The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved a groundbreaking new exchange-traded fund (ETF) from asset management leader VanEck — the Onchain Economy ETF, set to launch under the ticker NODE. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital asset investment products, expanding access beyond direct cryptocurrency exposure to include a diversified basket of equities powering the blockchain ecosystem.
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A Strategic Expansion into On-Chain Infrastructure
Unlike traditional spot Bitcoin or Ethereum ETFs that focus solely on holding digital assets, the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF takes a broader approach by investing in public companies that are integral to the blockchain and crypto economy. The fund is expected to hold between 30 and 60 stocks, spanning multiple high-growth sectors tied to decentralized technologies.
These include:
- Cryptocurrency mining operations
- Digital asset exchanges
- Blockchain data centers and cloud infrastructure
- Energy providers supporting mining and network operations
- Hardware manufacturers (e.g., ASIC and GPU producers)
- Traditional financial institutions integrating crypto rails
- Gaming companies leveraging blockchain for digital ownership
- Asset managers offering crypto-based financial products
By targeting firms actively building and supporting on-chain infrastructure, NODE provides investors with indirect but tangible exposure to the real-world economic activity underpinning the digital asset revolution.
Up to 25% Allocation to Crypto ETFs
One of the most innovative aspects of the Onchain Economy ETF is its ability to allocate up to 25% of its portfolio toward other regulated crypto asset exchange-traded funds. This hybrid structure allows NODE to combine direct equity investments with exposure to top-tier digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum through existing spot ETFs.
This layered investment strategy offers enhanced diversification, enabling investors to gain broad market exposure while maintaining regulatory compliance and institutional-grade custody standards. It also reflects VanEck’s belief that the future of finance will be powered by both traditional equity markets and blockchain-native assets working in tandem.
Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research and manager of the new ETF, emphasized the fund’s forward-looking vision:
“The global economy is shifting to a digital foundation. NODE offers active equity exposure to the real businesses building that future.”
With an anticipated launch date of May 14, 2025, NODE is positioned to become one of the most comprehensive investment vehicles focused on the entire blockchain value chain.
Regulatory Momentum Continues
The SEC’s approval of NODE follows a series of pivotal decisions that have gradually opened the door to mainstream crypto investing. In January 2024, the regulator greenlit the first wave of spot Bitcoin ETFs, unlocking billions in institutional capital and validating digital assets as a legitimate asset class.
Later that year, in July 2024, the SEC extended approvals to Ethereum spot ETFs, further expanding investor access to leading cryptocurrencies. More recently, firms like Franklin Templeton and Hashdex launched combined Bitcoin-Ethereum ETFs, signaling growing confidence in multi-asset crypto strategies.
VanEck itself has been at the forefront of this transformation, currently offering both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The firm has also filed applications for single-asset ETFs tied to Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX) — proposals still pending SEC review.
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Why This ETF Matters for Investors
The introduction of the Onchain Economy ETF represents a strategic evolution in how investors can engage with the crypto space:
- Diversified Exposure: Instead of betting on a single cryptocurrency, investors gain access to a curated portfolio of companies driving innovation across mining, trading, infrastructure, and finance.
- Regulated Access: All holdings are traded on public markets or via approved ETFs, providing transparency, liquidity, and compliance with U.S. securities laws.
- Active Management: Unlike passive index funds, NODE is actively managed by VanEck’s research team, allowing dynamic rebalancing based on market conditions and emerging trends.
- Future-Proofing Portfolios: As blockchain technology integrates deeper into global finance, logistics, gaming, and identity systems, early exposure through vehicles like NODE could offer long-term growth potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF?
A: It's an actively managed exchange-traded fund that invests in 30–60 publicly traded companies involved in blockchain infrastructure, including miners, exchanges, hardware firms, and energy providers. It may also allocate up to 25% to other crypto asset ETFs.
Q: What is the ticker symbol and expected launch date?
A: The ETF will trade under the ticker NODE and is expected to launch on May 14, 2025, pending final regulatory filings.
Q: Does the ETF hold actual cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum?
A: Not directly. Instead, it can invest up to 25% of its assets in other approved crypto spot ETFs, giving it indirect exposure to major digital assets.
Q: How does this differ from a spot Bitcoin ETF?
A: While spot Bitcoin ETFs hold Bitcoin directly, the Onchain Economy ETF focuses on equity investments in companies enabling the blockchain ecosystem — offering broader sector exposure rather than pure crypto price speculation.
Q: Why is the SEC’s approval significant?
A: It signals continued regulatory acceptance of crypto-linked financial products and expands institutional investment pathways beyond direct digital asset ownership.
Q: Who should consider investing in NODE?
A: Investors seeking diversified exposure to the blockchain economy without holding crypto directly — including those interested in tech innovation, infrastructure growth, and long-term digital transformation trends.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Blockchain-Centric Investing
As blockchain technology matures, investment vehicles like the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF reflect a shift toward holistic ecosystem participation. Rather than focusing narrowly on token prices, these funds emphasize the underlying businesses enabling decentralization, transparency, and financial innovation.
With strong regulatory momentum, growing institutional interest, and increasing adoption across industries, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for crypto-integrated finance. The launch of NODE not only expands choice for retail and institutional investors alike but also reinforces the legitimacy of blockchain as a foundational layer of tomorrow’s digital economy.