21Shares just made a big move to fix how four top crypto products track real market prices. Starting March 26, this update swaps old benchmarks for trusted FTSE indexes on Bitcoin and Ethereum. Investors get tighter links to spot prices, cutting gaps that hurt returns.
The Swiss firm picked FTSE International Limited as a new index provider. This change hits the Net Asset Value calculations for daily trading. Before, products used CCIX Bitcoin USD and CCIX Ethereum USD benchmarks. Now they switch to hourly FTSE snapshots at 1700 CET.
Here is a quick look at the updates:
| Product | Old Reference | New Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC) | CCIX Bitcoin USD | FTSE Bitcoin Index (1HR 1700 CET) |
| Ethereum Core ETP (ETHC) | CCIX Ethereum USD | FTSE Ethereum Index (1HR 1700 CET) |
| Crypto Basket Index ETP (HODL) | CCIX Ethereum USD (for components) | FTSE Ethereum Index (1HR 1700 CET) |
| Short Bitcoin ETP (SBTC) | CCIX Bitcoin USD | FTSE Bitcoin Index (1HR 1700 CET) |
This tweak cuts tracking errors that can swing by 1% or more on busy days. Traders rely on these for smooth buys and sells.
How It Helps Everyday and Big Investors
Tracking errors eat into gains. A mismatch means you buy high or sell low without knowing. The new setup uses FTSE’s robust data from top exchanges. It pulls prices every hour, right at Europe close.
Benefits include:
- Lower risk from price drifts during market swings.
- Better fit for funds chasing pure crypto plays.
- Meets demands from banks piling into digital assets.
Europe saw $650 million flow into crypto ETPs in January and February 2026 alone. 21Shares grabbed a big slice as the top issuer.
Inside the Four Updated Products
CBTC leads with over 350 million euros in assets. It offers cheap exposure to Bitcoin at just 0.10% fees. Launched in 2022, it trades on Euronext and London Stock Exchange.
ETHC focuses on Ethereum staking rewards. It holds physical ETH and grew fast with network upgrades.
HODL bundles the top five cryptos by market cap. Think Bitcoin heavy with Ethereum, Solana, and others. Its assets top 100 million euros, giving broad market bets.
SBTC flips the script. It profits when Bitcoin drops, key for hedging in down markets.
Each saw solid trading last month. CBTC hit 5.1 million dollars in volume, per February flows data.
These tools suit pros and newcomers alike.
Crypto ETP Boom Drives the Push
21Shares runs over 50 products across 10 exchanges. Total assets top 12 billion dollars. Europe leads with 13.6 billion in crypto ETPs by late 2025, despite dips.
Institutional cash floods in, pushing total crypto ETPs toward 400 billion by year-end. Firms hold over 110 billion in crypto now, up 130% soon.
Why now? Spot ETFs in the US set the bar high. Europe wants the same precision. FTSE adds credibility with its global reach.
This fits a market where Bitcoin ETFs alone pull billions monthly. Staking yields and baskets draw steady flows.
One surprise: Short products like SBTC shine in corrections, balancing long bets.
As crypto matures, clean pricing keeps trust high. Retail folks gain from less slippage on trades.
The reference price overhaul by 21Shares sets a stronger stage for crypto investments. It promises fairer values and sharper tracking amid surging demand from big players. Everyday investors win too, with products that stick closer to real market moves.

