Canary Capital Launches AXL-Tracking ETF to Revolutionize the Cryptocurrency Investment Landscape

Canary Capital, the digital asset-focused investment firm founded by Steven McClurg

Canary Capital, the digital asset-focused investment firm founded by Steven McClurg, formerly of Valkyrie Funds, is preparing to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that will track the price of Axelar (AXL). The firm has submitted an S-1 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin the process of rolling out the fund, which follows previous filings for other ETFs—some of which are still pending SEC approval.

According to a recent report by Decrypt, Canary Capital is aiming to create an ETF that will provide investors with a convenient and diversified way to gain exposure to the digital asset market. The firm's founders are known for their experience in traditional finance, which they plan to bring to the cryptocurrency domain.

“Axelar has one of the best dev teams in blockchain. Most viable protocols work with them on chain interoperability. There is no question that AXL will be a top 20 token by market capitalization as the market discovers them,” said Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg.

AXL is the native token of the Axelar Network, a cross-chain protocol that aims to connect different blockchains and enable decentralized and secure cross-chain transactions. The protocol distinguishes itself from other interoperability solutions by not depending on a limited number of validators, instead utilizing a proof-of-stake consensus model to make participation accessible to a broader network of stakeholders.

“We’re tying together the best parts of Web3 and traditional finance to create something truly groundbreaking,” added Sergey Gorbunov, co-founder of Axelar. “As we integrate with institutions like J.P. Morgan and Microsoft Azure, we’re also working with the most widely used decentralized applications like Uniswap and MetaMask. And now, with Brian Brooks joining our Institutional Advisory Board, we’re assembling a team that can help us navigate the complexities of traditional finance integration.”

The integration of J.P. Morgan's Kinexys and Microsoft's Azure marketplace highlights the increasing interest of major financial institutions in blockchain technology. Moreover, the recent addition of former Coinbase chief legal officer Brian Brooks to Axelar's Institutional Advisory Board further underscores this trend.

"Brian brings a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape to his role," said Gorbunov. "He knows the constraints traditional asset issuers work under and sees decentralized interoperability as the key to overcoming various systemic issues."

With experience serving as chief legal officer at Coinbase and president of the digital asset division at an institution with over $4 trillion in assets under management, Brooks is well-equipped to advise Axelar as it navigates the integration with traditional finance.

"I'm excited to be joining Axelar's Institutional Advisory Board and to contribute my experience in the cryptocurrency and traditional finance domains to help the protocol achieve its full potential," said Brooks. "Having also served as acting comptroller of the currency, I understand the regulatory framework within which institutions operate and can provide guidance on how to navigate these complexities successfully."

As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, trends suggest that stablecoins and tokenization will be crucial for enabling broader institutional adoption. Anticipation is building for upcoming regulatory developments, particularly regarding legislation for stablecoins.

Companies like PayPal, BlackRock, and Robinhood are exploring the integration of stablecoins for more efficient transactional processes, foreshadowing a new era for financial institutions. In this context, Canary Capital's initiative to launch an ETF that tracks the price of AXL could be a significant step towards increasing the accessibility and appeal of digital asset investment for institutional investors.