BMO’s holdings surged over 1,000% from $13 million in one quarter.
Why is this a big deal? Here’s what BMO’s move tells us:
1. A Legacy Bank Joins the Crypto Wave
Founded in 1817, BMO has built trust through banking, wealth management, and corporate finance. Its $150 million Bitcoin ETF investment signals that digital assets are no longer fringe—they’re part of the financial future. While institutions often gain exposure through ETFs, many high-value investors prefer direct Bitcoin ownership with privacy and execution support, similar to services offered through Bitcoin OTC Canada.
2. From Doubt to Dollars
Banks once called Bitcoin a risky fad. Now, BMO’s investment—primarily in regulated ETFs—shows a shift. By choosing ETFs over direct Bitcoin ownership, BMO gains exposure without the hassle of custody, appealing to traditional investors. In contrast, businesses and investors seeking long-term conviction often explore self-custody strategies and balance-sheet allocation, a growing trend reflected in Corporate Treasury Bitcoin Canada solutions.
3. Bitcoin Gets a Trust Boost
BMO’s move legitimizes Bitcoin for everyday Canadians. When a bank with centuries of history invests, it sends a clear message: Bitcoin is a serious asset, not just for tech enthusiasts but for savers facing inflation’s bite. This validation has also encouraged affluent Canadians to look beyond ETFs and consider direct exposure tailored to larger portfolios, as seen in Bitcoin for High Net Worth Canadians.
4. A Wake-Up Call for Finance
Bitcoin’s 24/7 transactions, self-custody, and fixed 21-million-coin supply challenge traditional banking. BMO’s investment suggests banks are adapting, not fighting, this change. Will they fully embrace Bitcoin or compete with it?
Why It Matters for Canadians
BMO’s investment sparked a 4.84% Bitcoin price surge to $65,000 within 24 hours, with trading volumes up 20% on exchanges like Coinbase. Inflation continues to erode Canadian savings, with the U.S. dollar losing over 90% of its value since 1971. Bitcoin’s scarcity offers a hedge, and BMO’s move shows even banks see its potential. However, many Bitcoiners argue that ETFs reintroduce counterparty risk, reinforcing the importance of holding Bitcoin outside the traditional banking system.
What’s Next for Bitcoin and Banks?
Will other Canadian banks like RBC ($76M in Bitcoin proxy investments) follow BMO’s lead? Could Bitcoin reshape banking entirely? One thing is clear: as institutions move cautiously through ETFs, Canadians are increasingly exploring direct Bitcoin ownership and non-custodial solutions.
