The SEC Just Approved a New Type of Crypto ETF — And It’s Not What You Expect
VanEck’s Onchain Economy ETF (NODE) could change how we invest in the crypto space — here’s why it matters.
I wasn’t expecting this when I checked the markets this morning. Just casually scrolling through my feed over coffee, half-suspecting another headline about Bitcoin ETFs, I did a double-take:
“SEC Approves VanEck’s ‘Onchain Economy ETF’ — Tied to Crypto, But Not Crypto.”
Wait… what?
It’s not another spot Bitcoin or Ethereum futures ETF. This one's different — and honestly, kind of brilliant. It’s called NODE, and instead of tracking crypto assets themselves, it invests in publicly traded companies building the foundations of the blockchain world: miners, exchanges, validators, data centers, hardware providers — you name it.
And the more I sat with it, the more it started to feel like we're watching traditional finance stretch its arms wider into the crypto world. Not just through coins and tokens — but through the guts and gears that make it all run.
Let’s unpack what NODE means for all of us watching this space unfold, day by day.
ETF Exposure Beyond BTC and ETH: Inside VanEck’s “NODE” Strategy
A crypto-adjacent ETF that tracks the real-world companies shaping Web3.
We’ve seen Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs make headlines, but NODE offers something a little subtler — and, maybe, smarter. Instead of tracking BTC or ETH directly, NODE focuses on the companies that power the entire onchain ecosystem.
Essentially, this ETF is made up of:
- Bitcoin and Ethereum miners
- Centralized crypto exchanges
- Data centers supporting decentralized networks
- Next-gen hardware and infrastructure providers
- Financial firms integrating Web3 technologies
These are the behind-the-scenes entities — the “picks and shovels” of the crypto gold rush. It’s kind of like investing in Levi’s instead of prospecting for gold. And for risk-averse investors, especially institutions that can’t or won’t hold crypto directly, NODE offers exposure without actually touching the assets themselves.
Honestly, I wish something like this had existed back in 2021 when I tried to convince a friend to gain crypto exposure through traditional equities (they ended up buying Coinbase stock at the top… rough). NODE feels like it’s made to bridge that gap more smoothly.
A Clever Move Around Crypto Regulation?
How NODE might sidestep the SEC’s crypto crackdown while still riding the Web3 wave.
We all know the SEC hasn’t exactly been handing out warm hugs to the crypto industry lately. From lawsuits to vague guidance, the legal fog around many tokens has scared off more than a few big money players.
But NODE? It sidesteps all that.
It doesn’t hold coins. It holds companies — and many of them are already registered and regulated under traditional finance standards. That gives it a unique edge. Instead of betting on a coin that might get delisted tomorrow, you’re investing in infrastructure that’s already woven into the financial system.
This could be exactly what crypto-curious institutional investors have been waiting for. And in times like these — where token prices swing wildly on every tweet or enforcement rumor — a play like NODE could look refreshingly solid.
Not Just Another ETF: Why This Could Shift Market Sentiment
Even if you don’t buy, NODE’s existence could influence how others approach crypto investing.
Back in January, the spot BTC ETF approvals sent a tidal wave through the crypto scene. Billions of dollars flowed in, and Bitcoin rocketed past milestones we hadn’t touched in years.
NODE won’t spark a moonshot frenzy like that. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.
Every time the SEC greenlights a new crypto-related product, it sends a message: “Okay, we’re willing to play ball — if you play by the rules.” That builds confidence. And when confidence creeps back into the market, sentiment improves — which, in this game, can be everything.
I’ve seen it happen before. I remember in 2022, when Fidelity added Bitcoin in retirement accounts — it didn’t break the internet, but it quietly changed how institutions looked at crypto. This feels similar. Maybe even bigger, long term.
Should You Rethink Your Own Crypto Strategy?
NODE could play a role in portfolios looking for a more stable angle on crypto.
NODE officially launches May 14. And sure, if you’re already elbows-deep in crypto — holding BTC, ETH, SOL, maybe dabbling in L2s or trying your luck with memecoins — an ETF like this might seem dull in comparison.
But it is worth thinking about.
I’ll be honest — I’ve been questioning my own allocation lately. The rollercoaster rides make for great stories, but they’re not always friendly on the blood pressure. And I’ve missed opportunities before by not looking at "safer" onramps. This feels like one of those.
For people investing through traditional brokers or building out retirement accounts where direct crypto’s off-limits, NODE could be a solid complementary piece. It offers a way to believe in the space without taking on all the risk that comes with tokens.
Crypto's Quiet Infiltration of Wall Street
Another approved ETF, another step toward mainstream legitimacy.
It’s subtle, but it’s happening. The wall between crypto and traditional finance is crumbling — quietly and consistently.
VanEck already has spot BTC and ETH products live. They’ve filed for more, including SOL and AVAX ETFs. NODE is their newest chess move — and this one leans into infrastructure. It's like they're mapping out an entire investing roadmap for crypto adoption, one layer at a time.
This is what evolution looks like in a regulated world. Not an overnight burst, but a long, steady integration. And if you're reading this, you're witnessing it as it unfolds.
What about you — would you invest in something like NODE, or are you sticking with pure crypto plays? I’m curious how others are viewing this shift.
Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this post with your crypto-curious friends.
🔥 Whether we’re trading tokens or chasing ETFs, the onchain world is getting closer — one ETF approval at a time.