Bitwise Files for 11 Altcoin ETFs as Institutional Crypto Demand Expands

Markets 2026-01-04 10:24

Bitwise Asset Management filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 30 to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs tracking 11 different cryptocurrencies, marking one of the most ambitious altcoin ETF pushes to date.


Broad Exposure to 11 Altcoins

The filing represents a significant step toward expanding regulated market access beyond major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bitwise currently operates the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index, which tracks the prices of leading cryptocurrencies. However, the newly proposed ETFs are designed to allow institutional investors to gain direct and secure exposure to individual altcoins, rather than through a composite index.

The assets included in the application span multiple sectors of the crypto ecosystem, including decentralized finance (DeFi), Layer 1 blockchains, and AI-related networks. The list includes:

  • Uniswap (UNI)

  • TRON (TRX)

  • Canton (CC)

  • Sui (SUI)

  • Near Protocol (NEAR)

  • Aave (AAVE)

  • Ethena (ENA)

  • Hyperliquid (HYPE)

  • Starknet (STRK)

  • Bittensor (TAO)

  • Zcash (ZEC)

Filing for 11 single-asset crypto ETFs simultaneously is an unusually large move, even for a firm like Bitwise that has long specialized in crypto-related investment products.

Institutional Demand for Altcoins Continues to Grow

The push comes as investor interest increasingly extends beyond Bitcoin, following the strong performance and adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S.

With confidence growing in regulated crypto investment vehicles, institutions are seeking exposure to specific protocols and ecosystems rather than broad market proxies. Bitwise aims to meet this demand by offering compliant, transparent products that fit within traditional portfolio structures.

For institutional investors focused on diversification, the ability to access multiple altcoins through regulated ETFs could prove especially attractive.

Competition in the altcoin ETF space is also heating up. Rival asset manager Grayscale has reportedly filed for a Bittensor (TAO) ETF as well, highlighting an intensifying race among crypto-focused firms to bring new digital asset products to market.

Bitwise currently offers more than 30 investment products, and approval of these filings would significantly expand its lineup. As with its existing ETFs, the company plans to list the new funds on NYSE Arca, emphasizing that each selected asset was chosen based on in-depth research and long-term growth potential.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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