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? Let’s explore BMO’s bold step and why it matters.
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.
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.
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.
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. But some in the crypto community question ETFs, arguing self-custody gives true financial freedom aligning with 1Bitcoin.ca’s non-custodial mission.
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? Share your thoughts in the comments or on X, and check out our post on Bitcoin’s rise to see how it’s transforming finance.
Ready to Join the Bitcoin Revolution?
BMO’s $150 million bet is a signal: Bitcoin isn’t just for pioneers, it’s for anyone who wants to protect their wealth. Don’t wait for the next bank to jump in.
Visit 1Bitcoin.ca for a beginner-friendly guide to Bitcoin, or download our free Bitcoin Starter Guide.
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Disclaimer: Investing in Bitcoin or ETFs involves risks, including volatility. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Consult a financial advisor before investing.