ASX set to welcome first cryptocurrency ETF… but there's a catch

The ASX is set to host its first crypto ETF, sort of…

a cryptocurrency blockchain miner acts with surprise upon looking at his phone while standing behind a conglomeration of technology to access cryptocurrency.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The ASX is home to more exchange-traded funds (ETF)s than most of us could imagine. Sure, you have the vanilla index funds like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) that remain uber-popular. But there are also ETFs covering what seems to be everything under the sun.

There are ETFs for crude oil, gold, silver, platinum and palladium exposure. Want an ETF that tracks the South Korean economy? Easy. Or Indian shares? Done. ASX ETFs also cover cash, property or government bonds. Like we said, everything under the sun.

Well, not exactly. There is one glaring exception. And that would be cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC). Cryptos are perhaps the only major asset class not covered by an exchange-traded fund on the ASX today.

But that might be about to change.

ETF provider BetaShares has just announced that it will be launching a cryptocurrency-based ETF, a first on the ASX. It will be known as the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF and will have the ticker code 'CRYP'.

There is a catch though. This ETF won't be directly investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) or even Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE). Rather, it will be focusing on the "global companies driving the rapidly growing crypto economy".

Will this new cryptocurrency ETF invest in Bitcoin?

BetaShares tells us that CRYP will "aim to track an index comprising a focused portfolio of more than 30 leading crypto innovators", including Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ: COIN), Riot Blockchain Inc (NASDAQ: RIOT) and MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR).

In this way, BetaShares is aiming to tap "picks and shovels" exposure to crypto rather than directly holding cryptocurrency assets — and the "complications" that come with it. You can expect CRYP's other holdings to contain companies that enable "crypto mining equipment, crypto trading venues, and other key services that allow the crypto economy to thrive".

According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, BetaShares CEO Alex Vynokur says the company is still aiming to release an ETF backed directly by cryptocurrencies but reckons the regulatory framework just isn't there yet.

"But we're well on our way," he told the AFR. "An ETF structure provides much-needed investor protection, and transparency and accountability, things that investors don't get now buying cryptocurrencies in unregulated venues."

It's not BetaShares' first attempt at a crypto-focused ETF though. Back in 2018, BetaShares announced its intentions to launch a similarly-themed ETF called the BetaShares Global Blockchain Innovators ETF (ASX code was to be BLOK). However, this ETF never launched and has presumably been put on ice.

Hopefully, this new cryptocurrency ETF from BetaShares will fare a lot better than its predecessor.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Bitcoin, Coinbase Global, Inc., and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended MicroStrategy. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ETFs

ETFs

Why Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF and these ASX ETFs could be strong buys

Let's see what makes these funds stand out.

Read more »

The letters ETF sit in orange on top of a chart with a magnifying glass held over the top of it
Dividend Investing

Boosting passive income: With a 7.6% yield, is the YMAX ETF a good option?

Is this ETF's yield too good to be true?

Read more »

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
ETFs

How much could $10,000 in these ASX ETFs be worth in 5 years?

These two set and forget options could suit long term investors. 

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a piggybank.
ETFs

Want to buy ASX growth shares? Consider these ETFs instead

Growth ETFs can be easier to invest in than shares.

Read more »

A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year
ETFs

Buy these ASX ETFs for an income boost after the RBA's interest rate cuts

These funds offer income investors some good yields.

Read more »

Woman relaxing on her phone on her couch, symbolising passive income.
ETFs

How to own a portfolio of blue chip ASX stocks in a single trade

This ETF gives you the top Aussie stocks in one foul swoop with an added twist.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
ETFs

3 exciting ASX ETFs to buy for the long term

Want to invest in global megatrends? These funds could help you.

Read more »

Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.
ETFs

Create a reliable income stream: 3 ASX ETFs with quarterly distributions

These funds pay you every three months to own them.

Read more »