List of 11 Approved Bitcoin ETFs

·

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved 11 spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a watershed moment for the cryptocurrency industry. This landmark decision opens the door for mainstream investors to gain regulated, convenient, and secure exposure to Bitcoin through traditional brokerage platforms—without the complexities of managing private keys or digital wallets. With financial powerhouses like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale now entering the crypto space, the approval signals growing institutional acceptance and could trigger a new wave of capital inflows into digital assets.

This article explores the full list of approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, their key features, fee structures, and listing exchanges. We’ll also examine the broader implications of this development and what it means for investors in 2025 and beyond.

What Is a Spot Bitcoin ETF?

A spot Bitcoin ETF is an exchange-traded fund that directly holds actual Bitcoin rather than futures contracts or derivatives. This means investors benefit from real-time price exposure to Bitcoin’s market value, backed by physically held assets stored in secure digital vaults. Unlike earlier crypto-related ETFs based on futures, spot ETFs offer transparency, lower counterparty risk, and greater alignment with the underlying asset.

👉 Discover how spot Bitcoin ETFs are reshaping investment strategies in 2025.

This structure makes them particularly appealing to both retail and institutional investors who want exposure to Bitcoin within a regulated financial framework—offering the familiarity of stock trading with the growth potential of digital assets.

The 11 Approved Spot Bitcoin ETFs

The SEC's approval covers a diverse group of asset managers, each bringing unique fee models, custodial partners, and market positioning. Below is a comprehensive overview of all 11 approved funds:

1. Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)

Listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), ARKB tracks Bitcoin using the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate. It comes with an expense ratio of 0.21%, making it one of the more competitively priced options in the lineup.

2. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)

Trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), BITB stands out with the lowest ongoing fee among all approved funds at just 0.20%. The fund provides direct ownership of physical Bitcoin, enhancing transparency and investor confidence.

3. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

As the offering from the world’s largest asset manager, IBIT is listed on Nasdaq and charges an annual fee of 0.25% (25 basis points). Notably, BlackRock offers a reduced rate of 0.12% for the first 12 months or on assets up to $5 billion—giving it a significant competitive edge in attracting early capital.

4. Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)

EZBC will trade on the CBOE with an expense ratio of 0.29%. The fund aims to reflect the performance of Bitcoin through direct holdings, appealing to long-term investors seeking simplicity and reliability.

5. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)

Also listed on the CBOE, FBTC offers a compelling value proposition: a fee waiver until July 31, 2024, after which the standard expense ratio of 0.25% applies. Fidelity’s strong reputation in retirement and institutional investing may drive substantial adoption.

6. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

Once the only major vehicle for institutional Bitcoin exposure, GBTC transitions from a private trust to a spot ETF trading on NYSE Arca. While its 1.50% expense ratio is the highest among the approved funds, its established track record and large existing investor base give it a strong market position.

7. Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI)

Listed on NYSE Arca, DEFI carries an expense ratio of 0.90%. Despite higher fees, its global focus and partnership with regulated custodians may attract international investors looking for compliant access.

8. Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)

BTCO trades on the CBOE with an initial fee of 0% for the first six months or until assets reach $5 billion, whichever comes first. After that, the annual fee is set at 0.39%. This aggressive pricing strategy is designed to capture market share quickly.

9. VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)

Another CBOE-listed fund, HODL charges just 0.25% per year, aligning with some of the lowest-cost competitors. VanEck has long advocated for crypto regulation, and this ETF reflects its commitment to accessible, compliant investing.

10. Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)

Trading on Nasdaq, BRRR has an expense ratio of 0.49%. Known for its bold branding and innovation in digital assets, Valkyrie positions BRRR as a reliable gateway for retail investors.

11. WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)

Listed on the CBOE, BTCW offers a fee waiver for the first six months on assets up to $1 billion. Its standard expense ratio is 0.30%, placing it in the mid-tier range for cost efficiency.

👉 Compare real-time performance and fees across top Bitcoin ETFs today.

Market Impact and Investor Outlook

The approval of these 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs is expected to catalyze significant capital inflows into the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Analysts project that total assets under management could exceed $50 billion within the first two years, driven by pension funds, wealth managers, and retail investors seeking diversified exposure.

Bitcoin’s price has already responded positively to the news, with many experts forecasting new all-time highs in 2025 as demand increases. The introduction of regulated ETFs reduces barriers to entry, enhances liquidity, and legitimizes digital assets in the eyes of traditional finance.

Core Keywords

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a spot Bitcoin ETF and a futures-based ETF?

A spot Bitcoin ETF holds actual Bitcoin as its underlying asset, providing direct exposure to current market prices. In contrast, futures-based ETFs track contracts that speculate on future prices, introducing roll yield risks and less precise tracking.

Which Bitcoin ETF has the lowest fee?

The Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) currently has the lowest ongoing expense ratio at 0.20%, closely followed by BlackRock’s IBIT and VanEck’s HODL at 0.25%.

Can I buy Bitcoin ETFs through my regular brokerage account?

Yes, all approved spot Bitcoin ETFs trade on major U.S. exchanges like NYSE, Nasdaq, and CBOE, making them accessible through most standard brokerage platforms—including retirement accounts.

How do ETF approvals affect Bitcoin’s price?

Historically, regulatory approvals increase investor confidence and institutional adoption. With trillions of dollars flowing through traditional financial channels, even small allocations to Bitcoin ETFs can generate substantial demand pressure.

Are spot Bitcoin ETFs safe?

These ETFs are regulated by the SEC, use third-party custodians for secure storage, and undergo regular audits—making them significantly safer than holding Bitcoin directly for many investors.

Will more Bitcoin ETFs be approved in the future?

While 11 have been approved, additional filings may emerge from other asset managers. However, competition will likely center on fee reductions, marketing, and distribution rather than further regulatory hurdles.

👉 Stay ahead of market trends with real-time data on approved crypto ETFs.