Volatility Shares To Launch The First Solana Futures ETFs

Volatility Shares, a growing investment firm, is making history by launching the first exchange-traded funds (ETF) tied to the futures price of Solana (SOL). This launch comes at a time when interest in crypto ETFs is growing. 

While these funds may not attract billions like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) spot ETFs, their success could soon lead to a spot Solana ETF.

Volatility Shares Debut Solana Futures ETF

As announced, these new funds will begin trading on Thursday. One of the funds is Volatility Shares Solana ETF (SOLZ), which is poised to expose investors to Solana futures contracts. The other, Volatility Shares 2X Solana (SOLT), is designed to offer double the daily returns of Solana’s price movements. 

Just days before the launch, Solana futures trading debuted on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). However, it did not generate as much interest as Bitcoin and Ethereum futures.

Despite this, Volatility Shares remains confident in its move, as it has already listed SOLZ and SOLT on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). Notably, this is an important step before trading can begin.

Unlike spot ETFs, which hold the actual asset directly, Volatility Shares’ new funds are futures-based. They track Solana’s price through futures contracts instead of holding Solana tokens directly. 

The SOLZ ETF will have an expense ratio of 0.95%, while the SOLT ETF will charge 1.85%.

Volatility Shares Lead the Race to Launch Solana Futures ETF

In a statement, Volatility Shares co-founder and CEO Justin Young pointed out that his firm, which currently manages around $3 billion in assets, was the first to file for these Solana ETFs. This gave the firm a head start over competitors. 

The launch of these ETFs is a major milestone for Solana-based investment products. Last December, Volatility Shares filed for three ETFs that would invest in Solana futures contracts. Even though no Solana futures were available on CFTC-regulated exchanges at that time

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas called the move “wild” and suggested it could be a good sign for a future spot Solana ETF.

Could a Spot Solana ETF Be Next?

Big investment firms are also moving in on Solana ETFs. Franklin Templeton, a major asset manager, recently became the largest firm to file for a Solana ETF. VanEck and 21Shares have also submitted applications, with VanEck being the first to apply to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last June.

For now, investors can only buy futures-based Solana ETF product. However, many are waiting for a spot Solana ETF, which would allow direct investment in Solana without futures contracts. If interest in Solana ETFs continues to grow, it may only be a matter of time before a spot Solana ETF becomes reality.