VanEck to Launch Onchain Economy ETF on May 14

VanEck, a leading global asset manager, has announced the launch date for its new crypto-centric exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Onchain Economy ETF, which will begin trading on May 14 under the ticker symbol NODE.

ETF to Target 30–60 Blockchain-Linked Companies

Unlike spot crypto ETFs that hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, NODE will instead focus on providing investors with exposure to the broader digital asset ecosystem through publicly listed equities. The fund will invest in a curated basket of 30 to 60 companies that are integral to the blockchain and crypto economy. These include crypto exchanges, mining operations, data center infrastructure providers, hardware manufacturers, payment technology firms, and other service providers that generate substantial revenue from blockchain activities.

NODE will be actively managed, giving VanEck’s investment team discretion to adjust the portfolio in response to market trends and emerging opportunities. The goal is to offer investors a vehicle to benefit from the rapid growth and innovation in the crypto sector without needing to manage private keys, wallets, or navigate the volatility of direct token ownership.

The ETF also has the flexibility to allocate up to 25% of its assets to crypto-linked exchange-traded products (ETPs), offering further diversification and indirect access to digital assets. This hybrid approach seeks to balance growth potential with prudent risk management.

To ensure regulatory compliance under U.S. tax law, the fund will incorporate an offshore subsidiary located in the Cayman Islands. This subsidiary structure enables NODE to gain indirect exposure to digital asset instruments in a way that complies with the Internal Revenue Code, while still maintaining the fund’s U.S.-domiciled status.

The fund will carry a management fee of 0.69%, which is relatively standard for thematic ETFs focused on emerging sectors. Investors can expect the ETF to be available through major brokerage platforms following its listing.

VanEck has long been a proponent of crypto innovation and was among the first traditional asset managers to embrace digital assets. The launch of NODE reflects the firm’s continued belief in the future of blockchain technology and its importance in reshaping global financial infrastructure.

With institutional adoption of blockchain accelerating and demand for regulated crypto investment products increasing, NODE arrives at a pivotal moment. It is poised to serve investors seeking to gain diversified exposure to the crypto economy through a familiar and regulated investment structure.

NODE is expected to appeal to a broad range of market participants—from retail investors to financial advisors and institutions—looking to capitalize on blockchain’s transformative potential without the complexities of direct crypto engagement.