Asset managers set to launch crypto ETFs in Australia next week

A slew of crypto exchange-traded funds are set to begin trading in the land down under. 

As per the Australian Financial Review, the country's main clearing house ASX Clear said that four ETF issuers have agreed to cover the margin requirements to list new crypto-related products on Cboe Australia

21Shares — which operates a number of crypto exchange-traded products in Europe — said in a press release today that it will launch a physically-backed ether and bitcoin exchange-traded fund in Australia. In the US, regulators have given the green light to futures-based crypto ETF products, but they have not approved spot-tied products to trade on US-based derivatives exchanges. 21Shares, a Switzerland-based firm, is partnering with ETF Securities to launch the two funds. They will track the price of bitcoin and ether in Australian dollars. 

"Australian investors clearly want and deserve an affordable, easy, and professional way to access the growing crypto asset class and we're delighted to continue building accessible bridges into the crypto world," said 21Shares CEO Hany Rashwan. "We're starting with Bitcoin and Ethereum but have even more exciting plans for Australian investors."

21Shares offers ETPs (exchange-traded products) tracking a wide range of assets, including Tezos and Solana. 

As per the AFR, Cosmos Asset Management is also looking to launch its own bitcoin-tied ETF on April 27. The AFR says the products could see as much as $1 billion worth of inflows.

ETFs provide a vehicles for investors to gain exposure to various assets, ranging from stocks to commodities. A bitcoin ETF has been viewed as the key to unlocking wealth advisory channels to crypto and a broader retail investor base.

This piece has been updated for clarity. 

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