Franklin Templeton Unveils Crypto ETF Covering Bitcoin and Ethereum

Franklin Templeton has introduced a new cryptocurrency ETF that provides investors with exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Named the Franklin Crypto Index ETF (EZPZ), the fund tracks the CF Institutional Digital Asset Index, which currently includes only BTC and ETH. The ETF debuted shortly after Hashdex’s Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ), marking the second such product to enter the market.

The EZPZ fund is structured to expand over time, incorporating additional cryptocurrencies as they are added to the index, subject to regulatory approval. Franklin Templeton describes it as a convenient option for investors looking to gain exposure to digital assets without directly purchasing them.

Both the EZPZ and Hashdex’s NCIQ are limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum for now, but they plan to broaden their holdings. The US Securities and Exchange Commission approved both ETFs in December, allowing EZPZ to trade on Cboe BZX and NCIQ on Nasdaq.

Regulatory attitudes toward cryptocurrency ETFs appear to be shifting, particularly after Donald Trump’s election victory and his stated ambition to establish the US as a leader in digital assets. Asset managers have been actively filing for ETFs covering altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Litecoin. Meanwhile, Grayscale has been seeking approval to list its Digital Large Cap Fund as an ETF, a portfolio that includes BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP.

Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence suggest that new crypto ETF applications stand a strong chance of receiving regulatory approval, signaling growing acceptance of digital asset investment products.