Key Takeaways
- • 21Shares' cryptocurrency ETPs received recognition in Fortune's inaugural Crypto 100 ranking, a research-based benchmark identifying the most influential companies defining the blockchain industry and essential to its long-term success.
- • 21Shares operates 100% physically backed and compliant ETP structures tracking individual cryptoassets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, established as the world's first physically-backed crypto ETP provider in 2018 with a seven-year operational track record.
- • The company manages approximately $11.3 billion in assets under management as of the current period, with single-asset and diversified index ETP offerings catering to institutional and retail investors seeking regulated crypto exposure.
- • Global crypto ETPs experienced significant market volatility in May 2026, with approximately $2.6 billion in net outflows reversing April's $2.8 billion in gains, reflecting broader market pressure on cryptocurrency investment products.
- • 21Shares recently expanded geographic reach, bringing spot Bitcoin ETPs to the Middle East—identified as a strategically important market—while also launching new products such as the Hyperliquid ETF with staking rewards.
Summary
21Shares has earned recognition in Fortune's inaugural Crypto 100, a definitive ranking of the most influential companies in the blockchain industry. The research-based benchmark identifies firms essential to the long-term success of the cryptocurrency sector, and 21Shares' inclusion reflects its established position as a leading provider of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products. Fortune's inaugural ranking draws on rigorous data to establish a definitive benchmark in an evolving market.
As the world's first physically-backed cryptocurrency ETP provider, 21Shares has built a seven-year operational track record since its establishment in 2018. The company structures its offerings as 100% physically backed and compliant exchange-traded products that track individual cryptoassets, primarily Bitcoin and Ethereum. This approach addresses a key institutional requirement—transparent, regulated exposure to digital assets without direct custody complexity. 21Shares currently manages approximately $11.3 billion in assets under management across single-asset ETPs, diversified index ETPs, leveraged crypto ETFs, and actively managed crypto ETFs.
Recent market dynamics have influenced the broader ETP landscape. Global cryptocurrency ETPs experienced a sharp pullback in May 2026, with approximately $2.6 billion in net outflows, reversing April's positive performance of $2.8 billion in gains. U.S. Bitcoin ETFs led this contraction, signaling institutional rebalancing or risk-off positioning during the period. Despite these near-term headwinds, 21Shares has continued product expansion and geographic diversification, bringing spot Bitcoin ETPs to the Middle East—a region increasingly recognized as a strategic hub for cryptocurrency companies and institutional adoption.
21Shares' product innovation includes recent launches such as the Hyperliquid ETF with staking rewards, expanding investment optionality for allocators seeking yield-bearing crypto exposure. The company's fee structure—with Swiss-traded Bitcoin (ABTC) and Ethereum (AETH) products charging 1.49% total expense ratio—positions it competitively within the ETP market. The Fortune Crypto 100 recognition underscores 21Shares' role as an essential infrastructure provider in bringing regulated, institutional-grade cryptocurrency investment products to global markets.
As the world's first physically-backed cryptocurrency ETP provider, 21Shares has built a seven-year operational track record since its establishment in 2018. The company structures its offerings as 100% physically backed and compliant exchange-traded products that track individual cryptoassets, primarily Bitcoin and Ethereum. This approach addresses a key institutional requirement—transparent, regulated exposure to digital assets without direct custody complexity. 21Shares currently manages approximately $11.3 billion in assets under management across single-asset ETPs, diversified index ETPs, leveraged crypto ETFs, and actively managed crypto ETFs.
Recent market dynamics have influenced the broader ETP landscape. Global cryptocurrency ETPs experienced a sharp pullback in May 2026, with approximately $2.6 billion in net outflows, reversing April's positive performance of $2.8 billion in gains. U.S. Bitcoin ETFs led this contraction, signaling institutional rebalancing or risk-off positioning during the period. Despite these near-term headwinds, 21Shares has continued product expansion and geographic diversification, bringing spot Bitcoin ETPs to the Middle East—a region increasingly recognized as a strategic hub for cryptocurrency companies and institutional adoption.
21Shares' product innovation includes recent launches such as the Hyperliquid ETF with staking rewards, expanding investment optionality for allocators seeking yield-bearing crypto exposure. The company's fee structure—with Swiss-traded Bitcoin (ABTC) and Ethereum (AETH) products charging 1.49% total expense ratio—positions it competitively within the ETP market. The Fortune Crypto 100 recognition underscores 21Shares' role as an essential infrastructure provider in bringing regulated, institutional-grade cryptocurrency investment products to global markets.
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