#GrayscaleEyesAVESpotETFConversion

Grayscale Investments filed with the U.S. SEC on February 13, 2026, to convert its existing Grayscale Aave Trust (a closed-end private vehicle holding AAVE tokens) into a spot AAVE ETF. Planned listing: NYSE Arca under ticker GAVE. This is massive for DeFi

What's Happening?
Grayscale is following its proven GBTC playbook (Bitcoin Trust → spot Bitcoin ETF success). They're shifting the trust to a publicly traded spot ETF that directly holds real AAVE tokens (no futures/derivatives).

→ Easier access for retail & institutions via standard brokerage accounts—no wallets, no keys needed.
Key Filing Details (S-1 Registration):
Exchange: NYSE Arca.
Ticker: GAVE (Grayscale Aave ETF).
Management Fee: 2.5% annual on NAV, paid in AAVE tokens.
Custodian & Prime Broker: Coinbase (secure storage + execution, same as other crypto ETFs).
Trust AUM (as of Feb 13): ~$896K (small but growing potential post-ETF).

Timeline & Competition:
Filing: Feb 13, 2026.
Grayscale joins the race after Bitwise filed earlier (Dec 2025) for its own AAVE-linked ETF. First-mover advantage battle for the first DeFi governance token ETF in the U.S.
Builds on Bitcoin/Ethereum spot ETF wave—regulators slowly opening to altcoins/DeFi blue-chips.

What is AAVE? Why This Matters:
AAVE is the governance/utility token for Aave protocol—top DeFi lending platform (lend/borrow crypto for interest/leverage).
DeFi lending market leader with massive TVL (~$27B+).
ETF approval = huge institutional inflows → better liquidity, price discovery, and potential pumps (like post-BTC ETF surge).
Current Market Metrics (as of Feb 16, 2026):
Price: ~$125–$126 USD (down ~2-3.5% in last 24h after initial pump; high ~$131, low ~$123-124).
24h Trading Volume (Liquidity): ~$350M–$450M (solid ~20-23% of market cap ratio—high for altcoins, easy large trades).
Market Cap: ~$1.89B–$1.95B (rank #41-42 overall).
Circulating Supply: ~15.3M AAVE (out of 16M max).
→ Filing announcement sparked ~7-9% surge on Feb 14 (hit ~$128+), now consolidating. Approval could drive 2x–5x volume explosion + long-term price upside.

Bullish Impact & Realistic Outlook:
AAVE Holders: More demand from funds, pensions, 401(k)s/IRAs → higher volume/liquidity + potential price rally.
DeFi Sector: Paves way for ETFs on UNI, MKR, etc.—DeFi graduates to regulated mainstream.
Risks: SEC approval not guaranteed (hurdles for non-BTC/ETH). High 2.5% fee could face competition. Macro weakness could cap short-term hype.

Bottom Line:
This isn't hype—it's Grayscale pushing regulators to treat AAVE as a legit investable asset. If greenlit, it bridges TradFi and DeFi like never before, unlocking institutional capital for decentralized lending. Community buzzing for good reason! 🔥