ARK Invest and 21Shares Launch Innovative Digital Asset ETF Suite

ARK Invest, led by the pro-Bitcoin advocate Cathie Wood, and 21Shares, a renowned exchange-traded product (ETP) supplier, have announced the launch of a new suite of digital asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This collaboration marks a pivotal step in offering investors a comprehensive range of options for integrating digital assets into their investment portfolios.

The newly launched ETF suite is unique in its approach, combining on-chain insights with traditional investment indicators. This method aims to provide a more informed and robust investment strategy in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. The suite includes the ARK 21Shares Active Bitcoin Futures Strategy ETF (ARKA), an actively managed ETF that targets 100% exposure to Bitcoin through futures contracts.

The suite, which is expected to start trading in the coming week, will be listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). It comprises five different products, each designed to cater to various aspects of digital asset investment. Notably, the suite does not offer direct investment in spot Bitcoin, as highlighted in the firms’ disclaimer. Instead, it focuses on Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts and includes a product for investing in public stocks of blockchain-related companies, named the ARK 21Shares Blockchain and Digital Economy Innovation ETF. This product aims to provide investors with holistic exposure to the advancement of blockchain technology.

The launch has sparked discussions among experts, including Bloomberg analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas, regarding the potential acceptance of Bitcoin ETF registrations by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While there is speculation that the SEC might approve all 12 ETF registrations, the analysts emphasize that this remains a hypothesis with no definitive evidence currently supporting it.

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