Over Five New Crypto ETF Applications Filed This Week

The U.S. crypto ETF market is becoming more active. This week, over five new applications were sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission, showing growing interest in digital asset funds even during the government shutdown. Companies are moving fast to enter a market that is still largely untapped.

The applications include both standard Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and more experimental products like leveraged and staking-focused funds. While approvals may take time, the variety and number of filings indicate strong investor interest.

Ethereum Staking ETF From VanEck

VanEck gained attention this week after filing for the VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF. The fund will follow stETH, Lido’s liquid staking token that represents deposited Ethereum and earned rewards. Holding stETH allows investors to earn yields while keeping their funds liquid, which sets it apart from regular ETH.

Liquid staking is becoming more common as Ethereum’s staking network expands. Lido currently manages about 8.5 million ETH, worth around $33 billion, with an average yield of 3.3%. VanEck’s new ETF aims to make these returns available to traditional investors through a regulated product.

The Delaware-based trust, registered earlier this month, shows VanEck’s plan to move quickly once approval is granted. Analysts say this type of ETF could attract investors who want Ethereum exposure with added yield. If approved, it may lead to more staking-related ETFs in the future.

New Bitcoin ETFs from ARK Invest

ARK Invest, under Cathie Wood’s leadership, filed for three new Bitcoin ETFs this week. The ARK Bitcoin Yield ETF will employ strategies like selling options to generate income, while the ARK DIET Bitcoin 1 and 2 ETFs offer structured downside protection with varying levels of upside potential.

These ETFs are meant for investors who want some security but also want to benefit from Bitcoin’s growth. The DIET ETFs are for those cautious about volatility, while the yield-focused fund appeals to investors looking for regular income from crypto.

The filings show ARK’s goal of combining traditional ETF ideas with new crypto strategies. Experts think these ETFs could attract both retail and institutional investors looking for regulated, income-focused options.

Issuers File for More Complex Crypto Funds

At the same time, niche and leveraged products are rapidly expanding. 21Shares has filed for a leveraged ETF that offers 2x exposure to the Hyperliquid token HYPE. The leverage applies to daily moves, not long-term performance, which makes it more useful for traders who focus on short-term volatility.

Volatility Shares has also joined in, filing for ETFs with 3x and 5x leverage linked to cryptocurrencies and major U.S. stocks. These filings show rising interest in more advanced trading tools within the ETF market.

However, progress has slowed because of the 17-day government shutdown, which has paused SEC decisions. Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas called the surge of filings a “land rush,” saying that some of these niche ETFs could grow into billion-dollar funds.

What Does It Mean?

The rise in crypto ETF filings shows growing interest in digital assets from both traditional and new fund managers. From Bitcoin ETFs that focus on yield to Ethereum staking and specialized funds, companies are offering more options for different investors.

Approval timing is still uncertain due to the government shutdown, but the variety of filings shows strong demand for regulated crypto products. If approved, these ETFs could bring more people into the crypto market and create new opportunities for investors.