VanEck Launches NODE ETF: A New Gateway to the Onchain Economy

VanEck, a prominent investment management company, has introduced a new ETF called VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (Ticker: NODE), which will start trading on the American stock market from May 14, 2025. The ETF has been approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a major step toward mainstream finance accepting blockchain-based companies.

Investing in Crypto-Related Businesses, Not Cryptocurrencies

Unlike other crypto ETFs that invest directly in such assets as Bitcoin or Ethereum, NODE goes another way. The ETF will invest in 30 to 60 companies that are directly engaged in the digital asset space. They include:

• Crypto exchanges
• Mining companies
• Data center providers
• Semiconductor and chip manufacturers
• Energy suppliers for blockchain infrastructure
• Blockchain-based gaming and fintech platforms

NODE, in effect, aims at the firms fueling the next leg of the digital economy, but with exposure devoid of volatility and regulatory risk present in direct investments in crypto assets.

Actively Managed by VanEck's Digital Asset Head

The NODE fund will be actively managed by Matthew Sigel, VanEck's Digital Assets Research Head. Instead of algorithms, Sigel and his team will pick stocks based on thorough research and macroeconomic considerations.

"The global economy is trending toward a digital-first world. NODE wants to invest in the firms creating that future," Sigel said.

The flexibility of the fund also enables it to respond nimbly to changes in the market, particularly in the rapidly changing blockchain industry.

ETF Structure, Allocation, and Fees

NODE is a non-diversified ETF, which means it can put large amounts of capital into comparatively few firms. This enables high-conviction wagers on leaders within businesses.

• At least 80% of the portfolio will be invested in what VanEck calls "Digital Transformation Companies."
• A maximum of 25% can be invested in crypto-linked financial products such as exchange-traded products (ETPs) and crypto futures.
• The fund will have a management fee of 0.69% per annum.

To maximize compliance and tax strategies, VanEck has set up a Cayman Islands-based subsidiary to facilitate the ETF's international operations.

Also Read: Huaxia, Kiln Launch Asia’s First Regulated Ethereum ETF in Crypto Hub HK

Part of a Larger Strategy: Beyond Bitcoin

VanEck has experience with digital assets. The company already released a spot Bitcoin ETF and applied for Solana and BNB (Binance Coin) ETFs in the United States. Importantly, it was the first to seek approval for a BNB Coin ETF, the next step towards easier crypto investing.

Perfect for Indirect Crypto Exposure

For investors who want exposure to crypto growth opportunities—but not to own digital assets outright—NODE provides a diversified, regulated entry point to the blockchain market. By taking a focus on underlying infrastructure and utility, it allows one to participate in the digital asset revolution without the volatility of crypto pricing.