Retail investors gain more ways to access crypto through DeFi and ETFs as Bitcoin’s function continues to change

Bitcoin has traditionally served as the main entry point for retail investors venturing into the world of cryptocurrency, but this is changing as new platforms and technologies broaden the ways people can get involved. While

continues to be a foundational asset for crypto adoption, the industry is moving toward a more diversified approach. This shift is fueled by advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi), institutional-grade offerings, and more intuitive user applications. Recent market trends, such as the emergence of blockchain-powered payment systems and the increasing adoption of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are transforming how individuals engage with digital currencies title1 [ 1 ].

The Federal Reserve’s latest decisions to lower interest rates have emphasized the connection between broad economic policies and the uptake of cryptocurrencies. In September 2025, the Fed’s 25-basis-point rate cut and its guidance on future reductions led to varied reactions in the markets. For example, after a week of nearly $3 billion in net inflows, Bitcoin ETFs saw a reversal, losing $51.28 million in response to a more hawkish Fed statement title2 [ 2 ]. Such fluctuations highlight how sensitive crypto markets are to central bank actions, but they also point to a larger pattern: investors are increasingly turning to a variety of financial products to manage economic uncertainty, not just relying on Bitcoin alone.

Alongside Bitcoin’s price movements, projects like Remittix are emerging as alternative gateways for new users. For instance, Remittix has attracted over $26.4 million by providing a blockchain wallet that connects digital assets with traditional banking. Its beta version, now operational on

and , allows users to swap more than 40 cryptocurrencies for fiat and send money to bank accounts in over 30 countries. By focusing on practical solutions for cross-border payments—such as reducing fees and speeding up transactions—Remittix positions itself as a challenger to both established financial systems and well-known crypto projects like Ripple (XRP). Experts believe that RTX’s decentralized structure and real-world applications make it an appealing choice for everyday users looking for functional crypto services.

Both institutional and individual investors are increasingly accessing crypto through ETFs and other structured products. In early September 2025, Bitcoin ETFs attracted over $928 million in new investments, showing ongoing interest from a broad range of participants title3 [ 3 ]. However, recent withdrawals following the Fed’s hawkish comments show that ETFs are still influenced by larger economic trends. At the same time, alternative coins are drawing speculative investments, with projects like Magacoin Finance gaining attention for their potential high returns title3 [ 3 ]. This growing variety of investment options signals a more mature market, where Bitcoin is no longer the only entry point for newcomers.

Clearer regulations and technological progress are also speeding up the move toward more varied onboarding options. The CertiK audit of Remittix and its top ranking among pre-launch tokens highlight the increasing importance of security and transparency for attracting retail users. Moreover, the integration of crypto-to-fiat solutions into everyday financial tools is making it easier for people to get started. For example, Remittix’s real-time FX calculator and support for over 40 cryptocurrencies are designed for users who may not be familiar with blockchain but want easy global transactions. These developments are crucial for bringing crypto to a wider audience beyond early adopters.

Although Bitcoin still holds a leading position in the crypto market, its role is now complemented by a range of solutions tailored to different user needs. From institutional-grade ETFs to decentralized payment systems, the ways to enter the crypto space are becoming more inclusive and user-friendly. While challenges like market swings, regulatory changes, and technical hurdles remain, the overall direction points to a future where Bitcoin is part of a much broader ecosystem of platforms and tools. As the Federal Reserve’s policies and market trends continue to evolve, the growing emphasis on multiple entry points marks a significant change: onboarding into crypto is no longer a uniform process title1 [ 1 ] title3 [ 3 ].