Bitwise Registers NEAR-Focused ETF Amid Rising Token Value

Bitwise Asset Management has registered a Delaware statutory trust for a NEAR-focused ETF as of April 24, 2025, amid a noticeable price uptick for NEAR tokens.

Bitwise’s NEAR-focused ETF is a potential game-changer, suggesting institutional interest amid continued regulatory scrutiny. NEAR’s price increase highlights growing investor confidence.

Bitwise Asset Management

Bitwise Asset Management has initiated a strategy for launching a NEAR-focused ETF by registering it in Delaware. This move follows similar approaches used for altcoins like Dogecoin and XRP. Bitwise, under CEO Hunter Horsley, remains committed to expanding blockchain-based investment avenues.

NEAR’s registration has generated considerable market activity, with its price appreciating by 6.5% within 24 hours. An additional 26% gain occurred over a week, reflecting optimistic market sentiment. Institutional exposure could be on the horizon if the ETF approval proceeds. As an industry expert remarked, “ETF applications and launches have demonstrably spurred asset price surges shortly after announcement, often followed by retracement unless broader adoption materializes.” source.

The ETF’s filing reflects the industry’s rising interest in blockchain protocols and possible liquidity boosts. While NEAR’s network didn’t showcase immediate on-chain changes, historical trends suggest increased participation and capital allocation upon similar announcements.

Regulatory Hurdles

Regulatory hurdles persist, as seen with other altcoin ETF filings facing SEC delays. However, this ETF registration might fast-track NEAR’s inclusion in institutional portfolios, subject to further regulatory approval. As Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Asset Management, noted, “Bitwise follows a methodical approach: early Delaware trust registration, then (if demand and regulatory clarity allow) submission of an S-1 application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)” source.

Bitwise’s ETF registration shines a light on the potential for broadening crypto market access. It underscores the demand for tokenized investment products, weighing heavily on future technological and regulatory landscapes. The outcome remains contingent on evolving crypto-policies.