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Mike Novogratz's Galaxy Digital launches 8 crypto and blockchain indexes with partner Alerian

Reported by Markets ·Coindesk ·Modernconsensus +3 more
Aug 25, 2021· 3 min read
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Key Takeaways
  • • Galaxy Digital Holdings, led by Mike Novogratz, launched eight blockchain-focused indexes in partnership with Alerian and S-Network Global Indexes, providing passive investment vehicles tracking both cryptocurrency and blockchain equities, futures, trusts, and ETPs.
  • • The index suite covers a dual-track structure: four indexes focused on blockchain technology and four on cryptocurrency-specific assets, with both global and targeted geographical approaches, designed to provide comprehensive ecosystem exposure.
  • • Constituent holdings span traditional tech giants with crypto exposure (Facebook, Alphabet, Microsoft, Mastercard) alongside pure-play crypto entities (Coinbase, Bitfarms, Grayscale Investments, Square), enabling investors to access integrated digital-asset ecosystem exposure.
  • • Galaxy Fund Management's head of asset management, Steve Kurz, positioned the indexes as the first comprehensive offering allowing financial advisors to access the entire digital-assets ecosystem through a single indexed framework.
  • • The partnership addresses growing institutional demand for index-based exposure to digital assets as cryptocurrency gains mainstream adoption and corporate participation in blockchain infrastructure intensifies.
Summary
Galaxy Digital Holdings has formalized its entry into passive cryptocurrency and blockchain indexing through a strategic partnership with index provider Alerian and S-Network Global Indexes. The initiative marks a significant infrastructure development for institutional investors seeking structured exposure to the digital-assets ecosystem. Mike Novogratz's firm, operating through its Galaxy Fund Management division, developed the suite of eight indexes to address the expanding universe of investment vehicles and companies operating across blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.

The index architecture comprises two parallel tracks of four indexes each: one focusing on blockchain technology broadly, the other targeting cryptocurrency-specific assets. Both tracks include equally weighted, rebalanced indexes covering multiple asset classes—equities, futures, trusts, and exchange-traded products (ETPs)—with global and segmented geographical orientations. This multi-dimensional approach enables investors to customize exposure levels based on their risk tolerance and strategic positioning within digital assets.

The constituent universe reflects the maturation of crypto-adjacent investing across traditional corporations and specialized digital-asset firms. Index holdings include established technology companies with meaningful cryptocurrency initiatives—Facebook, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Mastercard—alongside specialized players including cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, mining operator Bitfarms, payments provider Square, and digital-asset manager Grayscale Investments. This hybrid composition addresses institutional investors' demands for both direct cryptocurrency exposure and exposure to established firms building blockchain infrastructure.

Galaxy Digital's Steve Kurz emphasized the strategic value proposition: "For the first time, thanks to the indexes we developed in partnership with Alerian, advisors have access to the entire ecosystem, including operating companies and crypto products traded on the open market." Alerian's COO Robert Hughes contextualized the launch within broader industry trends, stating that "index-based investing is continuously evolving and expanding into new asset classes and exposures to support the ever-growing demand from investors."

The initiative reflects accelerating institutional adoption of cryptocurrency infrastructure as digital assets transition from speculative vehicles to recognized alternative-investment allocations within diversified portfolios. By providing standardized, passively managed indexing products, Galaxy Digital positions itself to capture asset management fee flows from institutional investors seeking simplified market exposure mechanisms.

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