21Shares is a Swiss-based fintech company and a leading global issuer of cryptocurrency-backed exchange-traded products (ETPs). Established in 2018 and headquartered in Zurich, the company also operates in major financial hubs such as New York and London, making digital asset investment accessible to a wide range of investors across the globe.
In November 2018, 21Shares launched the world’s first physically backed crypto ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Since then, its product range has expanded to over 20 ETPs, covering top cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Binance Coin, and diversified baskets like Crypto Basket 10. These ETPs are listed on multiple regulated exchanges across Europe and the Middle East.
A landmark achievement came in early 2025 when 21Shares, in partnership with ARK Invest, launched a U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETF. This product quickly gained traction among institutional and retail investors, underlining the growing demand for regulated and transparent crypto investment tools.
Russell Barlow, a former executive at Aberdeen, took over as CEO in late 2024. Under his leadership, the company has grown to nearly 70 employees and is expected to expand to 100 by the end of 2025. The expansion is focused on strengthening the firm’s capabilities in capital markets, sales, and product development.
21Shares is committed to innovation, accessibility, and investor protection. It offers both single-asset and diversified ETPs with competitive fee structures—many now under 0.5%—to encourage broader adoption of crypto investing. All products are physically backed and stored securely with institutional-grade custodians.
The company’s mission is to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset economy. Through research-driven strategies, robust risk management, and transparent operations, 21Shares is shaping the future of regulated crypto investment globally.
