21Shares AG, the Swiss crypto exchange traded product (ETP) issuer, has announced a major breakthrough.
21Shares AG, a Swiss crypto exchange traded product (ETP) issuer, has announced significant developments in four major ETPs related to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
These products listed on the London Stock Exchange will undergo base price updates and the introduction of new index managers. This decision, which will take effect from March 26, 2026, is an important step towards increasing transparency and trust in the digital asset market.
Update details: FTSE International Limited as new administrator
From the date of incorporation, FTSE International Limited will be appointed as the Additional Index Administrator for the 21Shares ETP program. This decision entails significant changes to the way the reference price of crypto assets used in these products is calculated, with the aim of providing further robustness and standardization for investors.
The ETPs affected by the update are:
- 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ISIN: CH0454664001, Ticker: ABTC / BTCU)
- 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP (ISIN: CH0454664027, Ticker: AETH / ETHU)
- 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (ISIN: CH1199067674, Ticker: CBTC / CBTU)
- 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP (ISIN: CH1209763130, Ticker: ETHC / CETU)
Currently, this product is based on reference price. CCIX Bitcoin USD (CCBTC) and CCIX Ethereum USD (CCETH). However, from March 26, 2026, the reference will move to the FTSE Bitcoin Index (1700 CET per hour) and FTSE Ethereum Index (1700 CET per hour), respectively.
New Bloomberg Indices and Codes: What’s Changing for Investors?
With the transition to the new index, the reference codes used by Bloomberg will also change. For products linked to Bitcoin, it will be FBTC1HRE, and for products linked to Ethereum, it will be FETH1HRE. These indices are part of the FTSE Global Digital Asset Index series, managed by FTSE Russell, a division of the London Stock Exchange Group.
The methodology employed by these indices includes the use of a time-varying FTSE DAR reference price called ‘1HR 1700 CET’. Essentially, the reference price is determined by applying a one-hour rollback from 17:00 Central European Time, which increases the accuracy and control of price discovery.
Why this choice? Towards institutional benchmarking of digital assets
The adoption of the FTSE index represents a response to the growing demand for institutional benchmarks in the digital asset sector. FTSE Russell’s methodology is based on data from exchanges and verified sources, providing reliable and transparent pricing. This update aims to strengthen investor confidence, especially in the context of volatility typical of cryptocurrency markets.
Alignment with FTSE Russell standards also allows 21Shares’ ETP to establish itself as a benchmark product for those seeking exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum through a regulated and transparent means.
There are no changes to prices or product structure.
It is important to emphasize that despite the base price update and the appointment of a new index manager, all other product details remain unchanged. The fees, structure and UK Financial Conduct Authority regulatory list remain unchanged. Zurich-based 21Shares AG also specified that all detailed information is available in its UK-based prospectus dated January 8, 2026, which can be accessed from the company’s official website.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell any securities, particularly in the United States where these products are not registered.
Signal to the industry: Transparency and quality of crypto ETPs
The decision by 21Shares reflects broader trends in the crypto ETP sector to increasingly diversify and seek out high-quality index providers. In rapidly evolving markets, where volatility often tests investor confidence, transparency in pricing is a key factor.
The growing interest in crypto products from Wall Street and institutional investors makes it imperative to employ robust, internationally recognized pricing methodologies. Only in this way will it be possible to accurately understand the performance of the digital asset market.
Looking ahead to the future of virtual currency ETP
The update announced by 21Shares can be seen as a step forward in the maturation of the crypto ETP market. The integration of indices managed by major operators like FTSE Russell helps solidify the position of these products as reliable means of investing in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With more and more billionaires and institutional investors betting on crypto infrastructure, the weighting and pricing methodology of the assets included in the ETP basket becomes important. Only through high and transparent standards can we attract new capital and foster sustainable growth in this sector.
Conclusion: Movement to strengthen trust in digital assets
21Shares’ reference price updates for its four major ETPs represent a strategic choice aimed at increasing transparency, reliability and standardization. In a constantly evolving market like digital assets, these characteristics are essential to strengthen investor confidence and encourage the development of increasingly sophisticated and secure products.
With this move, 21Shares reaffirms its position as a leader in innovation in the crypto ETP sector and is poised to meet the needs of an audience that increasingly values quality and certainty in their investment choices.
