Bitwise is expanding its push into altcoin-focused investment products by seeking regulatory approval for a spot exchange-traded fund tied to Sui, a move that underscores how quickly the crypto ETF market is moving beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The asset manager has submitted a proposal to U.S. regulators for a fund designed to track the spot price of SUI, the native token of the Sui blockchain.
Key Takeaways
Bitwise has filed for a spot ETF that would give investors direct exposure to the SUI token
Sui is attracting growing interest from ETF issuers as crypto products expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
Competition among asset managers suggests that early approval and product differentiation, including staking, will be key to long-term success
If approved, the product would give investors direct exposure to the asset through a traditional ETF structure, marking another step in Bitwise’s broader strategy to build a diversified crypto ETF lineup.
Sui Gains Attention From ETF Issuers
Sui has increasingly appeared on the radar of institutional-focused asset managers, positioning itself among a small group of altcoins now being considered for standalone spot ETFs. Bitwise’s filing places it alongside other firms that have already moved to secure approval for similar products, highlighting growing competition around which issuer will reach the market first.
Unlike earlier crypto investment vehicles that relied on derivatives or index exposure, the proposed fund would track SUI directly. This reflects a shift in issuer confidence that investor demand exists for spot exposure to newer layer-one networks, not just the largest cryptocurrencies.
Staking and Infrastructure Play a Role
According to the proposal, the Bitwise Sui ETF would rely on established crypto infrastructure, with Coinbase expected to provide custody services. Bitwise has also signaled plans to incorporate staking into the fund’s structure, allowing the ETF to earn network rewards rather than simply holding the asset passively.
This approach aligns with a broader trend among crypto ETF issuers seeking to differentiate products by more closely integrating them with underlying blockchain mechanics. While specific details such as fees, ticker symbol, and listing venue have not yet been disclosed, staking could become a key feature as competition intensifies.
Competitive Pressure Is Building
The filing comes at a time when the SEC has shown greater openness to crypto ETF approvals beyond Bitcoin and Ether. As a result, asset managers are moving quickly to stake their claims in emerging segments of the market.
However, approval alone does not guarantee success. Previous altcoin ETFs have shown that liquidity and investor interest tend to concentrate around a limited number of products, leaving later or less differentiated funds struggling to gain traction.
What It Means for the Crypto ETF Market
Bitwise’s move highlights how rapidly the crypto ETF landscape is evolving. Asset managers are no longer waiting years for networks to mature before launching products, instead choosing to test demand earlier and let market forces determine which offerings endure.
Whether Sui can sustain long-term institutional interest remains uncertain, but its growing presence in ETF proposals suggests that the next phase of crypto ETFs will be defined by competition among altcoins, not just the dominance of Bitcoin and Ethereum.
