Finance

Cantor Fitzgerald’s Bitcoin Bet: How Trump’s Policies Are Shaping the Firm’s Investment Strategy

August 18, 2025, 10:42 PM

WASHINGTON – January 29 2025: Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, testifies during his confirmation hearing. Photo credit: shutterstock.com / Pamela Brick.

Executive Summary

Cantor Fitzgerald significantly expanded its investments in assets tied to Trump administration policies during the second quarter, including substantial purchases in a Bitcoin fund and Trump Media.

This strategic investment move by Cantor Fitzgerald aligns with past initiatives and public support from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has been a vocal proponent of President Trump’s tariff policies and a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Control of Cantor Fitzgerald was transferred from Howard Lutnick to his sons, Brandon and Kyle Lutnick, following his Senate confirmation as Commerce Secretary, though his long-standing ties and influence on the firm’s strategic direction remain notable.

The Story So Far

Cantor Fitzgerald’s former CEO, Howard Lutnick, is now Commerce Secretary and has been a vocal proponent of President Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs and a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, aligning with the firm’s recent investments.

Control of Cantor Fitzgerald recently transitioned to Howard Lutnick’s sons after his Senate confirmation as Commerce Secretary, maintaining family leadership.

Why This Matters

Cantor Fitzgerald’s significant investments in assets linked to Trump administration policies, including a Bitcoin fund and Trump Media, indicate a strategic bet on the potential for these policies to influence market performance.

The firm’s investment strategy, under the control of Howard Lutnick’s sons, suggests a continued alignment with the economic and trade policies advocated by President Trump.

The close ties between the Lutnick family’s financial firm and Howard Lutnick’s role as Commerce Secretary could highlight the potential for perceived or actual influence between private financial decisions and government policy.

Who Thinks What?

Cantor Fitzgerald, under the control of Howard Lutnick’s family, substantially expanded its investments in assets tied to Trump administration policies, including a Bitcoin fund and Trump Media, during the second quarter.

Howard Lutnick, now Commerce Secretary, has been a vocal proponent of President Trump’s tariff policies and has actively assisted in plans for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, aligning with the firm’s recent investment strategy despite his divestment of ownership.

Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial firm now under the control of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s family, substantially expanded its investments in assets tied to Trump administration policies during the second quarter of this year. This strategic move included significant purchases of shares in a Bitcoin fund, as well as stock in companies like Robinhood, Alibaba, Tesla, chipmaker AMD, Apple, and Trump Media, according to its latest Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Cantor Fitzgerald’s Investment Strategy

The firm’s recent SEC filing details a diverse portfolio expansion, with a particular focus on the Bitcoin fund and Trump Media. These investments align with past initiatives supported by Howard Lutnick, who has been a vocal proponent of President Trump’s tariff policies and has actively assisted in plans for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The firm’s investment decisions come after a significant leadership transition. Howard Lutnick, who served as CEO and president of Cantor Fitzgerald since 1991, transferred control of the firm to his sons, Brandon Lutnick (now CEO) and Kyle Lutnick (vice chairman), following his Senate confirmation as Commerce Secretary in February.

Howard Lutnick’s Role and Influence

In May, Secretary Lutnick further divested his ownership interest in Cantor Fitzgerald as part of his ethics agreement. Despite this divestment, his long-standing ties to the firm and his public support for President Trump’s economic agenda remain notable.

Secretary Lutnick has been closely involved with President Trump’s tariff strategies. As Commerce Secretary, his department is responsible for implementing and enforcing tariffs as set by the president, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other relevant agencies, highlighting the continued connection between his past advocacy and current governmental responsibilities.

Conclusion

Cantor Fitzgerald’s recent investment decisions reflect a deepening commitment to assets potentially influenced by Trump-era policies, including a notable foray into a Bitcoin fund. This strategy unfolds as the firm navigates a new leadership structure under the Lutnick family, while its former leader, Howard Lutnick, continues to play a significant role in the current administration’s trade policies.