European digital asset manager CoinShares has announced its acquisition of Bastion Asset Management, a London-based investment firm, as part of its strategy to launch actively managed crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. The move comes as demand for active ETFs outpaces passive funds, signaling a major shift in both traditional and digital markets.
Why CoinShares Acquired Bastion
The deal, pending approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will allow CoinShares to integrate Bastionâs systematic trading expertise, strategies, and team into its platform. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition is designed to strengthen CoinSharesâ position as it prepares to list publicly in the U.S. at a $1.2 billion pre-money equity valuation.
âBy combining Bastionâs trading expertise with our 1940 Act registration, we can deliver actively managed crypto investment products in the U.S. that go beyond simple market tracking,â a CoinShares spokesperson said.
Active vs Passive ETFs
- Passive ETFs track indexes or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering exposure without active decision-making.
- Active ETFs, in contrast, rely on fund managers who use quantitative models, signals, and market research to outperform benchmarks.
While most U.S. crypto ETFs remain passive, institutional demand is increasingly shifting toward strategies that generate alpha independent of market direction. CoinShares believes Bastionâs teamâexperienced at hedge funds such as BlueCrest Capital, Systematica Investments, Rokos Capital, and GAM Systematicâprovides exactly the expertise needed to compete.
The Rise of Active ETFs in Crypto
According to Bloomberg Intelligence, active crypto ETFs outnumbered passive funds for the first time in July 2025, more than doubling in the past five years. This reflects a broader trend in traditional finance, where investors seek active strategies for diversification and performance in uncertain markets.
âCoinShares will provide both directional crypto exposure and strategies aimed at generating consistent returns regardless of market conditions,â the company noted.
U.S. Market Expansion
CoinSharesâ U.S. push aligns with recent regulatory developments. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently approved new rules allowing faster approvals for crypto ETFs, reducing the maximum timeline from 240 days to 75 days.
A CoinShares spokesperson emphasized:
âThe U.S. remains the deepest capital market for digital assets, and our expansion will allow us to build the infrastructure, team, and products needed to become a leading institutional player.â
CoinSharesâ acquisition of Bastion marks a strategic bet on active ETFs, reflecting the growing appetite among institutions for sophisticated, alpha-driven investment products in the crypto sector. With U.S. listing plans and regulatory changes making ETF approvals faster, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of digital asset investing.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.