Long read - Bitcoin: The Ultimate Portfolio Diversifier

4th October 2024
In the world of wealth management, few names carry as much weight as BlackRock, the largest asset manager globally. Their recent report, Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier, has caused quite a stir among financial professionals and investors alike. At the core of the report is BlackRock’s clear endorsement of Bitcoin as a valuable asset in portfolio diversification—an endorsement that cannot be taken lightly, especially given the firm’s pivotal role in the global financial ecosystem.
As of October 3rd, 2024, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF holds an impressive $22.3 billion in assets under management. This makes it the largest Bitcoin ETF by far, and it signals a major shift in how institutional investors view Bitcoin. For years, Bitcoin was dismissed by many in traditional finance as a speculative bubble or a passing fad, but BlackRock’s position firmly cements its status as a credible, investable asset class. This is particularly important for wealth managers like us at Brigantia, who have long advocated for Bitcoin’s inclusion in a balanced portfolio.

BlackRock’s decision to launch the iShares Bitcoin ETF in 2022 was not made lightly. The report makes it clear that before offering Bitcoin products to clients, BlackRock engaged in an extensive period of research, client engagement, and observation of market dynamics. This conservative, data-driven approach mirrors our own philosophy at Brigantia. We believe that understanding the fundamentals of an asset is essential before incorporating it into client portfolios, and it’s clear that BlackRock shares this view.

In fact, BlackRock’s report highlights that Bitcoin, by virtue of its unique characteristics—such as its fixed supply, decentralization, and non-sovereign nature—does not fit neatly into traditional asset classes. It stands apart from other assets like equities, bonds, or commodities, and this is precisely why it has earned its place as a unique diversifier within a well-constructed portfolio. The report notes that Bitcoin's performance, though volatile, often moves independently of broader market trends, making it an ideal hedge against systemic risk in traditional financial markets.

At Brigantia, we have long understood this potential, and BlackRock’s recognition of Bitcoin’s role as a diversifier only strengthens the case for including it in modern wealth management strategies. The fact that BlackRock has committed such a significant portion of its assets to Bitcoin underscores the growing institutional acceptance of this digital asset. For investors seeking to protect and grow their wealth in an increasingly uncertain global economy, Bitcoin presents an opportunity that is simply too significant to ignore.
Bitcoin’s Unique Role as a Diversifying Asset

One of the most compelling aspects of Bitcoin, as highlighted in BlackRock’s Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier report, is its role as a unique and powerful diversifying asset. In wealth management, diversification is a fundamental principle—spread risk across asset classes, and you reduce exposure to any single market downturn. Traditional diversification strategies often involve a mix of equities, bonds, commodities, and real estate. However, Bitcoin adds a new dimension to portfolio diversification that we haven't seen before, due to its fundamentally different risk and return drivers.

The report emphasizes Bitcoin’s low long-term correlation with traditional asset classes, such as stocks and bonds. This low correlation means that while global equity markets may move in one direction, Bitcoin is often moving in another or staying relatively unaffected. This uncorrelated nature is particularly valuable in today’s economic climate, where traditional financial markets are increasingly intertwined and affected by global macroeconomic trends, such as interest rates, inflation, and fiscal policy.

A prime example from the report shows how Bitcoin, despite being volatile in the short term, has consistently rebounded during major market disruptions. The August 2024 global market sell-off, triggered by the unwinding of the Japanese Yen carry trade, saw Bitcoin briefly drop in tandem with equities. However, as BlackRock notes, Bitcoin recovered quickly, surpassing its pre-sell-off levels within just three days. This rapid rebound highlights a key point in Bitcoin’s performance: although short-term trading behaviour may occasionally mirror traditional assets, Bitcoin’s long-term fundamentals often prevail, decoupling it from broader market trends.

BlackRock also draws attention to Bitcoin's performance over the last decade, which has been exceptional. From 2014 to 2024, Bitcoin outperformed every major asset class in seven out of ten years, delivering returns far beyond what is typical of traditional investments. While it did experience significant drawdowns in the other three years, its ability to recover and reach new highs reinforces its resilience as an asset. This kind of performance is unmatched in the traditional investment space and is a testament to Bitcoin’s unique place in the financial world.

