The next wave of crypto exchange-traded products is expected to be large, but short-lived for many issuers.

As regulatory barriers continue to ease in the United States, asset managers are preparing to launch a broad range of crypto-linked ETFs and ETPs, betting that at least some will attract sustained investor interest.

Key Takeaways

• A large number of crypto ETFs are expected to launch as regulatory barriers ease

• Investor demand remains concentrated in Bitcoin and Ethereum products

• Many new crypto ETFs are likely to be closed due to low assets and weak inflows

Market analysts, however, warn that most of these products are unlikely to survive beyond their first few years.

Investor Demand Remains Highly Concentrated

The key challenge is not regulation, but demand. While approval is becoming easier under the SEC’s newer listing framework, investor capital remains narrowly focused. In practice, most inflows continue to concentrate in a small number of established products tied to the largest digital assets.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs dominate allocations, while funds linked to smaller or more speculative tokens often struggle to gain traction after launch.

I'm in 100% agreement with @BitwiseInvest here. I also think we're going to see a lot of liquidations in crypto ETP products. Might happen at tail end of 2026 but likely by the end of 2027. Issuers are throwing A LOT of product at the wall — there's at least 126 filings https://t.co/eOmeUIKXFZ pic.twitter.com/UELUKUng7Y

— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) December 17, 2025

History Suggests Many Funds Will Close

This pattern mirrors what happens in traditional ETF markets. Products that fail to gather sufficient assets often become uneconomical to maintain, leading issuers to shut them down quietly. Crypto ETFs are unlikely to be an exception. Operational costs, compliance requirements, and low liquidity make underperforming funds difficult to justify over time.

Several crypto-related ETFs have already been liquidated this year, even as overall interest in digital assets remains strong. Meanwhile, a growing number of new applications suggests issuers are still experimenting, launching products quickly and evaluating demand after the fact rather than committing long term from the outset.

A Likely Boom-and-Bust Cycle Ahead

Looking forward, the crypto ETF market appears set for a familiar cycle. A surge in new products will likely be followed by consolidation, leaving only those funds with strong liquidity, clear positioning, and institutional appeal.

While the number of launches may grab headlines, the long-term market is likely to be far smaller and more focused than it initially appears.