Bitwise Launches NEAR Staking ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra

Frankfurt, July 3, 2025 — Bitwise Asset Management has launched the Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP (ISIN: DE000A4A5GV2) on Deutsche Börse Xetra, one of Europe’s top stock exchanges. This move marks a significant step in connecting traditional finance with decentralized technologies.

The launch was celebrated yesterday with a bell-ringing ceremony at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. NEAR Foundation Co-Founder Illia Polosukhin and Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley attended the event with their teams. This event marked the official listing of Bitwise’s newest exchange-traded product. The ETP is designed to offer investors regulated access to the NEAR Protocol, a fast and scalable Layer 1 blockchain. NEAR is gaining recognition for its AI-native features.

ETP Overview: Staked NEAR with Institutional-Grade Custody

The Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP, trading under the ticker NEAR, is backed 1:1 by NEAR tokens. These tokens are kept in cold storage by an institutional-grade custodian. The ETP tracks the CF NEAR Staked Return Index. It aims to capture both the price of NEAR and the additional staking rewards.

Unlike direct staking, which can be complex and risky, the ETP handles staking for investors. Staking rewards are collected daily and automatically reinvested. This boosts the amount of NEAR behind each unit over time.

The ETP has a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.85% per year. Bitwise targets a net staking yield of around 5.5% annually, after fees. However, the actual rate may vary depending on market and network conditions.

Bitwise has not revealed its staking partner for this ETP. In the past, it has worked with infrastructure firms like Blockdaemon.

NEAR Protocol: Where Blockchain Meets AI

NEAR Protocol, launched in 2020, is a sharded blockchain. It’s built for high performance, low fees, and ease of development. It supports over 45 million monthly active users and handles about 8 million daily transactions, based on internal data.

Recently, NEAR has moved toward the AI space. It now markets itself as a platform for user-owned AI. This includes support for decentralized AI agents and smart applications. The network puts a strong focus on privacy and open participation.

NEAR is now the second-largest AI-focused crypto by market cap, valued at $2.8 billion. It trails only Bittensor, which is valued at $2.9 billion.

Institutional Interest and Market Response

The new ETP has drawn investor interest. From July 1 to July 2, after the announcement, NEAR’s price rose 8%, moving from $2.09 to $2.18. Trading volume also increased sharply. This suggests rising institutional demand and growing optimism.

On X , the crypto community reacted positively. Many called the launch a “turning point” for NEAR’s institutional adoption. Others praised Bitwise for expanding regulated crypto investment options.

Bitwise’s Larger Mission

Founded in 2017, Bitwise Asset Management is known for building trusted crypto investment products. The NEAR Staking ETP adds to its growing lineup. The firm aims to link traditional finance with emerging blockchain tech.

Illia Polosukhin, NEAR’s Co-Founder, said:

“NEAR was built to power a new kind of internet—one where AI serves people, not platforms. This ETP brings that vision closer to investors around the world.”

Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise, added:

“Our goal is to help investors access the transformative opportunities in crypto, through education, research, and best-in-class investment products.”