Bitcoin’s long-term drivers of return are also very different from traditional assets. Unlike equities, which are largely influenced by corporate earnings and macroeconomic conditions, or bonds, which are affected by interest rates and credit risk, Bitcoin’s price is driven by factors such as adoption, scarcity, and global demand for decentralized, non-sovereign money. These drivers are fundamentally uncorrelated with traditional risk factors, making Bitcoin an ideal candidate for portfolio diversification.

BlackRock’s report makes it clear that Bitcoin can serve as a hedge against macroeconomic and geopolitical instability. Its decentralized nature, fixed supply, and global accessibility position it as a potential safe-haven asset, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Unlike fiat currencies or sovereign debt, which are vulnerable to inflation, government policy, and political risk, Bitcoin operates outside of these systems, providing an alternative store of value for investors seeking to protect their wealth from traditional market forces.

At Brigantia, we’ve seen first-hand how Bitcoin’s diversification benefits can enhance a portfolio’s risk-adjusted returns. By including even a modest allocation to Bitcoin, investors can reduce the overall volatility of their portfolios while potentially increasing long-term returns. This is a strategy we’ve advocated for years, and BlackRock’s report only strengthens our conviction that Bitcoin is a critical asset for the modern investor.

Incorporating Bitcoin into a diversified portfolio isn't about replacing traditional assets; it's about complementing them. By combining Bitcoin’s unique risk-return profile with other asset classes, we can create more resilient portfolios that are better equipped to navigate an increasingly complex global economy. For investors looking to the future, Bitcoin is not just an asset to consider—it’s an asset to include.
Bitcoin vs. Crypto: Why Bitcoin Is the Only Investable Asset

At Brigantia, one of the key principles we stress to clients is the important distinction between Bitcoin and the broader “crypto” industry. While Bitcoin has risen to prominence as a unique, decentralised, and scarce digital asset, the rest of the crypto space, consisting of thousands of altcoins and tokens, presents a different story—one of speculation and volatility. BlackRock’s Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier report does not address these distinctions directly, but it reinforces the case for Bitcoin’s credibility as a long-term investment asset, which we have consistently highlighted.

The crypto space is often misunderstood by investors, with many conflating Bitcoin with other projects that share the digital asset label. However, Bitcoin’s unique properties—such as its fixed supply, decentralisation, and independence from any central authority—make it fundamentally different. While many other digital assets are built on hype, marketing, and promises of solving problems that may not exist, Bitcoin’s value proposition is clear and proven. It has become the dominant digital asset, holding over 50% of the total market capitalisation of all crypto assets.

At Brigantia, we believe that Bitcoin is the only truly investable asset in this space, and we avoid exposing our clients to the speculative nature of altcoins and other tokens. Bitcoin’s 21-million coin supply cap ensures it cannot be debased, making it a scarce, deflationary asset—something other crypto projects fail to replicate. Moreover, its decentralised, permissionless structure allows it to operate independently of any central authority, providing resilience and security that other digital assets simply cannot offer.

While BlackRock’s report focuses exclusively on Bitcoin, the conclusions drawn about its unique role as a diversifying asset and its low correlation with traditional financial markets are what solidify its place in a portfolio. The broader crypto market, in contrast, is rife with volatility and risks that can severely undermine long-term investment strategies.

In our view, and one supported by years of evidence, most altcoins and crypto tokens are speculative experiments that will likely trend toward zero value over time. This is why we steer clear of the "crypto" hype and remain focused on Bitcoin as a credible, long-term investment.

BlackRock’s report may not address the broader crypto landscape, but it affirms what we have long known at Brigantia: Bitcoin stands alone as an investable asset, and its role in portfolio diversification is undeniable.

By understanding this distinction, we can ensure that our clients' portfolios are built on a foundation of solid, long-term value rather than the fleeting speculation that characterises much of the crypto market.
Portfolio Design and Bitcoin’s Role

When designing a well-diversified investment portfolio, wealth managers must carefully consider how each asset contributes to the overall risk and return profile. Historically, portfolios have been constructed using a blend of equities, bonds, real estate, and commodities, aiming to balance growth and stability. However, BlackRock’s Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier report emphasises that Bitcoin brings something entirely new to the table, providing investors with a unique hedge against many of the risks that traditional assets face.

