Bitwise's Acquisition of Chorus One Signals Growth in Staked ETFs
By John Nada·Feb 25, 2026·6 min read
Bitwise's acquisition of Chorus One enhances its staking product offerings, reflecting growing institutional interest in yield-generating crypto investments.
Bitwise has acquired staking services company Chorus One, which manages over $2.2 billion in staked assets, a move that could enhance Bitwise's offerings in crypto staking products. This acquisition allows Bitwise to expand its portfolio significantly, particularly in light of the SEC's openness to a broader range of crypto investment products.
This acquisition is a strategic maneuver that positions Bitwise to leverage the growing interest in staking among institutional and retail investors. With staking becoming an increasingly popular method for generating passive income in the cryptocurrency space, Bitwise aims to capture this demand by enhancing its staking capabilities. Staking allows holders of crypto tokens to earn rewards, typically ranging from 2% to 10% annually, by locking their tokens on a blockchain. This provides investors with additional yield on top of potential appreciation of the underlying token, making it an attractive proposition for those looking to maximize returns on their investments.
The integration of Chorus One into Bitwise Onchain Solutions is not just about numbers; it represents a significant expansion of Bitwise's operational capabilities. The addition of 50 new employees from Chorus One will bolster the firm's expertise in managing staking across more than 30 proof-of-stake chains. Notable networks included in this expansion are Solana, Avalanche, Sui, Aptos, Hyperliquid, and Tezos. These chains are known for their distinct features and growing ecosystems, which could further enhance Bitwise's product offerings.
Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley emphasized the potential for staking to be a key growth area for clients holding spot crypto assets. By integrating Chorus One's infrastructure and expertise, Bitwise is poised to cater to the increasing demand for yield-generating products in the crypto market. This strategic expansion aligns with the broader trend of institutional interest in staking, as more firms seek to diversify their portfolios and offer innovative products to their clients.
The timing of this acquisition is particularly relevant given the SEC's recent indications of support for a broader range of crypto investment products. As regulatory frameworks evolve, the ability to offer compliant staking products will be crucial for firms looking to attract institutional capital. Bitwise's move reflects a strategic pivot toward products that align with regulatory approval and investor appetite for yield, marking a critical evolution in the intersection of crypto and traditional finance.
The financial landscape for cryptocurrency investment is shifting, and Bitwise is at the forefront of this transformation. With nearly $15 billion in assets under management across more than 40 investment products, Bitwise has established itself as a leading player in the crypto asset management space. Its flagship products, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW), have seen significant inflows since their launch, accumulating over $2 billion and $387 million respectively. These figures underscore the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class and the demand for investment vehicles that facilitate access to this emerging market.
In addition to its prominent ETFs, Bitwise also offers a range of other products, including the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL), Bitwise XRP ETF (XRP), Bitwise Chainlink ETF (CLNK), and Bitwise Dogecoin ETF (BWOW). This diverse product lineup demonstrates Bitwise's commitment to meeting the varied needs of its clients, whether they are looking for exposure to specific cryptocurrencies or yield-generating opportunities through staking.
Chorus One has been a significant player in the crypto staking infrastructure space since its establishment in 2018. The company has provided essential services to a diverse clientele, including finance firms, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, custodians, funds, exchanges, and decentralized protocols. This extensive experience in the staking domain will undoubtedly enhance Bitwise's operational capabilities and improve its client offerings.
The strategic integration of Chorus One into Bitwise's operations is expected to bolster the firm’s position in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. With the knowledge and experience of Chorus One’s team, including its CEO Brian Crain, who will take on an advisory role, Bitwise can further refine and enhance its staking services. This collaboration is likely to result in innovative staking solutions that will attract more clients and capitalize on the burgeoning interest in staking across the crypto market.
As Bitwise continues to diversify its range of exchange-traded products, the implications for the broader market could be significant. This acquisition not only demonstrates institutional interest in staking but also reflects a strategic shift towards more sophisticated and yield-oriented offerings. The integration of staking products into Bitwise's portfolio represents a convergence of traditional finance and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem, paving the way for new investment opportunities.
The acquisition also speaks to a larger trend in the crypto industry: the increasing institutionalization of digital assets. As more financial institutions recognize the potential of cryptocurrencies and related products, the market is likely to see a rise in innovative investment structures tailored to meet the needs of institutional investors. Bitwise's proactive approach in acquiring Chorus One positions it as a leader in this space, ready to adapt to the changing landscape of crypto investments.
Moreover, with the global interest in cryptocurrencies continuing to grow, the demand for well-structured and regulated investment products is more evident than ever. The SEC's recent openness to a broader array of crypto investment products suggests that regulatory bodies are beginning to recognize the legitimacy of digital assets as a viable investment class. By aligning itself with these regulatory trends, Bitwise is not only enhancing its own offerings but is also contributing to the maturation of the crypto market as a whole.
The potential for staking as a growth area is underscored by the increasing number of investors seeking ways to earn returns on their crypto holdings. As the market evolves, investors are becoming more sophisticated and are looking for innovative financial products that align with their investment strategies. Staking fits this demand perfectly, as it allows investors to earn rewards while maintaining exposure to the underlying asset.
Bitwise's focus on expanding its staking capabilities is a clear indication of its commitment to meeting these evolving investor needs. By enhancing its products and services through the acquisition of Chorus One, Bitwise is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the growing market for staking solutions. This strategic move not only strengthens Bitwise's business model but also enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the cryptocurrency investment space.
As the crypto market continues to mature, the integration of staking services into mainstream investment products will likely attract a wider range of investors, further driving demand for Bitwise's offerings. The company's ability to adapt and innovate in response to market trends will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge in the fast-paced world of digital asset management.