TLDR:
- The new WisdomTree file covers a basket of the 20 largest crypto assets by market capitalization in a regulated fund format.
- The fund seeks to track the CoinDesk 20 Index via daily valuation and replicating asset holdings.
- The registration includes detailed mechanisms for custody, creation/redemption and risk disclosure.
- The move signals increased institutional access and diversification via regulated crypto investment instruments.
Wisdom Tree has filed a Form S-1 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to create the WisdomTree CoinDesk 20 Fund, which aims to track the largest 20 digital assets by market capitalization and liquidity.
The registration describes the fund’s objectives, issue of shares and custody arrangements in detail. The vehicle signals a broader push by institutional firms to package crypto exposure into regulated structures. The filing sets the stage for potential mainstream access to a diversified crypto basket.
Track the CoinDesk 20 Index via a crypto fund
The S-1 permit The Fund will issue beneficial interest shares listed on the NYSE Arca under a yet-to-be-announced ticker. The fund will invest in digital assets that comprise the CoinDesk 20 Index, defined as “the 20 largest digital assets by market capitalization that are eligible for inclusion in the index” and that meet certain trading and liquidity criteria.
According to the prospectus, the fund aims to reflect the performance of that index before expenses and liabilities. The Trust will value its holdings daily based on blended reference prices combining fiat and converted stablecoin pair trades (CCData Blended Reference Prices).
The components will contain large cryptos such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) along with high liquidity options such as XRP, Solana and Cardano. Further, the trust will be a Delaware statutory trust formed under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, with a sponsor, trustee, digital asset custodian and cash custodian specified in the application.
Investors should note that the filing itself is a registration statement and not a guarantee of immediate trading. Creation and redemption of shares will take place via “Creation Units” based on underlying delivery of digital assets or liquid funds.
Implications for crypto markets and investors access
The filing comes at a time when crypto-indexing and regulated vehicles have gained momentum.
According to industry sources, WisdomTree’s move reflects a broader shift in regulatory tolerance and institutional interest. The entry of a large-scale index fund tracking 20 major digital assets could create a diversification tool for investors who currently hold direct coins or single-asset funds.
As the index spans 20 assets rather than a single token, the structure offers diversified crypto exposure. Services such as custody, creation/redemption mechanics and daily NAV calculation add a layer of institution-friendly infrastructure.
The filing also lists a range of risks: custody of digital assets, valuation mechanics in 24-hour markets, regulatory classification of assets and potential premiums or discounts between trading price and net asset value.
Should the trust proceed to listing, investors’ access to crypto through regulated channels could be significantly expanded. The launch may also escalate competition within crypto ETF and ETP markets, where other suppliers compete to secure approval and bring diversified baskets to market.
