Bitwise Asset Management has taken a major step toward launching the first US-listed NEAR ETF by registering the Bitwise NEAR ETF trust in Delaware. This move paves the way for a potential SEC filing to create an exchange-traded fund tracking NEAR the native token of the NEAR Protocol. This marks a significant moment for institutional access to altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

A NEAR ETF would simplify exposure for investors by eliminating private key management and offering real-time price transparency through daily holdings disclosure. It would be the first US-based ETF focused on the layer 1 blockchain known for scalability and developer accessibility. Competitors like 21Shares and Grayscale already offer NEAR-linked products but not as ETFs.

Bitwise continues to lead in crypto investment innovation with over $5 billion in assets and plans for ETFs tied to XRP Dogecoin and Solana. Industry momentum is accelerating under a pro-crypto US administration promising a bright future for regulated crypto investing.