On January 15, 2025, VanEck, a major asset management business, applied to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for approval of its new exchange-traded fund (ETF) dubbed the “Onchain Economy.” The ETF seeks to invest in companies that are part of the fast-evolving digital asset ecosystem, such as software developers, cryptocurrency exchanges, infrastructure builders, mining firms, payment service providers, and other organizations involved in digital transformation.
VanEck intends to deploy at least 80% of the ETF’s assets to what it calls “Digital Transformation Companies.” VanEck will select these companies by thoroughly examining their basic characteristics, market trends, strategic positioning in the digital asset field, and value. Although the fund will not engage directly in cryptocurrencies, it will make investments in digital asset derivatives, such as commodity futures contracts.
This application is part of a larger trend in which financial institutions are increasingly looking into crypto-focused ETFs. Investors expect diversified exposure to the developing digital asset industry with the approval of such instruments, especially if regulatory conditions improve for cryptocurrency investments.
