VanEck Launches Onchain Economy ETF for Diversified Crypto Exposure

VanEck has launched the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF, an actively managed exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with access to companies that are instrumental in building the infrastructure of the digital asset economy. The fund, listed on the Cboe exchange, is managed by Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research. NODE, as the fund is known, aims to offer a diversified and liquid investment opportunity in the rapidly expanding blockchain and crypto economy. It includes companies involved in mining and holding crypto, running exchanges, providing energy and infrastructure, or enabling blockchain-based financial services.

The fund is structured to adjust its portfolio based on how companies respond to Bitcoin price movements, allowing investors to manage risk more effectively. Sigel noted, “We will also adjust beta and volatility to maintain responsible exposure to Bitcoin and to businesses driving the growth of the onchain economy.” This strategy ensures that the fund remains flexible and adaptable to the evolving digital asset landscape. Companies do not need to be fully crypto-native to qualify for the fund; any company with clear plans to move into digital assets through public filings, earnings calls, or investor updates can be included. This flexibility allows NODE to invest in new IPOs, spinouts, or companies shifting their business strategies.

At launch, NODE’s portfolio includes a mix of traditional tech firms and newer blockchain players, covering everything from data centers and cloud computing to payment platforms that integrate blockchain. This approach aims to provide a smoother investment experience for those seeking exposure to crypto trends without the volatility associated with pure-play crypto funds. VanEck also manages the Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP), which passively tracks companies in the crypto space. The launch of NODE comes as asset managers increasingly seek to list crypto ETFs, following a shift in U.S. regulatory tone. In April, VanEck also requested approval from the SEC to launch a BNB Chain-linked ETF.

The onchain economy represents the next phase of digital transformation, built on blockchain and automation, and is quietly reshaping sectors far beyond crypto. This transformation is evident in various initiatives, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York study examining how central banks could implement monetary policy with blockchain-based smart contracts. Additionally, the use of on-chain securities, which can utilize smart contracts to transparently distribute dividends to shareholders, highlights the potential for blockchain-derived improvements in traditional financial systems.

Investors are increasingly recognizing the benefits of diversified crypto exposure. While Bitcoin remains the dominant crypto asset, history suggests that owning a basket of crypto assets can provide broader benefits. This diversification strategy is supported by the growing number of crypto-based companies debuting on exchanges, driven by the value proposition of decentralized financial systems and digital ownership. The rise of autonomous AI agents further underscores the transformative potential of blockchain technology, as these agents are reshaping the internet from compute and storage demands to blockchain-based trust systems.