Bitwise Asset Management Launches First U.S. Spot NEAR ETF on NYSE Arca

The launch of the Bitwise NEAR ETF signals growing institutional interest in blockchain technologies that support AI applications.

• Bitwise Asset Management launched the Bitwise NEAR ETF (ticker: NRR) on September 29, 2026, on NYSE Arca.
• The fund offers U.S. investors direct exposure to the NEAR token and includes in-house staking aimed at delivering approximately 5% annualized rewards.
• NEAR Protocol has seen its Intents protocol transaction volume soar to over $32 billion, highlighting its increasing relevance in the AI-agent economy.

• Bitwise's expansion into single-asset crypto ETFs reflects a broader trend of institutional adoption of blockchain technologies.
• NEAR Protocol's rapid growth in transaction volume indicates a strong market demand for its capabilities in autonomous agent transactions.
• The ETF's structure allows investors to benefit from staking rewards, which could enhance returns compared to traditional crypto investments.

The launch of the Bitwise NEAR ETF represents a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency investment products. By offering a spot ETF, Bitwise provides a regulated and accessible way for U.S. investors to gain exposure to the NEAR token, which is increasingly recognized for its utility in the burgeoning AI-agent economy.

The ETF holds NEAR directly and stakes its holdings through Bitwise’s institutional team, allowing the fund to accrue rewards that enhance its net asset value. This structure is particularly appealing in a market where traditional investment vehicles often lack the flexibility and yield potential that cryptocurrencies can offer. The 5% annualized staking yield is a key selling point, especially in an environment where fixed-income returns are historically low.

Moreover, the NEAR Protocol has positioned itself as a leader in facilitating transactions for autonomous agents, with its Intents protocol processing a staggering $32 billion in cumulative transaction volume as of the ETF's launch. This figure is a dramatic increase from less than $1 billion just a year prior, underscoring the rapid adoption of NEAR's technology. The protocol's features, such as 1.2-second finality and 100% uptime over six years, further enhance its attractiveness to institutional investors.

Bitwise's move comes at a time when the U.S. market is witnessing a surge in interest for single-asset crypto ETFs, driven by the need for more sophisticated investment options. The approval process for the ETF, which included filing an S-1 registration statement with the SEC in May 2025, reflects the increasing regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrency investment products. However, investors should remain aware of the inherent volatility associated with crypto assets, as the fund carries standard crypto volatility disclosures and lacks the protections typically afforded under the 1940 Act.

In summary, the Bitwise NEAR ETF not only provides a new investment vehicle but also highlights the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and AI technologies, positioning NEAR as a critical player in the future of digital finance.

• Retail investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies without direct ownership.
• Institutional investors looking for regulated investment vehicles that offer staking rewards.
• Tech-savvy individuals interested in the AI-agent economy and blockchain innovations.

• Market inflows: Monitor the inflows into the Bitwise NEAR ETF, as increased interest could signal broader acceptance of NEAR and similar assets.
• NEAR Protocol developments: Keep an eye on updates regarding the Intents protocol and its transaction volume, as this could impact the ETF's performance.
• Regulatory changes: Watch for any shifts in U.S. regulations regarding cryptocurrency ETFs, which could influence future product launches and market dynamics.