Broker-Dealer Releases Commission-Free Crypto Trading Tier
New offering eliminates trading commissions on 15 major cryptocurrencies, responding to growing demand for cost-effective digital asset access
NEW YORK, November 22, 2025 — Summit Financial Group, a registered broker-dealer managing $125 billion in client assets, announced today the launch of Summit CryptoZero, a commission-free cryptocurrency trading tier for retail investors. The service, available immediately to existing clients, allows commission-free trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 13 other digital assets through Summit’s integrated trading platform.
The crypto trading landscape has undergone fundamental transformation in 2025, with major platforms racing to eliminate fee barriers. According to recent industry analysis, commission-free trading has become a baseline expectation rather than a competitive advantage among broker-dealers. This shift accelerated after Kraken, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, began its phased national rollout of commission-free trading for over 11,000 assets earlier this year (Reuters, April 14, 2025) . Summit Financial’s entry marks the latest traditional brokerage to adapt to this new market reality, where zero-commission structures are now standard for retail crypto access.
Market research indicates 68% of millennial and Gen Z investors now expect commission-free crypto trading as a prerequisite for platform selection, up from 42% in 2023. The digital asset market has expanded to include 52 million U.S. retail participants, representing $847 billion in aggregate holdings, according to third-quarter 2025 data from the Digital Asset Council. Fee compression across the industry has driven average commission rates down 78% since 2022, forcing broker-dealers to differentiate through technology, custody solutions, and ancillary services rather than pricing.
Summit CryptoZero operates on a transparent spread-based model, with bid-ask spreads averaging 0.85% on major pairs—competitive with institutional-grade liquidity providers. The platform integrates with Summit Digital Custody, the firm’s New York Department of Financial Services-regulated custody subsidiary, providing insured cold storage for 98% of client assets. Trading is available via web, mobile app, and API, with real-time market data powered by aggregated feeds from five major crypto exchanges.
“Digital assets have evolved from speculative instruments to essential portfolio components, yet fee structures remained punitive for everyday investors,” said Jennifer Marrone, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Financial Group. “Summit CryptoZero eliminates that final barrier to entry. We’re combining the security standards of traditional finance with the accessibility that modern investors demand—no commissions, no hidden fees, just transparent, institutional-grade execution.”
The platform launch includes educational resources addressing crypto taxation, wallet security, and portfolio allocation strategies. Summit’s research division will publish bi-weekly analysis on digital asset market trends, available exclusively to account holders. Initial client onboarding has exceeded 15,000 registrations in the first 24 hours, with average account funding of $3,200—demonstrating strong retail appetite for cost-effective crypto exposure.
About Summit Financial Group
Founded in 2011, Summit Financial Group is a full-service broker-dealer registered with FINRA and the SEC, serving 850,000 retail and institutional clients nationwide. The firm provides comprehensive wealth management, retirement planning, and digital asset services through its network of 1,200 financial advisors and proprietary technology platforms. Summit manages $125 billion in client assets and executed 42 million trades in 2024. For more information, visit www.summitfinancialgroup.com/crypto.
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