BITCOIN, BLOCKCHAIN AND INVESTMENT BANKING
Cryptocurrencies have excited the risk takers and day-dreamers around the world, but the investment bankers might turn the elusive money into something tangible.** By Atique Naqvi, aka Syed Atique Hussain, Boston, United States Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have become financial celebrities. With the exponential rise of Bitcoin, about 750% since the first quarter of 2017, there has been a renewed interest in cryptocurrencies or the blockchain system. Though small and retail investors have been the driving force behind the rise of cryptocurrencies, investment bankers and asset managers are also watching closely at the ‘new money’ as a credible and a legit asset class. The interest from big investment bankers has probably prompted Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board Options Exchange to launch Bitcoin Futures. The investment banking has witnessed a good year in 2017, and before delving into the cryptocurrency aspect, let’s examine the state ...