- 21Shares and Societe Generale expand institutional access to crypto ETPs in the EU.
- Partnership boosts Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP liquidity on key EU fund platforms.
- Enhanced execution and tighter spreads support MiCA-driven crypto market growth.
21Shares AG, a global issuer of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), has announced a partnership with Societe Generale. Under the agreement, Societe Generale will act as a market maker for 21Shares’ flagship Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs. The collaboration aims to provide over-the-counter (OTC) liquidity on key fund platforms across Germany and Eastern Europe. This initiative is designed to support the growing institutional demand for regulated digital asset exposure in Europe.
The ETPs covered by the agreement include ABTC, CBTC, AETH, and CETH, which track Bitcoin and Ethereum. Fund platforms operated by leading financial institutions will now benefit from improved execution quality and trading volumes. The partnership provides professional investors with broader access to digital asset investment tools. The joint move supports MiCA-aligned efforts to increase market infrastructure supporting institutional crypto adoption.
Enhancing Liquidity and Institutional Market Access
Societe Generale will offer continuous OTC liquidity across selected fund platforms in Germany and Eastern Europe. The object of this market-making assistance is to reduce bid-ask spreads and to increase price transparency to institutional investors. The initiative suggests a growing trend in the industry toward integrating digital asset tools seamlessly with conventional market standards. Sound liquidity is one of the reasons why institutions are able to invest capital in emerging crypto markets.
Fund platforms involved typically cater to asset managers, banks, and pension funds. By making 21Shares crypto ETPs more accessible, the partnership aligns with regulatory and operational standards expected by these participants. 21Shares and Societe Generale aim to lower barriers to entry for institutional clients across the European Union. The offering positions regulated crypto ETPs as scalable investment tools amid expanding market demand.
Strategic Positioning Within the Evolving EU Regulatory Landscape
The collaboration comes as the market has increasingly aligned with EU crypto regulations, particularly the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. To further clarify rules concerning the institutional involvement in digital assets, MiCA, which became effective in 2024, has been established. As regulatory clarity has been on the rise, there has been an accompanying demand to have compliant instruments at the institutional-grade trading and custody standards.
The role of Societe Generale as a partner demonstrates its strategic move to expand its services, which span both traditional and digital spheres. The bank can come to the aid of crypto ETP liquidity, facilitating its position to further service asset managers who want to spread their exposures in safe terms. This cooperation shows a step toward a more mature crypto investment environment in the European region. It highlights the increased relevance of market-making partnerships to facilitate managed digital asset uptake.
The 21Shares products have been designed to align with the regulations, operational requirements, and liquidity concerns of institutional investors. Provided by Societe Generale, the company has introduced its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs, which can be easily integrated into an institutional portfolio. This evolution is particularly crucial in other markets, such as Germany and Eastern Europe, where regulated platforms facilitate investment flows.
Related: 21Shares Files Two FTSE Crypto ETFs, One Without BTC
Expanding Access and Driving Institutional Engagement
The deal will boost the ability of Societe Generale to provide crypto-linked products to its European customers. This will entail providing smooth implementation and price formation via institutional-friendly platforms. 21Shares will benefit through higher distribution and demand on a known distribution platform used by professional participants. The crypto ETPs on these platforms help in the sustainable development of the ecosystem in the region.
Germany and Eastern Europe Professional investors now have greater access to EU-regulated crypto ETPs with a liquidity focus and exposure to the two largest digital assets in the market. This step enhances market maturity with crucial depth and introduces the possibility of future integration of the asset classes. The emphasis on liquidity and high-quality execution of trades will accommodate greater trade volume and institutional requirements. The improved product access also allows strategic portfolio placements in fluctuating and changing crypto markets.
