Crypto exchange-traded product issuer 21Shares AG has announced an important update to several of its digital asset investment products. The company will change the pricing benchmarks used for four of its Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products (ETPs) listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Starting March 26, 2026, 21Shares will appoint FTSE International Limited as an additional index administrator. At the same time, the firm will replace the current reference pricing system with new benchmarks based on the FTSE Global Digital Asset Index Series.
This update aims to improve pricing reliability and provide a stronger benchmark for investors who track cryptocurrency markets through ETPs.
Four ETPs Affected by the Change
The update will apply to four major products offered by 21Shares. These investment vehicles allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum through traditional financial markets.
The products included in the update are:
- 21Shares Bitcoin ETP
- 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP
- 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP
- 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP
These products provide investors with simplified access to cryptocurrency markets through regulated financial instruments.
Current Pricing Method
Until now, these ETPs have relied on CCIX reference prices to track cryptocurrency market values.
Specifically, the products used:
- CCIX Bitcoin USD (CCBTC) for Bitcoin pricing
- CCIX Ethereum USD (CCETH) for Ethereum pricing
These indices aggregate data from various exchanges to determine the market value of each digital asset. However, 21Shares decided to move to a new pricing system to improve transparency and reliability for investors.
New Pricing Benchmarks from FTSE
Beginning March 26, 2026, the four ETPs will transition to new pricing benchmarks developed by FTSE Russell, which is part of the London Stock Exchange Group.
The new reference benchmarks will be:
- FTSE Bitcoin Index (1HR 1700 CET) for Bitcoin products
- FTSE Ethereum Index (1HR 1700 CET) for Ethereum products
Corresponding Bloomberg index codes will also change:
- FBTC1HRE for Bitcoin
- FETH1HRE for Ethereum
These benchmarks use a structured methodology designed to deliver more accurate pricing data for digital assets.
How the New Pricing Method Works
The FTSE Global Digital Asset Index Series uses a clear and consistent approach to calculate cryptocurrency prices.
The methodology relies on FTSE DAR Reference Prices, which gather pricing data from selected exchanges. These exchanges must meet strict quality and liquidity standards. The specific version being used for the ETPs is called “1HR 1700 CET.”
This means:
- Prices are calculated using a one-hour lookback period
- The final reference price is determined at 17:00 Central European Time
By averaging market activity within this time window, the index aims to reduce sudden price spikes and improve pricing accuracy.
Why This Update Matters
Accurate pricing is extremely important for investment products linked to cryptocurrencies. Digital assets can experience large price swings within short periods.
Therefore, reliable benchmarks help investors better understand the true value of their investments.
By using FTSE Russell indices, 21Shares aims to:
- Improve transparency in pricing
- Strengthen institutional confidence
- Provide standardized benchmarks for crypto assets
These improvements also support the growing involvement of large financial institutions in digital asset markets.
No Changes to Other Product Details
While the pricing system is changing, all other details about the ETPs will remain the same.
For example:
- Product fees will not change
- The structure of the ETPs remains unchanged
- Regulatory listings with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) remain intact
This means investors will continue to hold the same products, but with a new pricing benchmark.
Company Background and Disclosure
21Shares AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, at Pelikanstrasse 37. The company specializes in providing regulated exchange-traded products that track cryptocurrency markets.
Full information about these products is available in the company’s UK Base Prospectus dated January 8, 2026, which can be accessed on the 21Shares website.
The company also clarified that the announcement does not represent an offer to sell securities in the United States, where the products are not registered.
Growing Institutional Interest in Crypto
This pricing update reflects a broader trend in the digital asset industry. As traditional financial institutions become more involved in cryptocurrency markets, the need for reliable benchmarks continues to increase.
Institutional investors require transparent and standardized data before allocating large amounts of capital to crypto products. By partnering with FTSE Russell, 21Shares strengthens its infrastructure and improves trust in its investment offerings.
As digital assets continue to evolve, pricing methodologies and benchmark providers will play a major role in shaping the future of crypto investment products.
