Bitwise Files Amended S-1 for Spot NEAR ETF, Eyes Approval

Bitwise has submitted an amended S-1 registration statement for its proposed spot NEAR Protocol exchange-traded fund (ETF) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This filing indicates Bitwise is actively progressing through the regulatory review process for a new digital asset investment product.

The S-1/A amendment, filed on July 2, 2026, updates the initial registration statement for the Bitwise NEAR ETF. Such amendments are common as applicants respond to SEC feedback and refine their proposals for new financial products.

The move by Bitwise follows a broader trend of asset managers seeking to offer spot crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The firm has been a prominent player in the digital asset ETF space, having launched several products, including a spot Bitcoin ETF earlier this year.

Latest Stories

3 min read • 8 minutes ago

Go-Ethereum v1.17.8 Arrives With Amsterdam Fork Preparations

7 min read • 20 minutes ago

The CFTC’s New Crypto Rules Have a Major Blind Spot — Here’s What They Actually Cover

3 min read • 3 days ago

Chainlink Demonstrates Cross-Chain Dividends — Tokenized Shares Need More Than Transfers

Read all latest stories →

The proposed NEAR ETF aims to provide investors with direct exposure to the NEAR Protocol’s native token without needing to directly hold the cryptocurrency. This structure is designed to simplify access and potentially attract a wider range of institutional and retail investors.

Regulatory approval for a spot NEAR ETF would mark a significant expansion of regulated crypto investment vehicles. The SEC’s stance on altcoin spot ETFs has been cautious, making each new application a closely watched development within the industry.

Spot NEAR ETF imminent?

Bitwise’s persistent efforts highlight the growing demand for diversified crypto investment options. The firm’s strategy involves bringing a range of digital assets into traditional financial markets through regulated products.

This amended filing signals Bitwise’s continued commitment to launching a spot NEAR ETF and to pushing for broader institutional access to altcoins. For investors, it represents a potential new pathway to gain regulated exposure to the NEAR Protocol. The SEC’s response will set a precedent for future altcoin ETF applications.