Franklin Templeton Launches EZPZ ETF, Providing Exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum

Franklin Templeton, a prominent global asset manager, has recently launched a new ETF that provides investors with exposure to both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Franklin Templeton, a leading global asset manager, has announced the launch of a new ETF (exchange-traded fund) that offers investors exposure to both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The ETF, trading under the ticker EZPZ, marks a significant step in integrating digital assets into traditional finance.

The EZPZ ETF is designed to track the US CF Institutional Digital Asset Index, a market capitalization-weighted benchmark managed by CF Benchmarks. As of its launch date, the index allocates approximately 87% of its weighting to Bitcoin and 13% to Ethereum. This allocation reflects the current market dominance of these two leading cryptocurrencies.

Franklin Templeton has highlighted that this ETF provides a simplified approach for investors to access top digital assets, eliminating the challenges associated with directly buying and managing them. The EZPZ ETF also provides a convenient and low-cost way to invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum, with a sponsor fee of 0.19% that will be waived for investors until August 31, 2025.

As more cryptocurrencies are added to the underlying index, Franklin Templeton plans to expand the fund's investments, subject to regulatory approval. This proactive strategy positions EZPZ as a promising "one-stop-shop" for U.S. investors aiming for a diversified cryptocurrency portfolio with just one investment option.

EZPZ marks Franklin Templeton's newest addition to its expanding portfolio of digital asset investment offerings. This follows the successful launches of the Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC) in January 2024 and the Franklin Ethereum ETF (EZET) in July 2024.

“With EZPZ, we are providing a straightforward, low-cost method to gain exposure to this burgeoning and significant asset class,” stated Roger Bayston, the head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton.

The introduction of EZPZ comes as the US is witnessing a surge in cryptocurrency ETF initiatives. Franklin Templeton's entry into the crypto ETF market with EZPZ reflects the company's optimism regarding the evolving digital asset landscape and the increasing interest from traditional investors in gaining exposure to cryptocurrencies.