Invesco rolls out two crypto-flavored ETFs

Invesco rolls out two crypto-flavored ETFs
The two exchange-traded funds focused on digital assets and blockchain are being offered in partnership with Galaxy Digital Holdings.
OCT 07, 2021
By  Bloomberg

Invesco Ltd’s newly formed partnership with crypto billionaire Michael Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. is already bearing fruit in the form of two new exchange-traded funds.

The Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (ticker SATO, in a nod to Bitcoin’s mysterious founder, Satoshi Nakamoto) and the Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users and Decentralized Commerce ETF (BLKC) begins trading Thursday on Cboe Global Markets. The ETFs are passively managed, rebalanced monthly and charge an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Roughly 80% of SATO’s portfolio is dedicated to companies that derive more than 50% of their performance from cryptocurrency activities, such as mining companies, crypto infrastructure builders and crypto-buying companies. BLKC invests in largely the same companies, but also tracks firms engaged in blockchain technology that aren’t necessarily tied to cryptocurrency.

Additionally, both firms have 15% of their holdings in shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, the largest allocation to a physically-backed Bitcoin vehicle among U.S. exchange-traded products.

“Today’s launch opens up a new way for investors to access this fast-growing asset class, combining exposure to key companies in the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem with an allocation to an investment vehicle that directly holds digital assets, all within the ETF wrapper,” John Hoffman, head of Americas, ETFs and indexed strategies at Invesco, said in a press release.

SATO and BLKC are among the nearly dozen of crypto-flavored ETFs that have cropped up as issuers seek regulatory approval for cryptocurrency ETFs. The Securities and Exchange Commission has delayed making a decision on the structure several times this year under Chairman Gary Gensler. However, a growing cohort of industry observers are speculating that the green light for futures-based Bitcoin ETFs could come this month.

In the meantime, SATO and BLKC provide an avenue for investors of all sizes to get exposure to cryptocurrency through ETFs, according to Galaxy’s Steve Kurz.

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we unlock another way for retail and institutional investors to get involved in the rapidly evolving and transformative world of digital assets,” Kurz, a partner and head of asset management at Galaxy, said in the release.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.