Bitcoin/Crypto

Why We Believe in Bitcoin & Digital Assets

At Star Financial Group, we are early adopters of digital asset strategies. We believe that market‑use for crypto is already real and growing. More financial institutions are deploying blockchain technology not only as a speculative experiment, but to improve operational efficiency, reduce friction, and open new opportunities (tokenization, faster settlement, decentralized finance, etc.). As those foundational changes occur, the role of Bitcoin and other digital assets in well‑constructed portfolios becomes more compelling—not just as “alternative,” but as part of modern diversification and long‑term wealth planning.

Using ETFs to Access Bitcoin (and Growing Options)

We currently use Bitcoin and other ‑ETFs (exchange‑traded funds) for access. ETFs give us a regulated, transparent, liquid, and relatively custodial risk‑managed path into Bitcoin. We’re also watching new ETFs and other regulated instruments coming online, which expand choice and deepen institutional participation. These developments matter: they help reduce some of the logistical, regulatory, and counterparty risk concerns that many investors have.

Our Credentials — CBDA

We hold the CBDA credential (Certified in Blockchain & Digital Assets, via the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals). This is a FINRA‑listed certification, focused on blockchain, digital asset fundamentals, regulation, portfolio design, risk, taxation, etc. It means we have invested in our education so that we can give you grounded advice—not hype.

What Ric Edelman Has Said — A Major Shift

One of the leading voices in financial advice, Ric Edelman (founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals), has changed his stance in recent years in ways that support our view:

• In 2021, in The Truth About Crypto, Edelman suggested small, low‑single‑digit allocations to crypto. Cointelegraph+2CNBC+2

• In mid‑2025, he publicly recommended much larger allocations: 10% to 40% of an investor’s portfolio in crypto, depending on risk tolerance. PR Newswire+2CNBC+2

  • For conservative investors: at least 10%. PR Newswire+2CNBC+2

  • For moderate investors: around 25%. Business Insider+1

  • For aggressive investors: up to 40%. CNBC+2Crypto News Land+2

Edelman has also declared that the traditional 60/40 stock‑and‑bond allocation model is becoming obsolete, in part because of rising longevity and because technological & financial innovation (e.g. blockchain) is changing return expectations and risk correlations. etf.com+2PR Newswire+2

Our Philosophy on Allocation

Given the changes in the crypto / blockchain landscape, we believe:

• Bitcoin is a unique asset: a store of value, low correlation with many traditional asset classes, and increasingly accepted in institutional finance.

• Altcoins, while riskier and more volatile, should be considered in a diversified allocation—on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the client’s goals, risk tolerance, time horizon.

• Using ETFs (and other regulated instruments) helps manage many of the risk dimensions (custody, regulation, counterparty risk).

• We don’t believe in “all or nothing” exposure; rather, strategic allocation with clear boundaries, periodic reviews, and proper risk management.

What We Offer You

If you work with us, you can expect:

1. Transparent discussion of what a crypto / Bitcoin allocation might look like in your portfolio: what % might suit you given your financial goals, risk tolerance, tax situation, time horizon, etc.

2. Education & access: we’ll explain how ETFs work, how we choose which ones, what the fees, risks, and operational details are.

3. Ongoing monitoring of regulatory updates and new ETF or digital asset product launches. We believe the landscape will continue to evolve—more options, more clarity, but also new risks.

4. Diversified exposure: not just Bitcoin, but where appropriate, exposure to certain altcoins or blockchain‑based exposure (via ETFs, companies with crypto exposure, etc.), while always keeping volatility, liquidity, and downside risk in view.

Why Now

• Institutional adoption & regulatory clarity are increasing, reducing many of the historical uncertainties around digital assets.

• ETFs have made entry and exit more efficient; they allow exposure without having to personally custody bitcoins (if that is not your preference) while still capturing much of the asset’s behavior.

• As Edelman and others are pointing out, traditional models are under pressure: longer lifespans, inflation, low yields on bonds, disruptive technologies changing return distributions.