21Shares Bets on Active ETFs as Crypto Investing Enters Its Next Phase

By Rachel Lourdesamy March 25, 2026 In 21Shares, ETFs, Investing
An investor's analyzing the 21Shares etf fund on screen. A phone shows the ETF's prices food commodities to invest. German text.
Source:AdobeStock
  • 21Shares is shifting toward actively managed ETFs as crypto investing evolves beyond passive price tracking.
  • The firm is expanding its teams and using combined research strategies to deliver more sophisticated products.
  • Broader market trends, including staking and regional demand differences, support the move toward active management.

21Shares is expanding its focus on actively managed exchange-traded products, signalling a shift in crypto investing as the market becomes more developed and competitive. The firm maintains that passive strategies alone are no longer sufficient to differentiate offerings in an increasingly crowded landscape.

Active ETFs allow for ongoing portfolio adjustments, enabling managers to respond to shifting market conditions rather than simply tracking the price movements of assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This approach is designed to improve risk management while seeking to capture new growth opportunities within the digital asset space.

Related: XRP Pulls Back 10% as Record Korean Exchange Withdrawals Signal Accumulation

Why Active ETFs Are Gaining Traction

To support this strategy, 21Shares has strengthened its operational capabilities by growing its trading and portfolio management teams, aiming to deliver more complex and tailored investment products. The firm’s methodology combines detailed asset research with macro-level analysis to guide decision-making.

Across global markets, active ETFs accounted for approximately US$1.8 trillion (AU$2.54 trillion) in assets by 2025, reflecting a broader move toward more hands-on investment approaches. Within crypto, this shift is accompanied by the introduction of products featuring staking and other yield-generating mechanisms.

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Investor behaviour also differs geographically, with US demand centred on established cryptocurrencies, while European institutions are exploring a wider range of assets and use cases. These trends reinforce 21Shares’ view that active management will define the next phase of crypto investment strategies.

Related: H100 Moves to Triple Bitcoin Holdings with Nordic Acquisition Deal

Rachel Lourdesamy
Author

Rachel Lourdesamy

Rachel is a freelance writer based in Sydney with experience within financial services, marketing, and corporate communications in the APAC region. An avid reader and a graduate of the University of Sydney, she covers topics including business, finance and human interest.

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