Blockchain and Crypto Exchange-traded Funds

Abstract

This chapter examines the current state of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It focuses on issues preventing wider implementation and specific products. ETFs have become a popular investment vehicle that investors use to help achieve their long-term goals. A recurring theme is that regulators protect individual investors from direct exposure to cryptocurrency, which many view as highly speculative investments. Pressure from institutions and investors for a bitcoin-based ETF made progress in 2021 when Proshares, an ETF specialized investment company, debuted the first-ever bitcoin futures ETF in the United States. This event is the first-time investors could buy a fund on the New York Stock Exchange that tracks derivative futures contracts of bitcoin. This occurrence pushed this digital asset’s spot price to all-time highs, serving as a breakthrough in cryptocurrency history.

Citation

Sookram, P.C. (2023), "Blockchain and Crypto Exchange-traded Funds", Baker, H.K., Benedetti, H., Nikbakht, E. and Smith, S.S. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook on Cryptoassets: Investment Opportunities and Challenges, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-320-620221011