Hashdex Joins US Spot Bitcoin ETF Market with Futures ETF Conversion

Hashdex, an asset manager, has converted its futures ETF into the Hashdex Bitcoin ETF ("DEFI") to hold spot Bitcoin, marking its entry into the spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) market in the United States. The fund will allocate at least 95% of its assets to spot Bitcoin, with the remaining 5% allocated to Bitcoin futures contracts, cash, and cash equivalents.

Hashdex Enters US Spot Bitcoin ETF Market with Conversion of Futures ETF

In a significant move, Hashdex, a renowned asset manager, has announced the conversion of its existing futures exchange-traded fund (ETF) into a spot Bitcoin ETF, enabling it to hold physical Bitcoin directly. This transformative action positions Hashdex as the latest entrant in the burgeoning US spot Bitcoin ETF market.

Renaming and Conversion

On March 26, 2024, Hashdex made the official announcement, disclosing that its Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF would be renamed and converted into the Hashdex Bitcoin ETF, bearing the ticker symbol "DEFI." This strategic adjustment reflects the fund's transition to a spot Bitcoin investment strategy, effective March 27, 2024.

Asset Allocation and Investment Strategy

The newly converted ETF will allocate a substantial portion of its assets, at least 95%, to spot Bitcoin held directly. Up to 5% of the remaining assets may be invested in CME-traded Bitcoin futures contracts, as well as cash and cash equivalents. This allocation aligns with Hashdex's unwavering faith in Bitcoin as an investment opportunity with transformative potential.

Executive Perspectives

Marcelo Sampaio, Hashdex's co-founder and CEO, expressed the firm's long-held conviction in Bitcoin's generational significance since its inception in 2018. Samir Kerbage, Hashdex's chief investment officer, extended an invitation to investors from all backgrounds to join Hashdex's mission of pioneering digital asset accessibility.

Entry into Competitive Market

Hashdex's entry into the US spot Bitcoin ETF market marks a significant moment, albeit with a slight delay compared to other issuers. Nevertheless, the market has witnessed robust growth, with cumulative inflows approaching $25.5 billion, according to data from Farside Investors. BlackRock and Fidelity ETFs account for a dominant 80% of this figure.

Competitive Landscape and Fees

Amidst this competitive landscape, Hashdex's ETF will charge an annual management fee of 0.90%, placing it slightly above the industry average of approximately 0.30%. Notably, it remains below the 1.5% fee levied by the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), a prominent investment vehicle in the Bitcoin space.

Conclusion

Hashdex's conversion of its futures ETF into a spot Bitcoin ETF signals the firm's commitment to providing investors with diversified exposure to the digital asset market. Amidst a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, Hashdex's move reflects its proactive response to the growing demand for direct Bitcoin investment opportunities. As the spot Bitcoin ETF market continues to attract attention, Hashdex's entry with its competitive fee structure and innovative approach is likely to attract a substantial following.