## Bitwise Targets Institutional Investors with Multi-Asset ETF Strategy Focusing on Major DeFi and Blue-Chip Tokens

Major cryptocurrency asset management firm Bitwise has applied for approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) to list 11 new crypto asset-linked investment trusts(ETFs). This move aims to make exposure to key blockchain and DeFi projects such as AAVE, Uniswap(UNI), and Sui(SUI) more accessible within a regulated framework.

### **Flexible Asset Allocation via Hybrid Structure**

The ETFs applied for feature a hybrid design that differs from traditional spot ETFs. Each fund allocates up to 60% of its assets to direct investments in the underlying tokens, with the remaining 40% distributed among related ETPs(Exchange-Traded Products), derivatives, swaps, and other financial derivatives.

This allocation method allows Bitwise to meet existing regulatory requirements while mitigating investor risks associated with volatility and liquidity issues. For example, the Bitwise AAVE Strategy ETF is expected to combine direct holdings of AAVE tokens (currently priced at $164.87, with a market cap of $2.50B) and futures contracts to provide appropriate price exposure.

### **Expanding Portfolio Across the Entire DeFi and Blockchain Ecosystem**

The lineup of 11 targeted tokens includes a broad range from mature DeFi protocols to emerging projects.

**Major DeFi Tokens:**
- **AAVE** ($164.87) - Liquidity protocol
- **UNI** ($5.46) - Decentralized exchange
- **TRX** ($0.29, market cap $27.79B( - Smart contract platform

**Next-Generation Blockchains:**
- **SUI** )$1.79, market cap $6.79B( - High-speed scalability platform
- **NEAR** )$1.69, market cap $2.16B( - Layer 1 chain

**Emerging Tokens:**
- **Ethena)ENA(** )$0.23, +1.78% increase( - Stablecoin-related
- **Hyperliquid)HYPE(** )$25.52, market cap $6.08B( - Derivative protocol
- **Starknet)STRK(** )$0.08( - Zero-knowledge proof scaling
- **Canton Network)CC(** )$0.14### - Enterprise chain

This portfolio structure is designed to allow investors to gain diversified exposure to smart contract ecosystems, DeFi financial infrastructure, and next-generation Layer 1 solutions all at once.

( **Market Impact of Regulatory Approval**

If approved by the SEC, these ETFs will become the first regulated crypto investment channels for U.S. investors. Compared to trading on existing crypto exchanges, investors will be able to purchase via brokerage accounts more conveniently, significantly lowering barriers for institutional and retail investors to enter.

Bitwise already offers ETFs dedicated to Solana and XRP, and this multi-asset strategy is part of the company’s expansion of its crypto product lineup. By the end of 2025, applications are also planned for Bitcoin ETFs tracking the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap, Avalanche)AVAX###, and a staking reward distribution ETF currently priced at $13.81.

**Bullish Scenario for 2026**

Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has expressed a confident outlook for a long-term upward trend despite short-term market fluctuations. His analysis suggests that, due to regulatory framework developments and accelerated inflows from large institutional investors, Bitcoin (currently $90.55K, market cap $1808.62B) will break away from its traditional 4-year cycle and reach new all-time highs by 2026.

If this bullish scenario materializes, the proposed ETF products will serve as crucial investment tools for investors to secure exposure across the entire blockchain ecosystem.