CEO Walt Bettinger — who would remain at the top of the potential merged company, according to news reports — is known for being cautious, which also suggests the firm would remain standoffish about crypto. The companies are reportedly in talks, and while a deal is by no means confirmed , it would marry one of the few mainstream financial companies to embrace the crypto market with one whose stance is less clear. It is great that retail investors can now easily and safely purchase bitcoin through their online brokerage. Do you plan on buying bitcoin through your broker? The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies.