Introduction
Nordic crypto exchange Safello is launching the world’s first Bittensor ETP in partnership with Deutsche Digital Assets, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of blockchain and artificial intelligence. The Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP (STAO) will debut on Switzerland’s SIX Exchange on November 19 with a 1.49% management fee, representing Safello’s strategic entry into the rapidly expanding exchange-traded product market and joining a global wave of new crypto fund launches.
Key Points
- First-ever Bittensor ETP developed in partnership with Deutsche Bank-backed asset manager
- Scheduled to list on SIX Swiss Exchange on November 19 with 1.49% management fee
- Part of broader global expansion of crypto ETPs including Solana, Litecoin and Hedera funds
A Landmark Partnership in Crypto ETP Innovation
The collaboration between Nordic cryptocurrency exchange Safello and Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA), a crypto asset manager backed by Germany’s Deutsche Bank, represents a significant validation of institutional interest in blockchain-AI convergence. This partnership brings together Safello’s expertise in digital asset trading with DDA’s institutional-grade asset management capabilities, creating a product that bridges traditional finance with cutting-edge blockchain technology. The involvement of Deutsche Bank, one of Germany’s largest financial institutions, through its backing of DDA adds substantial credibility to this venture.
The timing of this launch coincides with increased institutional appetite for cryptocurrency exposure through regulated vehicles. By choosing the SIX Swiss Exchange, one of Europe’s most respected trading venues, the partners signal their commitment to meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance and investor protection. This strategic positioning distinguishes the TAO ETP from more speculative crypto offerings and aligns with growing demand from professional investors seeking regulated access to innovative blockchain projects.
Bittensor: Bridging Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence
Bittensor represents one of the most ambitious projects at the intersection of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, creating a decentralized network where machine learning models can collaborate and be rewarded for their contributions. The TAO token serves as the native cryptocurrency of the Bittensor ecosystem, facilitating transactions and incentivizing participation in the network’s collective intelligence framework. This unique positioning has attracted significant attention from both crypto enthusiasts and AI researchers seeking decentralized alternatives to centralized AI development.
Emelie Moritz, CEO of Safello, emphasized the significance of this development, stating that ‘The Safello TAO ETP will, as the first product from Safello, increase accessibility to Bittensor – one of the most exciting networks at the intersection of blockchain and AI.’ This statement underscores the product’s role in democratizing access to innovative technologies that were previously accessible primarily to technical experts and early crypto adopters. The staked nature of the ETP means investors will benefit from network participation rewards while maintaining the convenience of a traditional exchange-traded product.
Global Expansion of Crypto ETP Markets
Safello’s TAO ETP enters a rapidly diversifying market for cryptocurrency exchange-traded products, joining recent Solana, Litecoin, and Hedera fund launches across major financial centers including the United States and Hong Kong. This global expansion reflects growing institutional acceptance of digital assets and increasing demand from investors seeking diversified exposure to the cryptocurrency ecosystem beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The simultaneous development of multiple crypto ETPs across different jurisdictions indicates a maturing market with robust investor appetite.
The 1.49% management fee positions the Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP competitively within the crypto ETP landscape, balancing the costs of active staking management with investor value proposition. This fee structure acknowledges the additional complexity involved in managing staked assets while remaining attractive compared to many actively managed cryptocurrency funds. The product’s scheduled November 19 listing on SIX Swiss Exchange provides a clear timeline for investors anticipating exposure to this innovative asset class.
This wave of crypto ETP launches represents a significant evolution from the early days of cryptocurrency investing, where direct ownership and technical expertise were prerequisites for participation. The emergence of regulated products like the Safello TAO ETP signals the financial industry’s growing sophistication in packaging complex digital assets into familiar investment vehicles, potentially opening crypto markets to a much broader investor base while maintaining the regulatory safeguards expected in traditional finance.
📎 Related coverage from: cointelegraph.com
