Bitwise, a leading crypto asset manager, has filed an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a new Avalanche-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). This move aims to provide investors a regulated and straightforward way to gain exposure to AVAX, the native token of the Avalanche blockchain.

The Bitwise Avalanche ETF is structured to offer direct exposure to AVAX by holding the token itself, rather than using derivatives. This approach allows investors to participate in the performance of Avalanche without needing to manage wallets or private keys, addressing one of the main barriers for traditional investors entering the crypto market. The assets in the ETF will be securely stored by Coinbase Custody, which is regulated under New York banking law and provides cold storage protection.

Shares of the ETF are expected to be listed on a U.S. exchange under a yet-to-be-disclosed ticker symbol. The fund’s net asset value will be tied to the CME CF Avalanche–Dollar Reference Rate, giving investors a transparent benchmark for tracking performance.

The S-1 filing follows Bitwise’s registration of the trust in Delaware, further signaling growing demand and regulatory momentum for crypto ETFs. With institutional players like VanEck and Grayscale also submitting Avalanche ETF proposals, interest in blockchain-based investment vehicles is clearly rising.

An ETF focused on AVAX can broaden investor access by packaging cryptocurrency exposure into a familiar regulated product. This structure not only streamlines the investment process but also helps manage risks compared to unregulated platforms. As the digital asset landscape evolves, such offerings could serve both new and experienced investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with emerging blockchain technologies.