Hashdex Files for Combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF with SEC
Hashdex, a Brazil-based crypto asset manager, has taken a significant step by filing an application with the SEC for a combined spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF). If approved, the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF would bring a unique offering to the American market, being the first fund to directly hold both of these leading cryptocurrencies. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this proposed ETF:
Key Points to Note About the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF
- The ETF aims to directly hold spot Bitcoin (70.54%) and Ethereum (29.46%) in the U.S. market.
- It would track the Nasdaq Crypto Index (NCI) following a passive investment strategy to mirror the market’s performance.
- Hashdex’s filing follows recent approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs and initial approvals of spot Ethereum ETFs by the SEC.
- Potential incorporation of additional crypto assets is on the horizon, subject to specific criteria like listing on U.S.-regulated platforms.
Hashdex’s move aligns with key developments in the U.S. crypto market, showcasing a growing acceptance of digital assets among traditional financial institutions and regulators.
ETF Details and Portfolio Composition
The proposed Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, filed via Form 19b-4 with the Nasdaq, is structured to offer investors exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum through a market-capitalization weighted index, the NCI. Here’s a breakdown of the fund’s composition:
- The ETF comprises 70.54% Bitcoin and 29.46% Ethereum, reflecting the dominance of these assets in the cryptocurrency space.
- Cash holdings are part of the portfolio, with Coinbase Custody and BitGo identified as custodians upon launch.
The fund’s design emphasizes a market-cap weighted approach, ensuring that investors gain proportional exposure to the two leading cryptocurrencies based on their relative market values.
Future Outlook and Potential Expansion
While the Hashdex ETF currently focuses on Bitcoin and Ethereum, there remains room for growth and expansion in the future. The filing indicates a possibility of including other digital assets down the line, provided they meet certain criteria:
- Criteria include listing on U.S.-regulated platforms or serving as underlying assets for derivative instruments on such venues.
- This strategic approach aligns with Hashdex’s intention to stay abreast of evolving market trends and opportunities in the crypto space.
Passive Investment Strategy and SEC Approval Timeline
Hashdex underscores a passive investment strategy for the ETF, aiming to track the NCI’s performance regardless of market movements. This strategy highlights the company’s commitment to offering investors exposure to the broader cryptocurrency market through a diversified index-based approach.
As for the SEC approval timeline, Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart anticipates a final approval deadline around the first week of March 2025. The filing’s flexibility to accommodate additional digital assets underscores Hashdex’s forward-looking approach to capturing market opportunities.
Hot Take: Embracing Innovation in the Crypto Market
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF exemplify a growing integration of digital assets into mainstream investment products. By combining the strengths of Bitcoin and Ethereum in a well-structured ETF, Hashdex paves the way for broader institutional adoption and investor participation in the crypto space. Stay tuned for more updates as this innovative ETF makes strides towards approval and launch!