CoinShares, the prominent crypto asset manager, has unveiled a groundbreaking exchange-traded product (ETP) offering investors a unique opportunity to engage with Sei (SEI) sans management fees. Launched on the reputable SIX Swiss Exchange, this innovative vehicle not only grants exposure to the SEI token but also dangles an enticing 2% annualized staking yield. This initiative, which took place on July 29, 2025, promises to streamline institutional access to SEI, a Layer-1 blockchain engineered for rapid, low-latency trading.
A New Era for Institutional Investors
CoinShares’ latest venture, trading under the ticker CSEI, is more than just another ETP. It’s the first regulated investment vehicle providing direct access to SEI, a move aimed at dismantling the operational and custodial barriers that have traditionally deterred institutional investors. “The launch of CSEI is a game-changer,” remarked James Butterfill, CoinShares’ Head of Research. “It’s about democratizing access to advanced blockchain technologies in a way that’s both accessible and rewarding for our clients.” This aligns with the broader trend of institutional interest in crypto, as highlighted in Standard Chartered’s launch of Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions.
Physically backed by SEI tokens, this ETP automatically delivers a 2% staking yield to investors, a feature that’s likely to capture the attention of yield-hungry market participants. Additionally, the product benefits from CoinShares’ recent achievement of becoming the first European crypto asset manager to receive a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license—a testament to its commitment to regulatory compliance and market innovation.
The Competitive Landscape
Europe’s crypto ETP market, while burgeoning, still trails behind the U.S. in terms of adoption. Data from JustETF reveals that 108 European crypto ETPs collectively manage approximately 13.92 billion euros ($16.21 billion) in assets. In stark contrast, BlackRock’s IBIT alone boasts over $86 billion in net assets, while spot bitcoin (BTC) ETFs aggregate a staggering $151.4 billion, according to SoSoValue. This mirrors the growing preference for diverse crypto assets, as seen in CoinShares’ analysis of rising Ethereum demand over Bitcoin.
CoinShares is poised to challenge this narrative with its passported ETPs across its European market footprint, leveraging its MiCA license to penetrate deeper into the continent’s financial fabric. “Europe has been slow on the uptake, but this is a step forward,” noted FinTech analyst Clara Jensen. “CoinShares is setting the stage for a more vibrant and competitive market.”
Context and Future Implications
CoinShares’ move arrives at a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. The past few years have seen a surge in interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology, yet institutional involvement has been hampered by regulatory uncertainty and infrastructural challenges. The introduction of the CSEI ETP could signify a shift, encouraging more institutional players to dip their toes into the crypto waters.
Historically, the European landscape has lagged behind its American counterpart in crypto adoption, but initiatives like CoinShares’ could catalyze change. By offering a zero-fee structure and a staking yield, CoinShares is addressing two core concerns: cost and return on investment, making the crypto market more palatable for traditional investors.
Looking Ahead
As CoinShares blazes a trail with its zero-fee SEI ETP, questions linger about whether this model can sustain its appeal amid fluctuating crypto markets and evolving regulatory frameworks. Will the European market catch up to the U.S. in terms of crypto ETP adoption? How will competitors respond?
For now, CoinShares is capturing the zeitgeist—offering both innovation and accessibility. As the crypto world watches, the onus is on other players to rise to the occasion. The future of crypto ETPs in Europe could very well hinge on the success of pioneering ventures like this one. What comes next? Only time and market forces will tell.
Source
This article is based on: CoinShares Launches Zero-Fee SEI ETP With Staking Yield Across Europe
Further Reading
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- Ether Races 6% Against Bitcoin as GENIUS Act Puts Spotlight on Yield-Bearing Stablecoins: Analyst
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.
