Bitwise Launches ETF Question On NEAR Protocol

Bitwise's application for a new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) focused on NEAR Protocol (NEAR) has attracted a lot of attention in the cryptocurrency investment industry.
The introduction of the NEAR Protocol ETF application represents Bitwise's first attempt to enter the US market with this type of product, while showing a bold approach to expanding its altcoin investment offerings.

Bitwise And The Push Towards ETFs On NEAR

Bitwise is leading the proposition of several crypto investment vehicles at a time of strong growth in demand for ETFs in the US. The firm has explored non-traditional ETF options including ETFs on Dogecoin (DOGE) and Aptos (APT), as well as more conventional propositions on XRP and Bitcoin/Ethereum. Bitwise's decision to offer an ETF on NEAR demonstrates its commitment to expanding investor access to a wide range of digital assets.

At present, the public does not have detailed information on the ETF's application on NEAR, as only the initial application document has been released. Details about the structure and operation of the fund have not yet been released.

The full documentation of Bitwise's application and further announcements from the SEC are expected to be eagerly awaited by investors and industry experts who need further information on the proposed product. The ETF on NEAR is expected to adopt a similar structure to other recent altcoin ETF projects promoted by Bitwise.

NEAR Protocol was launched in late 2020 as a layer-one blockchain that uses the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism to ensure security and validate transactions. The structure of the network is designed to better support developers intent on creating and launching decentralised applications (dApps).

NEAR's blockchain implements a sharding technique that divides data across multiple sub-chains, assigning each a distinct set of validators. This parallel processing architecture aims to significantly improve transaction speed and network efficiency.
Interest in NEAR grew towards the end of last year, but involvement in crypto discussions remained limited during 2025. Bitwise's initiative to launch an ETF on NEAR promises to attract new investment and funding to the project.

The price of NEAR has recently shown strong positive momentum, evidenced by a 25 per cent increase over the past two weeks, after a drop in mid-April. This price increase is not directly related to demand for the ETF, but the possibility of creating a new investment vehicle could boost investor confidence.
Bitwise holds a number of pioneering ETF propositions that define its current strategic approach. An ETF on NEAR should compete in an increasingly crowded market as altcoin-focused ETFs continue to grow.

As the market for specialised investment vehicles develops, the competitive environment could lead to lower profits per product.
The success of the ETF on NEAR will depend on regulatory approval, market demand and the performance of the NEAR Protocol ecosystem.