The European digital assets market is leveling up! French banking giant Société Générale has officially partnered with 21Shares, a leading issuer of crypto exchange-traded
products (ETPs). The goal? To supercharge the market liquidity of cryptocurrency-related ETPs across key regions on the continent. 📈
Boosting Liquidity
for 21Shares' Crypto Products
Société Générale, one of Europe’s top banks, is throwing its weight
behind the trading of several crypto ETPs from 21Shares. These are publicly listed investment products
backed by cryptocurrencies, which allow institutional investors to gain exposure to assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum without the complexities of holding them directly.
This landmark
partnership is set to especially benefit investors in Germany and Eastern
Europe, where there's a growing appetite for regulated crypto products. According to the announcement, this collaboration
will enhance access to these ETPs and streamline their trading on platforms favored
by institutional clients.
As part of the deal, Société Générale will act as a market maker for several of 21Shares' most popular products, including their Bitcoin ETPs (ABTC, CBTC) and Ethereum ETPs (AETH, CETH). By stepping in as a market maker,
the bank will provide over-the-counter (OTC) liquidity to facilitate smoother
and more efficient transactions. In simple terms, Société Générale will help ensure that buyers and sellers can trade
more easily, at better prices, and with minimal delays. ✅
Alistair Byas-Perry,
Global Head of Capital Markets & EMEA Investment at 21Shares, stated that this partnership is a key part of the
company's mission to offer effective and reliable crypto investment solutions.
He emphasized that the added liquidity for their Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs will significantly strengthen this mission.
Echoing this
sentiment, Martina Schroettle, Head of ETF Sales Trading (UK) at Société Générale, called the agreement a "great
milestone." She added:
"Société
Générale is thrilled to partner with 21Shares, a leading provider of
cryptocurrency ETPs, to support the trading of their Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs
on fund platforms. This is a major step forward in our commitment to providing
innovative liquidity solutions and improving access to a wide range of ETFs and
ETPs for our clients."
Why
Are Crypto ETPs So Hot with Big Investors? 🔥
Across Europe,
investors are already trading crypto ETPs on major exchanges like Deutsche Börse XETRA and
the SIX Swiss Exchange. Most of these transactions are handled by authorized
intermediaries, which are commonly used by institutional investors.
The partnership
between 21Shares and Société Générale builds on this existing ecosystem by strengthening
trading flows. With the backing and liquidity of a major bank, professional
investors can now expect better execution and greater confidence in the
products they are buying. This support comes at a perfect time, as institutions
are showing more and more interest in regulated digital assets.
So, what makes crypto ETPs so appealing to large portfolios? 🤔 Here
are a few key reasons:
·
They are regulated, allowing for seamless integration into existing
investment portfolios.
·
They adhere to strict standards, reducing risks associated with hacking, theft, or
asset mismanagement.
·
They eliminate technical barriers: no need to manage digital wallets or interact
directly with the blockchain.
·
They offer transparent exposure to assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum through trusted platforms.
·
They provide institutions with a flexible way to diversify their portfolios and manage risk.
21Shares
Forecasts a Surge in Assets Under Management 💰
In its latest
semi-annual update, 21Shares reported that total assets under management in
global crypto ETPs have hit an impressive $180 billion. The firm
predicts this figure could grow substantially if market conditions continue to
improve.
According to their
projections, a 38% rise in digital asset valuations would be enough to push global assets
under management past the $250 billion mark. These forecasts highlight a clear
trend of increasing institutional involvement, driven by easier access to
compliant crypto products.
The partnership with Société Générale is a major catalyst in this adoption trend. With a
more robust infrastructure and enhanced market liquidity, crypto ETPs are becoming increasingly attractive for long-term
investors. For example, crypto investment products attracted $17.8 billion in
the first half of 2025—a figure close to the $18.3 billion recorded during the
same period last year.
