As of today, September 17, 2025, 21Shares, a leading cryptocurrency asset management firm, has achieved a significant milestone by launching two new exchange-traded products (ETPs) in Europe, bringing its total offerings to an impressive 50 ETPs. This development underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its portfolio and providing investors with diversified options in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
A New Frontier in AI and DeFi
The latest additions to 21Shares’ robust lineup are the 21Shares Artificial Superintelligence Alliance ETP (AFET) and the 21Shares Raydium ETP (ARAY). AFET is particularly noteworthy as it tracks a group of decentralized artificial intelligence protocols, such as Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, Ocean Protocol, and CUDOS. These platforms are at the forefront of integrating AI with blockchain technology, offering innovative solutions that could reshape industries.
On the other hand, ARAY provides exposure to Raydium, a decentralized exchange operating on the Solana blockchain. Solana has gained traction for its high-speed and low-cost transactions, and Raydium is leveraging these advantages to offer efficient trading experiences.
Both ETPs are token-backed, ensuring that they are directly tied to the performance of the underlying assets. AFET has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Paris, while ARAY is trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange. This strategic placement on major European exchanges enhances accessibility for investors across the continent.
Expanding Horizons: 21Shares’ Growth Trajectory
Duncan Moir, the president of 21Shares, expressed enthusiasm about the new launches, noting that they mark a significant expansion of the firm’s offerings. “With these new launches, 21Shares now offers investors access to 50 physically backed crypto ETPs across Europe,” Moir stated, highlighting the company’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for diverse investment products.
Since its inception in 2018, when it launched the world’s first token-backed crypto ETP, 21Shares has steadily broadened its product suite. The firm’s ability to identify emerging trends and pioneer new investment vehicles has been key to its success. Today, 21Shares manages over $11 billion in assets globally, a testament to its strong market position and investor trust.
Balancing the Global Landscape
While 21Shares continues to make strides in Europe, it’s important to consider the broader context of crypto ETPs worldwide. In Europe, crypto ETPs have amassed approximately $23.24 billion in assets under management, according to ETFBook data. Despite the substantial number of products available, European ETPs are overshadowed by their American counterparts in terms of trading volume and assets under management.
In the United States, spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs boast over $174 billion in assets under management, showcasing the region’s robust market for crypto investment products. The disparity highlights the different regulatory landscapes and investor appetites across continents.
A Balanced Perspective on the Future
As 21Shares expands its offerings, the growing interest in AI and decentralized finance (DeFi) is evident. The firm’s focus on these areas reflects broader industry trends, as investors seek exposure to technologies that promise to revolutionize sectors from finance to healthcare.
However, the success of these new ETPs will depend on several factors, including market conditions, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. While the potential for growth is significant, investors should remain mindful of the inherent volatility and risks associated with the crypto market.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to observe how AFET and ARAY perform and what further innovations 21Shares might bring to the table. As the firm continues to push the boundaries of crypto investment products, it remains a key player to watch in the evolving landscape of digital assets.
Looking Ahead
21Shares’ achievement of reaching 50 crypto ETPs in Europe is a milestone that underscores its leadership in the industry. By offering diverse and innovative products, the firm is providing investors with opportunities to participate in the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
As we move forward, the interplay between traditional finance and emerging technologies will continue to shape the investment landscape. Companies like 21Shares are at the forefront of this evolution, driving innovation and expanding access to digital assets for investors around the globe.
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
