Grayscale Investments has taken a key step toward launching spot Cardano ETFs and Hedera ETFs. On August 12, the firm registered two new statutory trusts in Delaware for these assets. These filings indicate potential upcoming ETF products aimed at providing regulated exposure to both tokens.
Grayscale Moves Toward Spot Cardano and Hedera ETFs
Grayscale listed the entities as the Grayscale Cardano Trust ETF and the Grayscale Hedera Trust ETF. Both trusts are organized as general statutory trusts under Delaware law. This registration pattern matches the firm’s approach before launching other cryptocurrency ETFs.
The filings appear on Delaware’s official corporate records portal, confirming the formal creation of these entities. Grayscale has used similar filings in the past to prepare for S-1 submissions with the US SEC, which are required before ETFs can begin trading on regulated exchanges.
The move comes as the SEC acknowledged NYSE Arca’s 19b-4 form for a Cardano spot ETF and Nasdaq’s form for a Hedera spot ETF. Those acknowledgments began the formal regulatory review process. Grayscale is now positioning itself for the next stage in this process.

Growing Portfolio of Alternative Crypto Trusts
These are Grayscale’s first statutory trust registrations in Delaware for Cardano (ADA) and Hedera (HBAR). However, the firm already operates investment trusts for other cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Filecoin, Avalanche, and Bittensor. This shows a consistent push to expand its altcoin ETF offerings.

In addition to these filings, Grayscale recently launched trusts for DeepBook and Walrus. These projects provide trading and data infrastructure on the Sui blockchain. This expansion demonstrates the firm’s interest in blockchain applications beyond mainstream assets.
Industry analysts view these steps as part of a broader strategy. US asset managers are increasingly seeking to capitalize on the success of spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs by introducing similar products for other tokens.
Regulatory Environment Encourages New Filings
The SEC’s recent approval of in-kind redemption mechanisms for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs has encouraged more cryptocurrency ETF filings. This change has reduced operational hurdles for issuers and created a more straightforward regulatory path. It has also increased institutional interest in cryptocurrency-based financial products.
The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are working together on “Project Crypto.” This initiative aims to determine which tokens should be classified as securities. Clarity on this matter is crucial for potential ETF issuers.
Grayscale also confidentially filed for a US initial public offering last month. This move signals its broader ambitions to expand its presence in the regulated investment space. Spot Cardano ETFs and Hedera ETFs could increase liquidity and market engagement if approved.
Summary
Grayscale Investments registered two statutory trusts in Delaware for Cardano and Hedera, marking a key step toward potential spot ETFs for both assets. The move follows the SEC’s acknowledgment of initial filings and aligns with the firm’s expansion strategy in alternative cryptocurrency ETFs.
For more crypto news, visit the platform.
FAQs
What are Cardano ETFs and Hedera ETFs?
They are proposed exchange-traded funds providing regulated exposure to Cardano (ADA) and Hedera (HBAR) without direct token ownership.
Why did Grayscale register these trusts in Delaware?
Delaware offers a favorable legal framework for statutory trusts, which Grayscale often uses before ETF launches.
Has the SEC approved these ETFs?
No, the SEC has only acknowledged the initial filings. Full approval is still required.
Why are these ETFs significant?
They could expand regulated access to ADA and HBAR for institutional and retail investors, increasing liquidity.
What is “Project Crypto”?
It is a joint SEC and CFTC initiative to clarify the legal classification of digital assets.
Glossary of Key Terms
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): Stock exchange-traded fund that represents an investment fund that may include owner bonds, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Statutory Trust: The organization is established according to state statute so that it accumulates and manages resources for investors.
S-1 filing: A SEC-registered Registration statement that is utilized to issue publicly traded securities.
19b-4 Form: A Document that the parties who file it with the SEC request to introduce new financial products.
In-Kind Redemption: A redemption process by ETF through which the assets are redeemed rather than by cash sale.

