Bitwise Launches First U.S. Spot NEAR ETF, Targeting AI-Powered…

Event summary

Bitwise Asset Management launched the Bitwise NEAR ETF (NRR) on September 29, 2026, offering spot exposure to NEAR, a blockchain infrastructure for the AI economy.
The ETF will stake NEAR tokens in-house, aiming to capture average staking rewards of ~5%.
NRR is the first spot NEAR ETP in the U.S., expanding Bitwise's NEAR franchise from Europe.
Bitwise manages $9 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2026, and offers over 70 crypto investment products.
NEAR Intents, NEAR's transaction protocol, has processed $32B+ in volume, up from under $1B a year ago.

The big picture

Bitwise's launch of the NEAR ETF positions the firm at the intersection of two major trends: AI and crypto. With global agentic commerce projected to reach $5 trillion by 2030, NEAR's infrastructure for AI agents could become a critical asset. The ETF's success will hinge on its ability to capture staking rewards and attract investors seeking exposure to the AI-powered economy. Bitwise's expansion into the U.S. market with NRR follows its established NEAR franchise in Europe, signaling a broader strategic push into AI-centric blockchain investments.

What we're watching

AI Integration: How NEAR's focus on AI-powered commerce will drive adoption of NRR among institutional investors.
Regulatory Risks: Whether the lack of 1940 Act protections for NRR will impact investor confidence.
Staking Performance: The pace at which Bitwise can sustain and grow staking rewards for NRR shareholders.