VanEck Files for First US BNB ETF

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By Maxwell Reed

Seeking to broaden investment horizons for US participants, asset manager VanEck has formally applied to introduce an exchange-traded fund (ETF) centered on Binance Coin (BNB). This initiative marks a significant step towards potentially offering American investors regulated exposure to one of the market’s most prominent digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Pioneering a US-Based BNB ETF

VanEck has submitted official paperwork to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) detailing its proposal for the first US-based ETF exclusively tracking BNB. While exchange-traded products offering exposure to BNB are available in other jurisdictions, particularly Europe, VanEck’s proposed fund would be unprecedented within the United States market.

The filing highlights a structure that might not only hold BNB directly but could also incorporate staking mechanisms. This feature could potentially allow the fund to generate extra returns for its investors, a characteristic not typically found in standard spot crypto ETFs. Preparations for this launch appear to have been ongoing, as evidenced by VanEck registering a related trust entity in Delaware back in April.

Market Reaction and Institutional Interest

Although the price of BNB saw a minor dip in the days leading up to the announcement, the news itself sparked a notable increase in market activity. Daily trading volume for BNB surged considerably, climbing to over $1.4 billion. This jump suggests heightened anticipation among traders regarding the potential impact of a dedicated ETF.

Currently trading just below the $600 mark, BNB sentiment seems to be gathering positive momentum. Market observers widely believe that the approval of such an ETF could significantly enhance accessibility, especially for institutional investors who have previously been cautious about direct engagement with the cryptocurrency markets.

VanEck’s Broader Crypto Strategy

This move by VanEck is consistent with its demonstrated interest in expanding regulated crypto investment options. The firm had previously made efforts towards launching an ETF focused on Avalanche (AVAX). These actions collectively point towards a deliberate strategy by VanEck: to provide investors with structured and regulated vehicles for accessing a wider array of digital assets, moving beyond the most established cryptocurrencies.

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