One of the standout insights from the report is that Bitcoin’s long-term risk and return drivers are fundamentally different from those of traditional asset classes. Equities, for example, are influenced heavily by corporate earnings, global economic conditions, and interest rates. Bonds are tied to interest rate movements, credit risk, and monetary policy. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is driven by factors such as its fixed supply, global adoption, and decentralised nature, making it largely uncorrelated with these traditional drivers. This lack of correlation is what makes Bitcoin so powerful as a diversification tool.

At Brigantia, we recognise that Bitcoin can play a critical role in reducing portfolio risk while enhancing potential returns. The key to harnessing Bitcoin’s benefits lies in the way it is integrated into the broader investment strategy. As BlackRock notes, even a modest allocation of Bitcoin can have a meaningful impact on a portfolio’s performance. Research in the report shows that adding Bitcoin to a traditional 60/40 portfolio (60% equities, 40% bonds) at low, single-digit percentage levels can improve risk-adjusted returns, as measured by metrics like the Sharpe Ratio. This is due to Bitcoin’s ability to act as a diversifying asset that moves independently from other markets.

However, it’s important to manage Bitcoin’s inherent volatility. The report rightly points out that while Bitcoin’s standalone volatility is high, careful allocation and rebalancing can mitigate its impact on overall portfolio risk. A small position in Bitcoin can have a disproportionately positive effect on a portfolio's long-term return potential without introducing excessive risk. This is a strategy we employ at Brigantia when designing bespoke portfolios for our clients.

In practice, the allocation of Bitcoin in a portfolio needs to be tailored to the investor’s individual goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Younger investors with longer time horizons may benefit from a slightly higher exposure to Bitcoin, as they have more time to weather short-term market fluctuations and capitalise on Bitcoin’s potential long-term growth. Conversely, more conservative investors or those nearing retirement may prefer a lower allocation, designed to complement their existing mix of stable, income-generating assets.

BlackRock’s report also draws attention to Bitcoin’s performance during periods of macroeconomic stress, when traditional assets often struggle. For example, during the U.S. regional banking crisis in March 2023, Bitcoin surged while equities and bonds floundered, showing its potential as a “flight to safety” asset. This resilience in the face of global economic turbulence positions Bitcoin as a strategic hedge, particularly for investors concerned about inflation, currency debasement, or geopolitical risks. For expats, who may have assets spread across multiple jurisdictions and currencies, Bitcoin’s borderless and non-sovereign nature offers a way to protect wealth from the uncertainties of global markets.

At Brigantia, we view portfolio design as an art as much as a science. By incorporating Bitcoin into a well-balanced portfolio, we can help clients capture the upside of this transformative asset while maintaining a strong foundation of traditional investments. Our bespoke portfolio strategies ensure that each client’s unique circumstances are accounted for, including their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. Bitcoin’s inclusion adds a modern, forward-thinking dimension to wealth management, reflecting the changing dynamics of the global financial landscape.

Ultimately, the role of Bitcoin in portfolio design is not to replace traditional assets but to complement them. As BlackRock’s report highlights, Bitcoin’s low correlation with other asset classes, combined with its long-term growth potential, makes it an invaluable addition to the modern investment strategy. When carefully managed, Bitcoin has the ability to enhance overall portfolio performance, offering diversification benefits that few other assets can match.
Why Brigantia Stands Out: Our Expertise in Bitcoin

At Brigantia, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of modern wealth management, and our deep understanding of Bitcoin is a key part of that. As BlackRock’s Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier report underscores, the asset has gained significant traction among institutional investors and wealth managers. But while many firms are just beginning to explore Bitcoin’s potential, our experts at Brigantia have been incorporating Bitcoin into portfolio strategies for years, giving us a unique advantage in this space.

Our founder, with over a decade of experience in Bitcoin, brings an unparalleled level of expertise to the table. This experience is not simply about following the price trends or treating Bitcoin as a speculative asset; it’s about truly understanding the underlying technology, the network, and its potential role in the global financial system. This knowledge allows us to design bespoke investment portfolios that properly integrate Bitcoin, offering our clients a balanced approach to harnessing its potential while managing its risks.

While many wealth managers are still playing catch-up, trying to figure out where Bitcoin fits within the traditional asset allocation models, we have been ahead of the curve. Our expertise goes beyond superficial knowledge. We understand Bitcoin’s nuances, from its fixed supply of 21 million coins to its role as a decentralised, non-sovereign store of value. This gives us the ability to not only offer Bitcoin as part of a diversified portfolio but also to explain its strategic importance to our clients in clear, practical terms.

