"Monochrome's Crypto ETFs: A Regulated Gateway to Bitcoin and Ethereum in Singapore"

Australian crypto-asset firm Monochrome Group has made a significant stride in the digital asset landscape by registering its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs with Singapore's Monetary Authority. This strategic move marks the first Australian crypto ETFs to be approved in Singapore, offering a regulated pathway for institutions seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies amidst market volatility.

The registration of Monochrome's Bitcoin ETF (IBTC) and Ethereum ETF (IETH) as restricted schemes enables access for accredited or institutional investors through Singapore's regulated financial framework, with a minimum investment threshold of SGD 200,000 per transaction. These new products allow both Bitcoin and cash subscriptions and redemptions, catering to diverse institutional strategies in the region.

Monochrome's CEO, Jeff Yew, emphasized the importance of building robust infrastructure and providing institutions, investors, and governments with better access to Bitcoin. The firm's expansion into Southeast Asia is accompanied by strategic partnerships, notably with Anadara Capital and BitGo Trust Company, aimed at bolstering institutional services and addressing security concerns.

The Australian firm's plans for 2025 include establishing regional offices and focusing on regulatory compliance and engagements with institutions. In October 2024, Monochrome launched Australia's first "true" spot Ethereum ETF on Cboe, further cementing its position as a leader in the crypto ETF space.

Monochrome's expansion into Southeast Asia with regulated crypto ETFs from Singapore comes amid broader market turbulence, including trade tensions impacting traditional assets like equities and currencies. Institutions are increasingly viewing regulated digital asset products as portfolio hedges against geopolitical and macroeconomic instability, driving demand for compliant offerings like IBTC/IETH.

The recent crypto market bloodbath saw roughly 11.4% of its market cap wiped out over the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinGecko. Despite the short-term volatility, Yew remains confident in Bitcoin's long-term prospects, stating that institutional investors are focused on fundamentals and expanding access to the asset where it's needed most.

Monochrome's MAS-approved ETFs provide a blueprint for integrating crypto into mainstream finance through rigorous compliance frameworks, contrasting with ad-hoc approaches in volatile jurisdictions. Yew describes Bitcoin as a "unique commodity" whose short-term volatility is purely caused by fluctuations in demand, with no impact on the