Key Takeaways
- • Bitwise Asset Management and RFG Advisory launched diversified crypto model portfolios for 150+ financial advisors managing $8 billion in combined client assets, providing structured exposure to the $2.5 trillion digital asset class.
- • Bitwise brings $11 billion in client assets and specialized crypto research expertise to the partnership, designing multiple model portfolios (including "Core" and "Thematic" variants) tailored to different investor risk profiles via crypto-focused ETPs.
- • The rollout capitalizes on rapid institutional adoption of model portfolios; third-party model portfolio assets grew 62% from $400 billion (2023) to $645 billion (2025), creating momentum for advisors seeking scalable allocation frameworks.
- • RFG Advisory's Rick Wedell cited the need for "thoughtful" crypto exposure that reflects market complexity, positioning Bitwise's research-driven approach and educational emphasis as key differentiators for the RIA platform's advisor base.
- • The partnership represents Bitwise's continued expansion into the model portfolio space, enabling advisors to offer curated digital asset access without requiring in-house crypto expertise.
Summary
Bitwise Asset Management and RFG Advisory announced the rollout of diversified cryptocurrency model portfolios to RFG's network of 150+ financial advisors on April 22, 2026. The offering provides structured access to the $2.5 trillion digital asset class for advisors and their clients, with RFG advisors collectively managing over $8 billion in assets under administration. Bitwise, a global crypto asset manager with more than $11 billion in client assets, developed the model portfolios to deliver curated exposure across different investor profiles and risk tolerances using crypto-focused exchange-traded products (ETPs).
The partnership addresses a significant market opportunity within the rapidly growing model portfolio sector. Industry data cited in the announcement shows that assets tracking third-party model portfolios surged from $400 billion in 2023 to $645 billion in 2025—a 62% increase—demonstrating institutional appetite for outsourced allocation expertise. Model portfolios have become essential tools for financial advisors seeking to scale exposure to emerging investment themes while leveraging third-party research and operational infrastructure. The offering consists of multiple portfolio models, including "Core" portfolios providing broad exposure to the crypto ecosystem and "Thematic" models targeting specific digital asset segments.
Rick Wedell, CIO and Managing Partner at RFG Advisory, emphasized that the partnership reflects RFG's strategic focus on innovation and growth. He noted that as blockchain technology awareness expands, the platform sought to enable "thoughtful" client exposure that reflects the complexity of the rapidly evolving crypto market. Wedell cited Bitwise's deep digital asset expertise, carefully designed model portfolios, and emphasis on research and education as decisive factors in the partnership. For RFG's advisor base, the arrangement provides a scalable framework for offering crypto allocation without requiring independent in-house cryptocurrency expertise, while Bitwise gains distribution through a growing RIA platform.
The partnership addresses a significant market opportunity within the rapidly growing model portfolio sector. Industry data cited in the announcement shows that assets tracking third-party model portfolios surged from $400 billion in 2023 to $645 billion in 2025—a 62% increase—demonstrating institutional appetite for outsourced allocation expertise. Model portfolios have become essential tools for financial advisors seeking to scale exposure to emerging investment themes while leveraging third-party research and operational infrastructure. The offering consists of multiple portfolio models, including "Core" portfolios providing broad exposure to the crypto ecosystem and "Thematic" models targeting specific digital asset segments.
Rick Wedell, CIO and Managing Partner at RFG Advisory, emphasized that the partnership reflects RFG's strategic focus on innovation and growth. He noted that as blockchain technology awareness expands, the platform sought to enable "thoughtful" client exposure that reflects the complexity of the rapidly evolving crypto market. Wedell cited Bitwise's deep digital asset expertise, carefully designed model portfolios, and emphasis on research and education as decisive factors in the partnership. For RFG's advisor base, the arrangement provides a scalable framework for offering crypto allocation without requiring independent in-house cryptocurrency expertise, while Bitwise gains distribution through a growing RIA platform.
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