In a significant move for institutional crypto adoption, Crypto.com and 21Shares US have announced a strategic partnership to create new regulated investment products tracking the Cronos (CRO) token. The collaboration aims to first launch a CRO private trust, followed by an exchange-traded fund (ETF), providing a compliant, exchange-listed vehicle for investors to gain exposure to the Cronos ecosystem.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the innovative Cronos Layer-1 blockchain and traditional finance, offering a familiar structure for wealth managers, institutional desks, and retail investors who prefer regulated products over direct token custody. This allows CRO exposure through traditional brokerage and retirement accounts, similar to existing Bitcoin and Ethereum products.
"We are proud to partner with Crypto.com to help expand investor access to the Cronos ecosystem through innovative and transparent investment products," said Federico Brokate, Global Head of Business Development at 21Shares. Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, added, "Providing more ways for traders to engage with cryptocurrencies is central to our vision of further mainstreaming crypto."
The Cronos blockchain, an Ethereum-compatible Layer-1 built with the Cosmos SDK, offers low transaction costs and interoperability with both the EVM and Cosmos ecosystems. The partnership leverages Crypto.com's deep expertise and user base with 21Shares' proven track record in creating institutional-grade financial products. While a specific launch date is pending regulatory approval, the move is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the Cronos network's long-term value, potentially enhancing CRO's liquidity, credibility, and mainstream visibility.
