21Shares partners with Societe Generale to enhance crypto ETP liquidity in Germany/Eastern Europe

21Shares, a leading provider of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), has partnered with Societe Generale, a major European financial institution, to enhance liquidity and institutional access to its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs across Germany and Eastern Europe. Under the agreement, Societe Generale will act as a market maker for 21Shares’ crypto ETPs, including ABTC, CBTC, AETH, and CETH, on key institutional fund platforms. This collaboration leverages Societe Generale’s over-the-counter (OTC) market-making capabilities to improve trading efficiency, reduce price slippage, and provide institutional investors with greater execution quality and accessibility in the digital asset market [1].

The partnership addresses critical liquidity challenges in the crypto ETP sector, which has gained traction as a regulated alternative for investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum without directly owning volatile cryptocurrencies. By integrating Societe Generale’s infrastructure, 21Shares aims to streamline trading for institutional clients, including pension funds and asset managers, who prioritize stability and regulatory compliance [2]. The move aligns with growing demand in Europe for crypto ETPs, driven by macroeconomic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, and positions the firm to capitalize on expanding institutional adoption of digital assets [3].

Societe Generale’s involvement reflects broader acceptance of crypto products by traditional financial institutions. Martina Schroettle, Head of ETF Sales Trading UK at Societe Generale, described the partnership as “a significant milestone,” emphasizing the bank’s commitment to broadening access to innovative ETPs for European institutional clients. Alistair Byas-Perry, Global Head of Capital Markets & EMEA Investment at 21Shares, highlighted the collaboration as a strategic step to expand the firm’s institutional reach, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with SocGen, a major player in the European ETF space” [4].

The collaboration also underscores the maturing regulatory environment for crypto ETPs in the EU, where frameworks are increasingly accommodating digital assets. Analysts suggest that the partnership could catalyze further innovation in the sector, setting a precedent for similar alliances between crypto-native firms and traditional banks [5]. However, the initiative’s long-term success will depend on sustained demand for crypto ETPs and the ability of both parties to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.

21Shares’ co-CEO, Sina Meier, emphasized that the partnership “significantly enhances market liquidity and provides a robust framework for institutional investors,” signaling confidence in the role of crypto ETPs in diversified portfolios. The collaboration, announced in late July 2025, aligns with 21Shares’ broader goals of expanding institutional access to crypto markets and reinforcing its position as a key player in the European ETP ecosystem [6].

Sources:

[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 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/)

[3] [21Shares Elevates Institutional Crypto Access with Major Partnership](https://investorshangout.com/21shares-elevates-institutional-crypto-access-with-major-partnership-335966-/)

[4] [21Shares Societe Generale Partnership Powers ETP Trading](https://www.coingabbar.com/en/crypto-currency-news/shares-societe-generale-partnership-boost-crypto-etp-eu?srsltid=AfmBOooDQZhHDxCcTkzKbzXbOChqX_P0kIrCplXVbQARzJsSOiCT2Th9)

[5] [21Shares Signs ETP Market-Making Fund Platform Agreement](https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604878540)

[6] [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)