Bitwise's spot NEAR ETF wins regulatory clearance ahead of NRR debut
Bitwise received NYSE Arca approval and SEC effectiveness for its spot NEAR ETF on September 24, 2026, with trading expected around September 29 under ticker NRR. The fund plans to hold NEAR tokens directly and stake all holdings for yield, using Coinbase Custody and BNY Mellon, with a 0.75% annual management fee. NEAR's price climbed about 20% within a day of the approval and roughly 26% over the following week.
Bitwise's spot NEAR fund cleared NYSE Arca listing approval and SEC Form 8-A effectiveness on Sept. 24, 2026. Trading is expected around Sept. 29 under NRR. It would hold NEAR tokens directly and stake all holdings, using Coinbase Custody for tokens and BNY Mellon for cash custody and administration. Annual management fee: 0.75%.
The trust was organized in Delaware in April 2025, roughly 17 months before clearance. Initial seed capital was $200—eight shares at $25—as of July 28, 2026; a planned $500,000 basket of 20,000 shares is intended to fund operations. NEAR gained about 20% in a day and 26% over the following week.
The clearance may widen access to NEAR exposure for investors who prefer brokerage accounts over direct token custody. It could also signal greater acceptance of staking-linked crypto funds, potentially affecting asset managers, exchanges, custodians, and retail buyers. At the same time, staking inside an ETF may raise questions about validator concentration, custody risk, and how regulators treat yield-bearing digital-asset products. The outcome could influence whether similar funds launch, though market and regulatory conditions may change.