21Shares partners with Société Générale to boost crypto ETP liquidity in Germany/Eastern Europe

21Shares AG and Société Générale, the second-largest bank in France, have entered a strategic partnership to enhance institutional access to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded products (ETPs) across Germany and Eastern Europe. The collaboration, announced on July 23, positions Société Générale as a market maker for 21Shares’ crypto ETPs, including ABTC, CBTC, AETH, and CETH, by providing over-the-counter (OTC) liquidity on key regional fund platforms. These platforms, operated by major financial institutions, serve as critical infrastructure for institutional trading, enabling broader accessibility to crypto-backed ETPs [1].

Société Générale’s role as a market maker addresses a persistent challenge in the crypto ETP space: liquidity constraints. By stabilizing trading activity for 21Shares’ products, the partnership aims to reduce slippage and price volatility risks, making crypto ETPs more attractive to institutional investors seeking hedging tools or portfolio diversification [3]. Alistair Byas-Perry, Global Head of Capital Markets and EMEA Investment at 21Shares, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the firm’s mission to deliver “efficient and trusted crypto investment solutions” to European markets. Martina Schroettle, Head of ETF Sales Trading UK at Société Générale, highlighted the bank’s enthusiasm to “support the trading of their crypto ETPs on fund platforms,” underscoring the mutual benefits of the collaboration [2].

The partnership builds on prior efforts to strengthen liquidity for 21Shares’ ETPs in the region, including a June 9, 2025, announcement outlining plans to improve market conditions [2]. It also follows 21Shares’ recent filing for a new ETF for ONDO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 22, signaling the firm’s continued expansion in institutional-grade crypto products [1]. The focus on Germany and Eastern Europe reflects the regions’ robust institutional infrastructure and regulatory clarity, which analysts identify as fertile ground for ETP adoption [5].

This development aligns with broader trends in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems. Société Générale’s participation marks a strategic shift toward digital assets by a major European bank, potentially encouraging other institutions to explore similar partnerships. The collaboration also coincides with increased institutional demand for crypto products, driven by regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) directive. While MiCA imposes stricter compliance standards, it has also legitimized digital assets as part of diversified portfolios [4].

21Shares, a leading issuer of crypto ETPs, has consistently expanded its product lineup since entering the market. The firm’s partnership with Société Générale reinforces its leadership in Europe, where crypto ETPs have gained traction as regulated instruments for institutional investors. Meanwhile, Société Générale’s market-making role signals confidence in the viability of crypto-linked products, a move that could catalyze further adoption by traditional financial players [6].

Challenges remain, however. Macroeconomic conditions and regulatory scrutiny—particularly in the wake of MiCA’s implementation—may pose headwinds for long-term adoption. Nevertheless, the partnership highlights the maturation of the crypto ETP market, with liquidity and accessibility emerging as key drivers of growth. As BlackRock and other industry leaders also enter the space, competition to provide institutional-grade crypto solutions is intensifying, likely accelerating innovation and market expansion [5].

Source:

[1] [21Shares Partners with Societe Generale to Expand Institutional Access to Crypto ETPs in Europe] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/23/3119997/0/en/21Shares-Partners-with-Societe-Generale-to-Expand-Institutional-Access-to-Crypto-ETPs-in-Europe.html

[2] [21Shares and Societe Generale Partner to Expand Institutional Access to Crypto ETPs in Europe] https://www.leaprate.com/cryptocurrency/21shares-and-societe-generale-partner-to-expand-institutional-access-to-crypto-etps-in-europe/

[3] [21Shares and Societe Generale Collaborate to Enhance Crypto ETP Liquidity in Germany/Eastern Europe] https://www.ainvest.com/news/21shares-societe-generale-collaborate-enhance-crypto-etp-liquidity-germany-eastern-europe-2507/

[4] [21Shares Signs ETP Market-Making Fund Platform Agreement with Société Générale] https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604878540

[5] [21Shares and Societe Generale Partner To Enhance Crypto ETP] https://www.tronweekly.com/21shares-societe-generale-enhance-crypto-etp/

[6] [21Shares Societe Generale Partnership Powers ETP Trading] https://www.coingabbar.com/en/crypto-currency-news/shares-societe-generale-partnership-boost-crypto-etp-eu?srsltid=AfmBOoqPAWFOXox-DhiQWFq-VKAoOnRVrh7AG1Q1zX6IHwvWKokqQSdO