3iQ bets on regulated crypto access as institutional demand heats up
Toronto-based 3iQ Digital Asset Management is at the forefront of the crypto revolution, focusing on providing secure, liquid, and accessible crypto assets for traditional investors. Led by CEO Pascal St-Jean, 3iQ has transformed from a traditional asset manager to a global player in the crypto space.
St-Jean, with a background in open-source software and AI, recognized the potential of Bitcoin early on. “Bitcoin made sense not just as a protocol but as an investment,” he explained in an interview with TheStreet Roundtable. This foresight, combined with 3iQ’s early interest in alternative investments, laid the foundation for the firm’s success in the crypto market.
In 2020, 3iQ made headlines by launching the world’s first regulated Bitcoin fund listed on a major exchange after a lengthy regulatory battle. Since then, the company has expanded into exchange-traded funds and made history by integrating staking into a crypto ETF, a feature not yet available in the U.S.
“ETFs are our Trojan horse,” St-Jean remarked. “They make crypto accessible to everyday investors while meeting the trust requirements of institutions.” Today, 3iQ operates on multiple fronts, including building ETFs for retail investors, securing proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum and Solana through validator operations, and onboarding institutional clients through strategic partnerships.
“This is the first time in history where the asset is also the technology,” St-Jean emphasized. “TradFi investors don’t need to understand validators—they just need access they can trust.” While 3iQ focuses on institutional access through ETFs and validators, companies like Ledn offer Bitcoin-backed loans in fiat and USDC, providing investors with liquidity without having to sell their crypto assets.
With institutional giants like BlackRock entering the crypto space, 3iQ is positioning itself as the bridge between the decentralized future and the regulatory landscape of today. The firm’s commitment to regulated crypto access aligns with the growing institutional demand for crypto investments.
The original article, “3iQ bets on regulated crypto access as institutional demand heats up,” was first published on TheStreet on July 21, 2025. This story highlights 3iQ’s innovative approach to crypto asset management and its strategic positioning in the evolving digital asset landscape.
