21Shares AG, the Swiss issuer of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETP), has announced a significant breakthrough.
21Shares AG, a Swiss issuer of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETP), has announced a significant development for four of its main ETPs linked to bitcoin and ethereum.
These products, listed on the London Stock Exchange, will undergo an update of their reference prices and the introduction of a new index administrator. The decision, which will take effect from March 26, 2026, represents an important step towards greater transparency and reliability in digital asset markets.
Update Details: FTSE International Limited as the New Administrator
Starting from the established date, FTSE International Limited will be appointed as an additional index administrator for the 21Shares ETP program. This decision entails a substantial change in the methodology for calculating the reference prices of the crypto assets used for these products, aiming to provide investors with greater robustness and standardization.
The ETPs affected by the update are:
- 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ISIN: CH0454664001, ticker: ABTC / BTCU)
- 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP (ISIN: CH0454664027, ticker: AETH / ETHU)
- 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (ISIN: CH1199067674, ticker: CBTC / CBTU)
- 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP (ISIN: CH1209763130, ticker: ETHC / CETU)
Currently, these products are based on the reference prices CCIX Bitcoin USD (CCBTC) and CCIX Ethereum USD (CCETH). From March 26, 2026, however, the reference will shift respectively to the FTSE Bitcoin Index (1HR 1700 CET) and the FTSE Ethereum Index (1HR 1700 CET).
New Bloomberg Indices and Codes: What Changes for Investors
With the transition to the new indices, the reference codes used by Bloomberg will also change: for products linked to bitcoin it will be FBTC1HRE, while for those connected to ethereum it will be FETH1HRE. These indices are part of the FTSE Global Digital Asset Index Series, managed by FTSE Russell, a division of the London Stock Exchange Group.
The methodology adopted by these indices involves the use of FTSE DAR Reference Prices, with a time variant called “1HR 1700 CET”. Essentially, the reference price is determined by applying a one-hour rollback from 17:00 Central European Time, thus ensuring greater accuracy and control in price detection.
Why this choice? Towards institutional benchmarks for digital assets
The adoption of FTSE indices represents a response to the growing demand for institutional benchmarks in the digital asset sector. FTSE Russell’s methodology is based on data from exchanges and verified sources, thus offering reliable and transparent pricing. This update aims to strengthen investor confidence, especially in a context of volatility typical of crypto markets.
Alignment with FTSE Russell standards also allows 21Shares’ ETPs to position themselves as benchmark products for those seeking exposure to bitcoin and ethereum through regulated and transparent instruments.
No changes to fees and product structure
It is important to emphasize that, despite the update of reference prices and the appointment of a new index administrator, all other product details remain unchanged. Fees, structure, and regulatory listings with the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority will not undergo any modifications. 21Shares AG, based in Zurich, also specified that all detailed information is available in the UK Base Prospectus dated January 8, 2026, accessible on the company’s official website.
The announcement does not constitute an offer to sell securities, particularly in the United States, where these products are not registered.
A signal for the industry: transparency and quality for crypto ETPs
The decision by 21Shares reflects a broader trend in the crypto ETP sector: the search for increasingly diversified and high-quality index providers. In a rapidly evolving market, where investor confidence is often tested by volatility, transparency in price determination becomes a key element.
The growing interest of Wall Street and institutional investors in crypto products makes it essential to adopt pricing calculation methodologies that are robust and internationally recognized. Only in this way is it possible to ensure accurate exposure to the performance of the digital asset market.
A Look into the Future of Crypto ETPs
The update announced by 21Shares can be seen as a step forward in the maturation of the crypto ETP market. The integration of indices managed by leading operators like FTSE Russell helps to solidify the position of these instruments as reliable vehicles for investment in bitcoin and ethereum.
In a context where more and more billionaire and institutional investors are betting on crypto infrastructure, the methodology for weighting and pricing the assets included in ETP baskets becomes crucial. Only through high and transparent standards will it be possible to attract new capital and foster sustainable growth in the sector.
Conclusions: a move that strengthens trust in digital assets
The update of reference prices for the four key ETPs of 21Shares represents a strategic choice aimed at greater transparency, reliability, and standardization. In a constantly evolving market like that of digital assets, these characteristics are essential to consolidate investor trust and promote the development of increasingly sophisticated and secure products.
With this move, 21Shares reaffirms itself as a leader in innovation within the crypto ETP sector, ready to meet the needs of an audience increasingly focused on the quality and solidity of their investment choices.
