Hamilton ETFs Targets Yield With Leveraged Bitcoin Income ETF
By John Nada·May 23, 2026·4 min read
Hamilton ETFs files for a leveraged Bitcoin income ETF in Canada, aiming to blend yield with crypto exposure through covered-call strategies.
Hamilton ETFs is making waves in Canada with its latest filing for a leveraged Bitcoin income ETF — a move that could stir the pot in the crypto finance world. The company is seeking to launch the Hamilton Enhanced Bitcoin DayMAX ETF, which is designed to generate yield while maintaining Bitcoin exposure. According to Cointelegraph, this innovative fund aims to harness covered-call strategies, coupled with leverage capped at 25% of its net asset value. This dual approach allows the ETF to offer both growth potential and monthly income, setting it apart from more conventional Bitcoin investment vehicles.
The proposed ETF, which would be listed under the ticker BDAY on Cboe Canada, plans to utilize short-term options contracts to enhance returns. Specifically, Hamilton ETFs intends to employ 0DTE or zero-days-to-expiration options, a tactic that aims to capitalize on daily price swings in Bitcoin. By focusing on these day-long contracts, the fund seeks to exploit the inherent volatility of Bitcoin to generate income, a method that may appeal to investors looking for more dynamic exposure to the cryptocurrency market.
However, the excitement around this offering is tempered by the fact that the proposal still needs regulatory approval before it can proceed to trading. With approximately $16 billion in assets under management, Hamilton ETFs is a significant player in the ETF market, and the launch of such an innovative product could have far-reaching implications. The fund's potential impact on the ETF landscape is underscored by its active management strategy, which reflects a broader industry trend.
In recent times, the crypto ETF market has been gravitating towards active management strategies. This shift is evident in the actions of industry giants like BlackRock and Bitwise Asset Management. In January, BlackRock introduced its iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, an actively managed fund that employs covered-call strategies linked to Bitcoin exchange-traded products. Bitwise has also expanded its offerings with an ETF that includes Bitcoin alongside other assets like precious metals and mining stocks.
Industry experts argue that the nascent and rapidly evolving nature of the crypto market makes it particularly well-suited for active management. In March, Duncan Moir, president of 21Shares, highlighted the need for sophisticated trading and portfolio management teams to navigate the complexities of the digital asset space. This sentiment is echoed by other financial powerhouses like T. Rowe Price and Goldman Sachs, both of which have made moves towards actively managed crypto ETFs. T. Rowe Price updated SEC filings for a proposed ETF that would directly invest in digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether (ETH), and Solana (SOL). Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has filed for a Bitcoin income ETF designed to generate yield through call options tied to spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products.
The trend towards active management in the ETF space is supported by data from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which reported that active ETFs held nearly $1.8 trillion in assets globally by the end of 2025. This growing preference for actively managed products reflects the desire among investors for more tailored and strategic exposure to volatile markets like cryptocurrencies.
As Hamilton ETFs ventures into this territory, the question lingers: How will this impact investor appetite for complex crypto-related products? The introduction of a leveraged Bitcoin income ETF in Canada could represent a turning point, not just for the local market, but also for the global perception of Bitcoin as a sophisticated financial instrument. By offering a product that combines the potential for both capital appreciation and income generation, Hamilton ETFs is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the crypto investment space.
This move is particularly noteworthy given the current state of the crypto market, which is characterized by high volatility and rapid technological advancements. The launch of such a product could encourage more traditional investors to consider Bitcoin as a viable component of their portfolios. Moreover, it could spur further innovation and competition among asset managers looking to capture a share of the burgeoning crypto market.