- Bitwise expands its ETF lineup by targeting major altcoins through regulated strategy based fund structures.
- The new ETF structure blends direct crypto exposure with existing exchange traded products for flexibility.
- Rising institutional interest drives competition among asset managers seeking altcoin focused ETF approval.
Crypto asset manager, Bitwise, has submitted fresh filings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for 11 new cryptocurrency exchange traded funds. The applications were filed on December 30 and outline a new range of strategy based crypto products.
These funds focus on major altcoins rather than Bitcoin or Ethereum. The filings reflect Bitwise’s continued expansion within regulated digital asset markets. They also signal rising demand for diversified crypto exposure through ETFs.
ETF Structure Designed for Regulatory Fit
The proposed funds will follow a blended investment structure. Each ETF plans to invest up to 60% of assets directly into its underlying cryptocurrency. The remaining 40% will be placed into exchange traded products that track the same asset. This approach mirrors structures already familiar to U.S. regulators. It also allows the funds to operate within established ETF rules.
The filings also permit the use of derivatives. These include futures contracts and swap agreements. The derivatives will help manage exposure during changing market conditions. As a result, the funds can adjust positioning without altering their core holdings. The structure aims to balance flexibility with regulatory clarity.
Altcoin Selection Reflects Sector Breadth
The proposed lineup covers a wide range of blockchain use cases. The ETFs track Aave, Uniswap, Zcash, Canton, Ethena, Hyperliquid, NEAR, Starknet, Sui, Bittensor, and Tron. This selection spans decentralized finance, privacy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure networks. The filings show increased interest in altcoins beyond established leaders.
Zcash stands out due to its privacy focused design. Interest has grown around bringing privacy assets into regulated investment products. Another technology that attracts attention is Bittensor because of its connection to decentralized networks of artificial intelligence. In the meantime, other tokens such as Aave and Uniswap have been gaining institutional interest because of their established presence in decentralized finance. Uniswap recently activated a fee system that burns UNI tokens as trading activity across the protocol continues to grow.
Competitive Pressure Shapes ETF Market
Bitwise’s filings arrive during heightened activity among crypto asset managers. Other firms have recently pursued similar strategies. Grayscale moved to convert its Bittensor Trust into a spot ETF. It also filed to convert its Zcash Trust into a spot ZEC ETF. These efforts highlight competition around altcoin focused funds.
Hyperliquid also gained visibility through amended filings. Market watchers expect a possible U.S. listing in the future. Sui remains under review following earlier spot ETF filings by Bitwise. That proposal aims to provide full token exposure through a regulated product.
Expansion Builds on Recent Launches
The new filings follow a period of rapid product expansion for Bitwise. In October, the firm launched the first U.S. spot Solana ETF. It followed with XRP and Dogecoin funds in November. In October, Bitwise launched the Solana Staking ETF to give direct SOL exposure and earn staking rewards. These launches strengthened Bitwise’s presence in the crypto ETF market.
The latest applications suggest a long term outlook despite recent market volatility. Bitcoin and broader crypto assets faced pressure during the fourth quarter. However, the filings indicate expectations for continued institutional engagement. Regulatory progress and diversified product structures remain central to this strategy.
