Franklin Templeton proposes Bitcoin, Ethereum ETF merger: What it entails

  • Franklin Templeton proposed a Bitcoin and Ethereum index ETF, combining both assets in one fund.
  • Hashdex plans to launch a groundbreaking ETF directly holding spot Bitcoin and Ethereum.

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience navigating the ever-evolving financial markets, I find myself intrigued by these recent developments in the crypto space. Franklin Templeton’s proposal for a Bitcoin and Ethereum index ETF is a strategic move that aligns with the growing interest in digital assets among institutional investors. However, it’s interesting to note this proposal comes amidst outflows from BTC ETFs, suggesting a cautious approach might be warranted.


As a crypto investor, it’s exciting to know that Franklin Templeton Investments, a renowned asset manager with trillions under its belt, has taken a significant step towards the future. They’ve proposed an idea to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – the creation of an index exchange-traded fund (ETF) that includes Bitcoin [BTC] and Ethereum [ETH]. This could potentially make it easier for investors like me to diversify our crypto holdings through a more traditional investment vehicle.

Should it be accepted, this proposal allows for the unification of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) within a combined investment fund. This setup offers an efficient avenue for investors to access and diversify their holdings across these two popular digital currencies.

The proposed ETF would include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and cash equivalents—short-term securities maturing in less than three months—allowing investors to engage with these cryptocurrencies without directly owning them.

Franklin Templeton proposes Bitcoin, Ethereum ETF merger: What it entails

It’s interesting to note that despite Bitcoin ETFs experiencing withdrawals totaling $52.9 million during the same period, Ethereum ETFs witnessed investments of $19.8 million, according to Farside Investors.

How will it impact the crypto market?

Speaking of which, Franklin Templeton’s suggested Bitcoin and Ethereum Crypto Index ETF represents a pioneering step as it will unite Bitcoin and Ethereum for the first time in a single index investment product.

As a crypto investor, I find it exciting to learn about an ETF that’s been designed with us in mind. This ETF aims to make investing easier for everyone, be it institutional or retail investors, by offering a straightforward pathway to the two largest cryptocurrencies in terms of market capitalization.

Remarking on the same, an X user said,

Franklin Templeton proposes Bitcoin, Ethereum ETF merger: What it entails

Just as anticipated, this action would also simplify the intricacies and price fluctuations commonly linked to cryptocurrency trading platforms.

What’s more to it?

As an analyst, I’d like to inform you that we’ll be offering our fund in increments of 50,000 shares. The price for each share will be determined by calculating the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the underlying Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings.

As a researcher studying the topic, I’d like to highlight that this ETF deliberately abstains from participating in yield-producing activities related to its digital assets. Instead, it adopts a straightforward strategy when it comes to cryptocurrency investments.

Providing further insights, the filing noted, 

In simpler terms, the Delaware Trust Company, a part of Corporation Service Company, acts as the trustee (Trustee). The Bank of New York Mellon holds the fund’s cash and cash equivalents (Cash Custodian) and additionally serves in dual roles as the fund’s administrator and transfer agent (Administrator or Transfer Agent).

It further added, 

1) “In this arrangement, Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (referred to as the ‘Digital Custodian’) will safeguard the Fund’s bitcoin and ether. As outlined in the Registration Statement, each share you own represents a proportionate part of the Fund’s total assets.

The final decision about the fund depends heavily on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s assessment, especially regarding their stance on anti-fraud precautions.

In essence, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) tends to endorse Cryptocurrency Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) following their verification of stringent measures designed to deter fraudulent activities and market manipulation within controlled future trading environments.

Hashdex’s Crypto Index ETF proposal

Similarly to Franklin Templeton, Hashdex, a well-known crypto asset manager, has also been working on the development of a groundbreaking ETF. This ETF is planned to directly invest in both Bitcoin and Ethereum, much like what was announced back in July.

Additionally, the company filed its S-1 registration document with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This move places the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF as a possible groundbreaker within the American market.

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2024-10-04 05:12