The final week of December delivers a clear message: the ETF race is not slowing down. From crypto-native firms to legacy asset managers and politically brandedThe final week of December delivers a clear message: the ETF race is not slowing down. From crypto-native firms to legacy asset managers and politically branded

ETF Filings Accelerate As Crypto Products Flood The SEC

2026/01/01 04:30

The final week of December delivers a clear message: the ETF race is not slowing down. From crypto-native firms to legacy asset managers and politically branded issuers, the push to package exposure into exchange-traded products intensifies as 2025 draws to a close.

Between Dec. 22 and Dec. 30, filings, launches, and record inflows reshape the ETF landscape across both digital assets and traditional commodities. Crypto takes center stage, but gold and silver quietly remind markets they still command deep institutional demand.

This wave of activity reflects more than end-of-year housekeeping. It signals growing confidence that regulatory pathways are opening, investor appetite remains strong, and issuers want first-mover advantage where possible.

Bitwise Files Eleven Crypto ETF Applications In One Move

On Dec. 30, Bitwise makes one of the boldest statements of the period. The asset manager files 11 separate crypto ETF applications with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a single day.

The proposed products span a wide range of assets, including AAVE, UNI, ZEC, CC, ENA, Hyperliquid, NEAR, STRK, SUI, TAO, and TRX. The breadth of the lineup stands out. Rather than focusing only on large-cap or previously approved assets, Bitwise casts a wide net across DeFi, layer-1s, privacy-focused coins, and emerging ecosystems.

This strategy suggests Bitwise is positioning early, even if approvals take time. Filing now secures a place in line and signals long-term conviction in diversified crypto exposure through regulated vehicles.

The move also reflects shifting expectations around what the SEC may consider viable in the coming cycle. As market infrastructure matures and surveillance-sharing frameworks expand, issuers appear increasingly willing to test the boundaries of what qualifies for ETF treatment.

The filings were first highlighted by BlockFlow News, underscoring the scale of Bitwise’s submission and its potential implications for the broader ETF market.

Grayscale Advances Bid To Launch First Bittensor ETF

Also on Dec. 30, Grayscale takes a significant step forward in expanding its ETF lineup. The firm submits a Form S-1 with the SEC to convert the Grayscale Bittensor Trust into an exchange-traded fund.

Upon approval, the product will be renamed the Grayscale Bittensor Trust ETF and listed on NYSE Arca. The trust currently trades under the ticker GTAO, and the conversion would mark a major milestone not only for Grayscale but for the Bittensor ecosystem itself.

If approved, the product would become the first TAO ETP in the United States, extending Grayscale’s track record of bringing novel crypto exposures to public markets ahead of competitors. For Grayscale, this represents another “first,” reinforcing its strategy of converting legacy trusts into ETFs as regulatory conditions evolve.

The filing moves the product one step closer to full ETF status, transitioning from a closed-end trust structure toward a more liquid, accessible vehicle. Grayscale confirms the submission publicly, framing it as part of its broader mission to expand regulated crypto access.

Leveraged And Thematic ETFs Expand The Playbook

Beyond spot and trust conversions, December also sees expansion in leveraged and thematic offerings.

Defiance launches the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF (BTFL), a leveraged product designed to deliver 200% of Bitfarms’ daily share price movement. The ETF targets traders seeking amplified exposure to Bitcoin mining equities rather than the underlying asset itself.

Leveraged ETFs carry higher risk and are typically designed for short-term positioning, but their continued rollout signals sustained demand for tactical instruments tied to crypto-adjacent companies.

At the same time, Trump Media enters the ETF arena with a distinctly branded approach. The company announces the launch of five Truth Social-branded ETFs on the New York Stock Exchange.

The lineup includes:

  •  TSSD – American Security & Defense
  •  TSFN – American Next Frontiers
  •  TSIC – American Icons
  •  TSES – American Energy Security
  •  TSRS – American Red State REITs

These products lean heavily into political and cultural themes, reflecting a broader trend of identity-driven investment vehicles. While not crypto-focused, their launch adds to the crowded ETF field and highlights how branding and narrative increasingly intersect with capital markets.

Gold And Silver See Massive Inflows Ahead Of Year-End

While crypto ETFs dominate headlines, traditional commodities quietly post some of their strongest inflows in months.

On Dec. 23, the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold ETF, reports a 12.02-tonne daily inflow, lifting total holdings to 1,064.56 tonnes. The move marks a notable return of institutional interest in gold as investors rebalance portfolios ahead of year-end.

Silver follows with even more dramatic figures. The iShares Silver Trust records a 533.01-tonne inflow on the same day , its largest single-day increase since January 2023. Total holdings rise to 16,599.25 tonnes.

These inflows suggest that despite enthusiasm around digital assets, traditional safe-haven commodities continue to attract capital, particularly during periods of macro uncertainty and portfolio reallocation.

The timing is notable. As crypto issuers push new products through regulatory channels, metals quietly absorb capital at scale, reinforcing their role as portfolio anchors.

What The Late-December ETF Surge Signals For 2026

Taken together, the developments between Dec. 22 and Dec. 30 paint a clear picture. ETF issuance is accelerating, not consolidating. Issuers are expanding across asset classes, risk profiles, and narratives, all while testing regulatory appetite.

Crypto ETF filings are becoming more ambitious, both in scope and in asset selection. Grayscale continues to leverage its early-mover advantage, while Bitwise pushes breadth. Leveraged and politically themed ETFs show that innovation is not limited to asset exposure alone.

At the same time, the surge in gold and silver inflows serves as a reminder that capital allocation remains diversified. Investors are not choosing one asset class over another. They are positioning across the spectrum.

As 2026 approaches, the ETF market looks set to become even more competitive. The filings and launches of late December are not just end-of-year noise. They are opening moves in what is shaping up to be another defining year for exchange-traded products.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

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