Bitwise Launches Bitcoin Corporate Treasury ETF (OWNB) to Track Companies Holding at Least 1,000 BTC

The Bitwise Bitcoin Corporate Treasury ETF (OWNB) revealed that it plans to follow the performance of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations Index

A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) from Bitwise is rolling out to provide a way for corporations to put Bitcoin (BTC) in their balance sheet holdings. The Bitwise Bitcoin Corporate Treasury ETF (OWNB) plans to follow the performance of the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations Index,, which includes companies that have at least 1,000 BTC in their corporate reserves.

"Many people wonder: Why do companies buy and hold Bitcoin? The answer is simple: For the same reasons people do," said Bitwise chief investment officer Matt Hougan. "These companies see Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset that’s liquid and scarce— and not subject to the whims or money printing of any government."

This ETF provides a way for institutions to get diversified exposure to Bitcoin without having to hold the asset directly. The move comes as there has been a focus on getting more products to provide exposure to crypto in a way that is appealing to institutional traders.

This offering provides a way for both publicly traded and privately held companies to get exposure to Bitcoin in a streamlined way that is in alignment with existing US securities regulations. This provides transparency, liquidity and institutional-grade security, which is maintained through partnerships with custodians and financial service providers. The structure of the fund also minimizes tracking error relative to the underlying index.

"We believe this ETF will be a game-changer for institutions seeking to invest in Bitcoin within the regulatory framework," said Mohsin Musa, CEO of Bitwise. "In an era of macroeconomic uncertainty and an evolving regulatory landscape, our aim is to provide innovative solutions that empower investors to navigate the complexities of the digital asset ecosystem."

This offering is rolling out as corporations are showing an interest in Bitcoin due to concerns over inflation, currency devaluation and the need for diversification. However, navigating regulatory hurdles and technical barriers for making direct Bitcoin investments can be difficult for many firms. This ETF provides a way for companies to put Bitcoin in their balance sheets without needing to manage private keys or navigate complex compliance requirements.

This offering also aims to address the challenges that arise from managing illiquid and illegal cryptocurrencies. The ETF is structured to be in complete alignment with existing US federal securities regulations. This ensures that the ETF is compliant, liquid and transparent. The firm's partnership with a leading custodian provides the highest standards for asset protection and compliance.

This move could encourage more risk-averse corporations to consider Bitcoin adoption. Many firms have been hesitant to invest in crypto due to regulatory uncertainty, operational complexities and a lack of suitable investment vehicles. But, as the legal and regulatory landscape evolves, ETFs like this one are opening up new possibilities for businesses to explore digital asset investments.

This offering is rolling out as more corporations are making moves into the crypto space. In recent years, firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla have made headlines for allocating a portion of their cash reserves to Bitcoin, signifying a broader shift in thinking among large institutions.

This ETF could serve as a catalyst for broader institutional participation in the crypto market. It is likely that this offering will also encourage other asset managers to develop similar products, leading to more competition and innovation in the institutional Bitcoin investment landscape.