BlackRock’s report reinforces many of the principles we’ve been advocating for years. At Brigantia, we have always recognised Bitcoin’s ability to provide non-correlated returns, making it a valuable addition to portfolios, particularly for those seeking to hedge against systemic risks in traditional financial markets. Our approach is grounded in years of research, observation, and real-world application, ensuring that our clients benefit from the most informed, data-driven strategies.

We also understand that investing in Bitcoin is not just about its potential returns—it's about understanding the risks. Bitcoin is a volatile asset, and without the right strategy, it can introduce unnecessary risk into a portfolio. That’s why our wealth management approach involves careful allocation and regular rebalancing to ensure that Bitcoin enhances a portfolio’s risk-return profile rather than detracting from it.

What sets Brigantia apart is our ability to incorporate Bitcoin into traditional financial planning models. We don’t just add Bitcoin as an afterthought or treat it as a speculative play. Instead, we integrate it into comprehensive financial plans that account for all of our clients’ goals—whether that’s wealth preservation, income generation, or long-term growth. Our bespoke portfolio strategies are tailored to the individual needs of each client, ensuring that Bitcoin is used in a way that aligns with their specific financial objectives.

In addition to our hands-on experience with Bitcoin, our founder is currently writing a book that explores how traditional financial concepts—such as modern portfolio theory—are being reshaped by Bitcoin’s rise. This book will delve into the implications of Bitcoin on financial models, asset allocation strategies, and wealth management practices, offering insights that are both timely and forward-thinking. It’s just another example of how Brigantia is leading the way in integrating Bitcoin into the world of traditional wealth management.

For those who are serious about long-term financial planning, working with a wealth manager who truly understands Bitcoin is essential. At Brigantia, we provide our clients with the insights, strategies, and expertise needed to make the most of Bitcoin’s potential while navigating its complexities. Our unique blend of traditional financial knowledge and deep Bitcoin expertise makes us the ideal partner for investors who want to embrace the future of wealth management.
Conclusion

At Brigantia, we believe that building a solid financial future requires more than just traditional investments. As the financial landscape evolves, forward-thinking investors need to stay ahead of the curve, and incorporating assets like Bitcoin into a well-designed portfolio is a key part of that. Our experience, as highlighted in BlackRock’s Bitcoin: A Unique Diversifier report, shows that Bitcoin offers something unique—a hedge against traditional financial risks and an opportunity for long-term growth.

We understand that the decision to invest in Bitcoin can be daunting, especially with its inherent volatility and the noise surrounding the wider crypto space. This is why at Brigantia, we take a bespoke approach to financial planning. Each portfolio we design is tailored specifically to the needs and goals of our clients, whether they are looking for growth, income, or wealth preservation. Our expertise in Bitcoin, combined with our deep knowledge of traditional wealth management, enables us to build portfolios that are not only diversified but also aligned with the future of finance.

If you’ve been considering adding Bitcoin to your investment strategy or if you’re curious about how it fits into a modern, diversified portfolio, we invite you to book a consultation with us. At Brigantia, we’re not just wealth managers—we’re educators, guiding our clients through the complexities of new asset classes like Bitcoin. Our consultations offer you the opportunity to discuss your financial goals in detail and explore how Bitcoin could play a role in achieving them.

You’ll be working with a team that truly understands Bitcoin, not just as a speculative asset but as a revolutionary financial tool. With over a decade of experience in Bitcoin, our founder has a deep and practical understanding of how it integrates into traditional portfolio design, giving Brigantia a unique edge in the wealth management industry.

At Brigantia, we don’t just follow trends; we lead them. Our ability to integrate Bitcoin into traditional financial strategies puts us at the cutting edge of wealth management. With Bitcoin becoming increasingly accepted by institutional investors, as demonstrated by BlackRock’s report, now is the time to understand how this asset can work for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to consult with experts who are not only well-versed in traditional financial planning but also uniquely qualified to help you navigate the world of Bitcoin.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your existing portfolio, explore the potential of Bitcoin, or simply want a fresh perspective on your wealth management strategy, Brigantia is here to help. Book an initial consultation today to discover how we can design a bespoke financial plan tailored to your specific needs. Let us guide you in building a portfolio that’s not just resilient for today’s challenges, but also ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.

You can read BlackRock's report here:

PowerPoint Presentation (blackrock.com)