This discussion from the Black Blockchain Summit features experts Leah Walt and Lamar Wilson exploring Wall Street’s involvement in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. They explain Ethereum as a platform for decentralized applications and Bitcoin as “freedom money,” emphasizing its role in financial sovereignty. While ETFs provide accessible investment vehicles—especially for retirement accounts—they warn about risks like centralization, lack of self-custody, and speculative motives driving Wall Street. Both stress the importance of true ownership through self-custody to protect wealth, particularly in marginalized communities historically disadvantaged by traditional financial systems. Despite challenges, they see continued growth in ETFs and crypto adoption globally, especially in developing countries, urging education to navigate both opportunities and risks smartly.
