Bitwise Seeks SEC Approval for 11 Crypto ETFs Targeting AAVE, UNI, TAO

• Bitwise’s 11 crypto ETFs seek up to 60% direct holdings in target tokens like AAVE and UNI, with the rest in related ETPs and derivatives.

• Proposed assets include TAO, TRX, ZEC, NEAR, SUI, HYPE, ENA, STRK, and CC for capital appreciation strategies.

• Filings reference an expected effective date of March 16, 2026, building on prior spot BTC and ETH ETF approvals, per SEC documents.

Bitwise files for 11 new crypto ETFs with AAVE, UNI, TAO exposure via direct holdings and ETPs. Discover targeted tokens, strategies, and SEC timeline. Stay ahead in crypto investments today.

What are Bitwise’s 11 new crypto ETFs?

Bitwise 11 crypto ETFs represent a series of exchange-traded funds proposed by Bitwise Asset Management to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These funds target specific cryptocurrencies for capital appreciation through a mix of direct token investments and related financial instruments. Filed via N-1A forms, they aim to provide investors regulated access to altcoins following the success of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

Which tokens will Bitwise’s crypto ETFs target?

Bitwise’s filings specify 11 distinct funds, each focusing on one primary token: Aave (AAVE), Uniswap (UNI), Zcash (ZEC), NEAR Protocol (NEAR), Sui (SUI), TRON (TRX), Hyperliquid (HYPE), Ethena (ENA), Starknet (STRK), Bittensor (TAO), and Canton Network (CC). According to the SEC documents, these ETFs prioritize capital appreciation. Each fund allocates up to 60% of assets directly to its target token, with the balance in exchange-traded products (ETPs), futures contracts, and swap agreements linked to the same asset. Under normal conditions, at least 80% of net assets plus borrowings will track the token, ETPs, or derivatives. Trading occurs via digital asset platforms and over-the-counter counterparties, using notional values for derivative compliance. This structure mirrors strategies in approved BTC and ETH products, enhancing liquidity and regulatory alignment. SEC records from prior approvals note similar hybrid exposures succeeded in spot ETFs launched in January 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the investment strategy in Bitwise’s 11 crypto ETFs?

Each Bitwise crypto ETF invests up to 60% directly in its target token, with the remainder in ETPs, futures, and swaps for exposure. At least 80% of net assets will focus on the token and related instruments, emphasizing capital appreciation through regulated vehicles, as outlined in N-1A filings.

How does Bitwise plan to achieve exposure in these new crypto ETFs?

Bitwise achieves exposure by holding up to 60% of fund assets in the target cryptocurrency directly, supplemented by investments in linked ETPs, futures contracts, and swap agreements. This hybrid approach, detailed in SEC submissions, ensures diversified access while maintaining at least 80% alignment with the underlying token in typical market conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid Exposure Model: Up to 60% direct token holdings plus ETPs and derivatives provide balanced risk in Bitwise’s 11 crypto ETFs.
• Targeted Altcoins: Funds cover AAVE, UNI, TAO, TRX, ZEC, NEAR, SUI, HYPE, ENA, STRK, and CC for focused growth potential.
• Regulatory Timeline: Expected effective date of March 16, 2026, leverages lessons from 2024 BTC/ETH approvals—monitor SEC updates closely.

Conclusion

Bitwise’s 11 crypto ETFs mark a significant expansion in regulated altcoin investments, blending direct holdings in tokens like AAVE, UNI, and TAO with ETPs and derivatives for optimized exposure. Building on SEC approvals for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum products in 2024 and early 2025, these filings underscore growing institutional interest. As the March 16, 2026, effective date approaches, investors should track developments to position for potential capital appreciation opportunities in the evolving crypto ETF landscape.

Background on Bitwise’s ETF Expansion Strategy

Bitwise Asset Management has positioned itself as a leader in cryptocurrency investment products. The firm’s latest SEC filings for 11 new crypto ETFs follow a series of successful precedents. In January 2024, the SEC greenlit 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs, including Bitwise’s offering. This paved the way for Ethereum equivalents, with approvals accelerated to just 45 days. More recently, on January 30, 2025, NYSE Arca submitted a 19b-4 filing to list a Bitwise ETF combining Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings. These milestones demonstrate Bitwise’s expertise in navigating regulatory hurdles.

Details of the Proposed Allocation and Compliance

SEC documents reveal a disciplined investment framework. Each ETF commits at least 80% of its net assets—plus any borrowings—to the target token, affiliated ETPs, or linked derivatives during normal operations. Direct holdings cap at 60%, allowing flexibility for futures and swaps to manage volatility. Compliance relies on notional exposure calculations for derivatives, ensuring alignment without excessive leverage. Transactions will channel through vetted digital asset exchanges and OTC desks, minimizing counterparty risks. This mirrors standards set in prior ETF approvals, where similar mechanics proved effective.

Implications for Investors and the Crypto Market

For investors, these ETFs offer a compliant avenue to altcoin upside without direct custody complexities. Tokens like NEAR, SUI, and Bittensor (TAO) gain visibility through regulated wrappers, potentially boosting adoption. Bitwise’s approach addresses SEC concerns from past rejections, such as its stalled BITW conversion bid. Market observers, citing Bloomberg Intelligence reports, note hybrid models reduce approval barriers compared to pure spot products. Still, timelines remain fluid pending SEC review.

Expert Perspectives on the Filings

Industry analysts view Bitwise’s push positively. Matt Hougan, Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer, has previously emphasized hybrid ETFs’ role in bridging traditional finance and crypto. “These structures provide the liquidity and oversight investors demand,” he stated in public commentaries on ETF evolution. SEC filings reinforce this by prioritizing transparency and risk controls.

The proposals arrive amid maturing crypto infrastructure. Platforms like NYSE Arca, already hosting Bitwise products, signal readiness for listings. With an eye on 2026 activation, these 11 crypto ETFs could catalyze inflows into underrepresented tokens, fostering broader market participation.