Coinbase Eyes NEAR ETF as Bitwise Files with SEC for Altcoin Investment Expansion

Bitwise Asset Management has taken a significant step toward launching a NEAR-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) by filing an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This move, building on the firm’s April 2025 establishment of a Delaware trust entity for the proposed Bitwise NEAR ETF, aims to provide both institutional and retail investors with exposure to NEAR Protocol’s native token. The filing underscores the growing interest in altcoin investment products and could pave the way for further cryptocurrency ETFs on platforms like Coinbase. As of May 2025, this development marks a pivotal moment in the integration of digital assets into traditional financial markets.

Bitwise Files for NEAR ETF with SEC, Advancing Altcoin Investment Products

Bitwise Asset Management has taken a decisive step toward launching a NEAR-focused exchange-traded fund, submitting an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing builds upon the firm’s April 2025 establishment of a Delaware trust entity for the proposed Bitwise NEAR ETF.

The fund would provide institutional and retail investors exposure to NEAR Protocol’s native token, marking another milestone in the maturation of altcoin investment vehicles. NEAR Protocol, a layer-1 blockchain emphasizing scalability and decentralized applications, joins the growing list of cryptocurrencies vying for ETF approval following Bitcoin and Ethereum’s precedent.

Coinbase Custody Trust Company has been designated as custodian, responsible for asset safeguarding and transaction execution. market observers note the filing’s timing suggests accelerating institutional interest in alternative layer-1 protocols, though critical details including exchange listing venue and ticker symbol remain undisclosed.

MicroStrategy and Coinbase Advance AI Integration in Crypto

MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor Leveraged AI chatbots to build the firm’s $52 billion Bitcoin portfolio, underscoring the growing synergy between artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. The company continues to pioneer institutional adoption through technological innovation.

Coinbase amplifies this trend with its x402 payment protocol designed for AI agents, while CEO Brian Armstrong secures $130 million for NewLimit, an AI-driven biotech venture. These developments signal deepening convergence between blockchain and machine learning.

Emerging AI-centric tokens like MIND of PEPE ($MIND), SUBBD Token ($SUBBD), and Verasity ($VRA) gain traction as infrastructure evolves. The sector moves beyond speculative trading toward tangible utility at the intersection of distributed ledgers and intelligent systems.