SEC Approves VanEck Onchain Economy ETF Focused on Digital Asset Sector Stocks

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) from asset management leader VanEck, marking another milestone in the growing integration of digital assets into traditional finance. The newly greenlit Onchain Economy ETF, set to trade under the ticker NODE, will offer investors diversified exposure to public companies actively involved in the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem.

This development underscores the SEC’s continued, albeit cautious, openness to innovative financial products tied to the digital asset economy—following its landmark approvals of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in recent years.

What Is the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF?

The VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE) is an actively managed fund designed to invest in 30 to 60 equities of companies that play a significant role in the crypto and blockchain value chain. According to Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s head of digital assets research and portfolio manager for NODE, the fund will target real-world businesses building the infrastructure of a decentralized digital economy.

“The global economy is shifting to a digital foundation. NODE offers active equity exposure to the real businesses building that future.”

These companies span a wide range of sectors, including:

In addition to direct equity investments, the ETF will allocate up to 25% of its portfolio to other crypto-focused exchange-traded products, including existing spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. This hybrid structure allows NODE to capture both direct operational exposure and broader market sentiment within the digital asset space.

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Strategic Positioning in the Evolving Crypto Investment Landscape

The approval of NODE arrives at a pivotal moment. Since the SEC greenlit the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024—ushering in over $10 billion in net inflows—the regulatory landscape has gradually warmed to crypto-linked financial instruments. This momentum continued with the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs in July 2024, followed by the launch of combined Bitcoin-Ethereum ETFs by Franklin Templeton and Hashdex in early 2025.

VanEck itself is no stranger to crypto innovation. It currently manages both a spot Bitcoin ETF and a spot Ethereum ETF, both of which have seen steady adoption since their launches. The firm has also filed for ETFs tied to Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX), though those remain under SEC review.

NODE differentiates itself by stepping beyond direct crypto exposure and focusing instead on publicly traded equities enabling the onchain economy. This approach may appeal to institutional and retail investors seeking regulated, diversified access to blockchain growth without holding digital assets directly.

Why Invest in Onchain-Adjacent Equities?

Investing in companies that support the blockchain ecosystem—rather than cryptocurrencies themselves—offers several strategic advantages:

  1. Regulatory Comfort: Equity investments are well-understood by regulators and traditional investors, reducing compliance friction.
  2. Revenue Visibility: Unlike volatile crypto prices, many of these firms generate recurring revenue from mining fees, transaction processing, cloud services, or hardware sales.
  3. Diversification: A basket of 30–60 stocks reduces single-asset risk while maintaining thematic focus.
  4. Leverage to Infrastructure Growth: As blockchain adoption expands, demand for computing power, secure custody, and financial integration will rise—benefiting these underlying businesses.

For example, data center operators specializing in blockchain hosting are seeing increased demand due to rising network activity on Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin. Similarly, energy firms partnering with miners to utilize excess capacity are unlocking new revenue streams.

👉 Learn how infrastructure plays are becoming the backbone of crypto’s next growth phase.

Launch Timeline and Market Expectations

VanEck aims to launch the NODE ETF by May 14, 2025, pending final filings and market conditions. While expense ratios and exact holdings have not yet been disclosed, industry analysts expect low-to-moderate fees consistent with other actively managed thematic ETFs.

Market reception is anticipated to be positive, especially among ESG-conscious funds that may find indirect blockchain exposure more palatable than holding crypto directly. Additionally, financial advisors who have been hesitant to recommend volatile digital assets may view NODE as a safer entry point for clients interested in the sector.

Core Keywords Driving Search Interest

As interest in blockchain-based investment products grows, key search terms associated with this trend include:

These keywords reflect strong user intent across retail investors, financial advisors, and institutional researchers seeking reliable, up-to-date information on regulated crypto investment vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE)?

NODE is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that invests in 30–60 public companies involved in the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem, including miners, exchanges, data centers, and hardware providers. It may also allocate up to 25% to other crypto ETFs.

How is NODE different from Bitcoin or Ethereum ETFs?

Unlike spot crypto ETFs that hold digital assets directly, NODE focuses on equities of companies building blockchain infrastructure. It provides indirect exposure to the crypto economy through traditional stock market investments.

When will the NODE ETF launch?

VanEck targets a launch date of May 14, 2025, subject to final regulatory clearance and market readiness.

Does NODE hold any cryptocurrencies?

No. The fund does not hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital tokens directly. However, it may invest up to 25% of its assets in other ETFs that do—such as existing spot Bitcoin or Ethereum funds.

Why would investors choose NODE over direct crypto ownership?

NODE offers a regulated, diversified, and tax-efficient way to gain exposure to the blockchain economy without managing private keys or facing direct crypto volatility. It's ideal for conservative investors or those using traditional brokerage accounts.

Has the SEC approved other crypto-related ETFs recently?

Yes. Following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 and Ethereum ETFs in July 2024, the SEC has shown increasing openness to crypto-linked products—especially those structured within existing securities frameworks.

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Final Thoughts: A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and Web3

The VanEck Onchain Economy ETF represents more than just another financial product—it’s a bridge between Wall Street and Web3. By focusing on real businesses with tangible roles in the digital economy, NODE offers a pragmatic path for mainstream capital to participate in blockchain innovation.

As regulatory clarity improves and institutional demand grows, funds like NODE could become core components of modern portfolios—blending growth potential with compliance, transparency, and diversification.

For investors watching the evolution of digital finance, May 14 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in accessible, secure, and strategic blockchain investing.