After creating a bitcoin education section to educate people about the digital currency, as well as launch a fund to invest in them, SecondMarket has begun to partner with financial firms to provide opportunities for their clients. According to an interview with SecondMarket CEO Barry Silbert with MarketWatch, the firm has now partnered with Fidelity Investments. The operator of one of the largest fund marketplaces in the world, through the agreement, Fidelity customers will be able to invest funds from their self-directed IRAs in SecondMarket’s Bitcoin Investment Trust. According to the interview, SecondMarket is in discussions with additional firms.
As its name goes, the Bitcoin Investment Trust, offers customers the ability to buy shares in the SecondMarket’s fund that invests exclusively in bitcoins. According to Bitcoin Investment Trust's website, the fund currently has $61.4 million under management.
In addition the trust, Barry Silbert has been an active investor in bitcoin related firms through his Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, and led a $500,000 angel Funding Round in Coinsetter in April.
The importance of the current partnership is that as one of the largest and longest lasting investment and retirement saving firms in the world, Fidelity brings to the table massive marketing power that can introduce bitcoins to the general public. In addition, as a deeply established financial firm, Fidelity adds a level or credibility for furthering investment in digital currencies.
