Bitwise Files Preliminary Paperwork for NEAR Protocol ETF

Bitwise Asset Management continues its push to broaden the accessibility of digital assets through regulated investment vehicles. The company has recently taken initial measures towards launching an an exchange-traded fund (ETF) centered on the NEAR Protocol, signaling its intent to further diversify its crypto-related offerings.

Preliminary Steps for NEAR ETF

Public records from Delaware confirm that Bitwise submitted registration paperwork for the “Bitwise NEAR ETF” via a statutory trust. This filing represents a foundational move, establishing the necessary legal structure within the state, although it is not yet a formal application submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for approval.

Hunter Horsley, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Bitwise, acknowledged this preparatory filing. It marks another step in the firm’s efforts to expand its suite of digital asset ETFs available to investors.

Part of a Wider ETF Initiative

This action concerning NEAR is consistent with Bitwise’s recent activities. The asset manager has made similar preliminary filings in Delaware for potential ETFs based on other cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Aptos, and XRP. Some of these initiatives, such as the proposed Bitwise Dogecoin ETF, have already advanced to the stage of formal registration filings with the SEC.

These moves underscore Bitwise’s strategy to proactively create frameworks capable of supporting regulated investment products. By doing so, the company aims to bridge the gap between emerging digital assets and established traditional financial markets, catering to the growing investor interest in cryptocurrency ETFs.