Coinbase’s Institutional Gateway Expands as Bitwise Files Uniswap ETF Application

In a landmark move for the convergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional investment vehicles, Bitwise Asset Management has formally submitted an application to U.S. regulators for a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) directly tied to Uniswap's native governance token, UNI. This filing, dated February 6, 2026, represents a significant escalation in institutional efforts to bridge the crypto and traditional finance worlds. The proposed fund would provide traditional investors with indirect, regulated exposure to the price movements of UNI, a cornerstone asset of the leading decentralized exchange. This development signals a maturing institutional appetite for DeFi protocols beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, viewing them as viable assets for mainstream portfolios. For platforms like Coinbase, which serve as critical custodial and trading gateways for institutions, this move validates the growing asset class and paves the way for deeper integration. The approval of such an ETF would likely funnel significant new capital into the DeFi ecosystem, with Coinbase positioned to benefit from increased trading volume, custody demands, and its role as a liquidity provider. This application follows the successful launch of spot Bitcoin and ethereum ETFs, indicating a clear trajectory where complex DeFi assets are next in line for financial product innovation. The move by Bitwise underscores a broader trend of traditional finance adopting crypto-native innovations, with Uniswap's automated market maker model now being packaged for Wall Street. The success of this filing could set a precedent for ETFs tied to other major DeFi governance tokens, fundamentally altering how institutional capital accesses the decentralized financial landscape.

Bitwise Files for Uniswap-Focused ETF in Bid to Bridge Crypto and Traditional Finance

Bitwise Asset Management has submitted an application to U.S. regulators for a specialized exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Uniswap’s native token, UNI. The MOVE signals growing institutional interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, with Bitwise aiming to provide traditional investors indirect exposure to UNI’s price movements.

The proposed ETF would invest directly in UNI, the governance token of the Uniswap protocol—a leading decentralized exchange on the Ethereum blockchain. Custody services for the fund are slated to be handled by Coinbase Custody Trust Company, pending SEC approval.

Market observers note the timing coincides with a broader downturn in crypto assets, with UNI’s price down approximately 12% over the past month. The filing follows Bitwise’s establishment of a Delaware fund trust in January, a procedural prerequisite for SEC consideration.

Bitwise Files for First Uniswap ETF, Bridging DeFi and Traditional Markets

Bitwise Asset Management has submitted a groundbreaking application for a Uniswap-focused ETF, marking the first attempt to bring decentralized finance into regulated markets. The proposed fund WOULD track the UNI token while using Coinbase Custody for asset storage, eliminating direct key management for investors.

The filing arrives during a crypto market downturn but signals growing institutional interest in DeFi infrastructure. By structuring the product as a Delaware statutory trust, Bitwise aims to comply with existing ETF frameworks while providing exposure to Uniswap's governance token.

This move follows Bitwise's January establishment of the trust vehicle and represents a strategic push to expand its crypto-linked product suite. The ETF would trade on national exchanges, offering traditional investors access to DeFi through familiar brokerage channels.