The ARK 21Shares Active Bitcoin Ethereum Strategy ETF, managed by ARK Invest in collaboration with 21Shares, is an actively managed exchange-traded fund invested in both Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts, with an inception date of November 15, 2023. Unlike spot ETFs, which directly hold the underlying assets (in this case, Bitcoin and Ethereum), this active futures ETF invests in Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. The ETF employs an active management strategy, aiming to optimize returns by dynamically adjusting its holdings based on market conditions and blockchain analytics. As a result, the performance of a futures ETF like this one may differ from the spot prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum due to factors such as contract rollover, futures market conditions, and the effectiveness of the active management strategy. The ETF charges an annual management fee of 1%.
Ark Invest and 21Shares are two distinct entities in the digital asset industry, each playing a unique role within the ecosystem.
Ark Invest is an investment management firm founded by Cathie Wood in 2014, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The firm is known for its focus on thematic investing, particularly in disruptive innovation sectors such as technology, genomics, and fintech. Within the digital asset space, Ark Invest is recognized for its active involvement in cryptocurrency investments, particularly through its management of ETFs that include exposure to blockchain technology and digital assets. Ark Invest utilizes a research-driven approach to identify companies and sectors poised for long-term growth, leveraging its expertise to offer investors access to innovative and emerging markets.
21Shares, formerly known as Amun, is a Swiss-based financial technology company that specializes in issuing cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs). Founded in 2018, 21Shares aims to make investing in digital assets as easy as buying stocks. The company is one of the pioneers in the cryptocurrency ETP market, offering a range of products that provide institutional and retail investors with secure and regulated access to cryptocurrencies. 21Shares operates under the regulatory framework of Switzerland, adhering to stringent standards to ensure investor protection and product transparency.
Together, Ark Invest and 21Shares collaborate to bridge traditional finance with the digital asset sector, facilitating greater access and understanding of cryptocurrencies among a wider audience. Their partnership combines Ark Invest’s investment management expertise with 21Shares’ innovative product offerings, contributing to the broader adoption and integration of digital assets within mainstream financial markets.
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