VanEck Doubles Down on Crypto with Hyperliquid ETF and Stablecoin Ambitions – What You Need to Know in 2025

• Why Is VanEck Betting Big on Hyperliquid?
• The Family Connection Behind the Crypto Play
• Regulatory Hurdles and Market Timing
• How to Trade HYPE Before the ETF Launches
• FAQs About VanEck's Hyperliquid Strategy

In a bold move that underscores its growing crypto ambitions, investment giant VanEck has filed for a spot ETF tracking Hyperliquid's HYPE token while simultaneously eyeing the decentralized finance (DeFi) platform's upcoming USDH stablecoin. This dual-pronged strategy positions VanEck at the forefront of institutional crypto adoption, leveraging Hyperliquid's meteoric rise since its 2023 launch. With $400 billion in monthly trading volumes and a buyback system outperforming traditional finance yields, Hyperliquid has become the dark horse of DeFi – and VanEck wants to give Wall Street a front-row seat.

Why Is VanEck Betting Big on Hyperliquid?

New York-based VanEck, which manages nearly $100 billion in assets, isn't new to crypto ETFs. The firm already offers products tracking Solana's SOL and Ethereum, but its Hyperliquid play is particularly strategic. Unlike those established tokens, HYPE isn't yet listed on major centralized exchanges like Coinbase – meaning VanEck could capture first-mover advantage. "We've seen how Coinbase listings typically trigger volatility spikes," notes a BTCC market analyst. "An ETF would let investors ride that wave without direct exposure."

Data from CoinMarketCap shows Hyperliquid has consistently outpaced competitors in weekly trading volume since Q2 2024, thanks partly to bitcoin whales migrating to its perpetual swaps platform. The protocol's resilience under heavy load impressed even traditional finance veterans – it hasn't crashed despite processing volumes that would make NASDAQ servers weep.

The Family Connection Behind the Crypto Play

Here's where it gets interesting: VanEck CEO Jan van Eck's son Nick runs Agora, a crypto project vying to issue Hyperliquid's planned USDH stablecoin. While VanEck denies any LINK between its ETF filing and Agora, sources confirm the firm guaranteed reserves for Nick's stablecoin venture. "It's like the Rothschilds of crypto," quipped one DeFi trader. "The van Ecks are building their own financial ecosystem."

The proposed USDH WOULD challenge Circle's USDC dominance in DeFi trading pairs. Hyperliquid hasn't confirmed the issuer yet, with Paxos and Frax also in the running. But the Agora connection raises eyebrows – especially since VanEck plans to reinvest ETF profits into HYPE's buyback program, creating a potential feedback loop.

Regulatory Hurdles and Market Timing

VanEck filed its European ETP application in August 2024, but the US ETF launch date remains unclear. The SEC has recently delayed decisions on similar crypto ETFs, including ones for XRP and SOL. "The political winds shifted after the 2024 election," explains a former SEC official. "But Hyperliquid's clean compliance record helps its case."

Meanwhile, Hyperliquid continues innovating. Its buyback mechanism currently delivers 18-24% APY – smoking traditional savings accounts. And with the protocol now processing 12% of all DeFi derivatives volume (per TradingView data), it's become too big for institutions to ignore.

How to Trade HYPE Before the ETF Launches

For investors itching to get exposure now, BTCC and dYdX offer HYPE perpetual contracts with up to 20x leverage. But be warned: "This isn't your grandma's index fund," cautions our BTCC analyst. "DeFi tokens can swing 30% before lunch." As always, do your own research – especially with an asset this volatile.

One thing's certain: whether through ETFs, stablecoins, or good old-fashioned trading, Hyperliquid is forcing Wall Street to pay attention to DeFi. And VanEck? They're placing the bets that could make them the bridge between these two financial worlds.

FAQs About VanEck's Hyperliquid Strategy

What is VanEck's proposed Hyperliquid ETF?

VanEck has filed for a spot ETF that would track Hyperliquid's HYPE token, allowing traditional investors to gain exposure without directly holding the cryptocurrency.

When will the Hyperliquid ETF launch?

As of September 2025, no launch date has been confirmed. The SEC has delayed similar crypto ETF applications recently, though the European ETP version was submitted in August 2024.

Why is Hyperliquid significant in DeFi?

Hyperliquid has become the #1 decentralized derivatives platform, processing $400 billion monthly volume with zero downtime. Its unique tokenomics and buyback system offer yields that outperform traditional finance products.

How does VanEck connect to Hyperliquid's stablecoin?

VanEck CEO's son runs Agora, a candidate to issue Hyperliquid's USDH stablecoin. VanEck has guaranteed reserves for this project, though claims no direct connection to its ETF filing.

Where can I trade HYPE currently?

HYPE is available on decentralized exchanges like Hyperliquid's native platform and dYdX, as well as through derivatives on BTCC. It's not yet listed on major centralized exchanges like Coinbase.