Asset management firm 21Shares has submitted a registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for two new cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds linked to the FTSE Russell indices.
The proposed products include the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF. The former tracks the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization including Bitcoin, while the latter covers the same selection excluding Bitcoin to offer targeted altcoin exposure.
These ETFs leverage FTSE Russell’s established index methodology, aiming to enhance credibility while simplifying cryptocurrency investments for traditional finance participants. Key benefits cited include portfolio diversification, regulatory compliance, and reduced entry barriers for investors navigating the digital asset space.
The filing highlights ongoing regulatory challenges surrounding crypto ETF approvals, with the SEC maintaining scrutiny over market manipulation risks, custody solutions, and transparent valuation frameworks. Spot cryptocurrency ETFs like these face stricter evaluation compared to futures-based equivalents under current regulatory policies.
This initiative represents a strategic push to attract institutional capital into the crypto ecosystem, potentially accelerating integration between traditional finance and digital assets by offering structured exposure through regulated investment vehicles.