Institutional investors and wealth managers are predicting continuing growth in fund flows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs over the year ahead but want action from global regulators to tackle ambiguity in rules, according to new global research by London-based Nickel Digital Asset Management (Nickel), Europe’s leading digital assets hedge fund manager founded by alumni of Bankers Trust, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.
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Anatoly Crachilov, CEO and Founding Partner at Nickel Digital
- 87% of institutional investors and wealth managers forecast further expansion for digital asset ETFs
- Global regulators need to act on the ambiguous rules governing digital asset ETFs, survey finds
- Launch of XRP and Solana ETFs will positive for the price and liquidity of Bitcoin and Ethereum
The approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was seen as a landmark for the digital assets sector worldwide with institutional investors able to benefit from lower costs, increased liquidity and a regulatory framework while avoiding the risks and complexity of self-custody.
Industry data (2) shows crypto ETFs pulled in around $48 billion last year and have attracted more than $188 billion since launching. The study with organisations invested in the sector they expect to increase this year.
Nickel’s research with institutional investors and wealth managers in the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates who collectively manage around $1.1 trillion in assets, found 87% expect increased flows with 12% predicting dramatic increases. No organisations expect the flow to fall with 13% saying it will stay the same.
Organisations questioned believe the strong fund flows will put pressure on global regulators to tackle ambiguities in the current rules. Around 40% strongly agree that the pressure on regulators will lead to the creation of comprehensive regulatory frameworks and standardised definitions and classifications. Around 59% slightly agree with that view.
Around 92% are positive on the impact of the launch of new digital asset ETFs such as XRP and Solana on the price and liquidity of Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Anatoly Crachilov, CEO and Founding Partner at Nickel Digital, said: “The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marked a pivotal moment for the digital asset ecosystem, catalysing a new wave of institutional engagement. These vehicles provide efficient access, regulatory clarity, and operational simplicity—all of which have contributed to strong capital inflows.”
“This is not just a passing trend—it signals a structural shift in how digital assets are being accessed and integrated into traditional portfolios.”
Source: ETFWorld.co.uk
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