VanEck Launches NODE ETF for Blockchain Equity Exposure
2min read VanEck, a prominent asset management firm, is set to launch a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) named 'NODE' on May 14, 2025. This ETF will not directly hold cryptocurrencies but will instead focus on traditional equities that are linked to blockchain and crypto innovation. The fund will trade on U.S. markets under the ticker symbol NODE and will be actively managed, including between 30 and 60 holdings selected from a wider pool of over 130 publicly traded firms with links to blockchain, mining, and other crypto-related services.
NODE will invest in companies that operate in areas connected to blockchain and crypto services. These will include public exchanges that support digital asset trading, companies that mine cryptocurrencies, data center providers, payment processors, and hardware firms that support blockchain networks. The ETF may also include firms that hold crypto assets on their balance sheets. VanEck’s head of digital assets research, Matthew Sigel, who will manage the fund, explained the reasoning behind NODE: “Our goal with NODE is to focus on businesses actively building digital infrastructure across global markets.”
The ETF will not directly hold cryptocurrencies. Instead, it will focus on traditional equities that are linked to blockchain and crypto innovation. This gives investors access to the digital economy without needing to buy individual crypto assets. According to the official filing, NODE will invest at least 80% of its total assets in either digital asset-related companies or financial instruments that are linked to digital technologies. These may include futures, options, exchange-traded products (ETPs), and other securities tied to the sector.
To manage exposure to derivatives, the fund includes an offshore subsidiary registered in the Cayman Islands. This setup allows indirect investment in certain crypto-linked contracts while following U.S. tax rules. The investment in this subsidiary will be limited to no more than 25% of the fund’s total assets per quarter. The ETF will not invest in stablecoins and will focus on firms showing material involvement in digital asset operations. This includes companies across different regions and industries, including small- and mid-sized businesses and emerging market equities.
NODE is part of VanEck’s wider effort to build investment tools that follow the transition of industries into blockchain-based models. Unlike spot ETFs, which track crypto prices directly, NODE is designed to follow the performance of companies building and operating within the blockchain economy. The SEC approved NODE’s registration earlier this month, allowing VanEck to move forward with the public launch in May.
VanEck has previously launched and filed for several digital asset-related products. Its spot Bitcoin ETF, HODL, currently manages over $1.2 billion in assets. In addition, the firm was among the first to file for Solana and BNB-related ETFs, further expanding its crypto product offerings. The launch of the NODE ETF by VanEck is a significant development in the financial industry, as it provides a new avenue for investors to engage with the crypto market. The ETF's focus on traditional equities linked to blockchain and crypto innovation aligns with the growing interest and investment in digital assets. This move by VanEck reflects the increasing demand for investment products that offer exposure to the crypto industry without the complexities and risks of directly holding cryptocurrencies.
