VanEck’s Bitcoin futures ETF finally launched Tuesday after a multiweek wait and a rejection by regulators of a physically backed product.
The VanEck Bitcoin Strategy ETF (XBTF) began trading with a management fee of 0.65%, the lowest expense ratio among the three such funds available, according to a press release.
VanEck’s ETF had been expected to debut in October, but heavy demand for the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) -- one of the most successful debuts of all time -- stretched capacity among futures commission merchants, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The launch comes days after the Securities and Exchange Commission rejected the firm’s proposal for an ETF that would directly hold Bitcoin. Up to this point, SEC Chair Gary Gensler has said he’s comfortable with futures-based ETFs because Bitcoin futures trade on highly regulated exchanges.
XBTF began trading on a rocky day for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Bitcoin dropped as much as 8.2% to break below $60,000 before trimming its losses to about 5%.
Deal creates a $20B-plus custody platform for private market investing in IRAs, months after Schwab closed its Forge Global purchase
Despite the good times, advisors should tread carefully, said one veteran industry executive.
Cullen marks the fourth firm the New York-based RIA aggregator has bought in 2026 as deal volume heads for a record year.
The quality of AI ROI measurement depends on pre-deployment decisions around business outcomes, leadership alignment, and establishing trusted information, among other factors.
A state-by-state analysis of retail investor behavior reveals AI-powered research tools are reshaping how clients approach investment decisions.
Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor