Valkyrie Files for Leveraged Bitcoin Futures ETF

Valkyrie made history last week as the second issuer to bring a bitcoin futures-based ETF to market, now it seeks approval for a leveraged product.

article-image

Blockworks Exclusive Art by Axel Rangel

share
  • Valkyrie files for a leveraged bitcoin futures ETF four days after launching its futures only fund
  • The fund will provide 1.25x exposure to the bitcoin reference rate

Four days after its bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund made its Nasdaq debut, Valkyrie Investments is already after another bitcoin futures-based fund, this time with leveraged exposure. 

The investment firm filed the Valkyrie XBTO Levered BTC Futures ETF prospectus on Tuesday morning. The fund, which intends to trade under the ticker BTFX, will provide 1.25x exposure to the bitcoin reference rate. It will hold futures, swaps, options and forwards. 

“The Fund presents different risks than other types of funds,” the filing read. “The Fund may not be suitable for all investors and should be used only by knowledgeable investors who understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged (1.25x) investment results, including the impact of compounding on Fund performance.” 

Valkyrie hinted at future fund launches shortly after BTF, its bitcoin futures ETF which did $10 million in trades in the first few minutes of the session, began trading last Friday. BTF was the second fund of its kind to begin trading. ProShares Bitcoin Strategy Fund (BITO) launched on Tuesday and raked in $1 billion in assets under management in the first two days.  

“I think spot is quite a bit of a ways away, but we do have some creative things that we’re looking at doing,” Steven McClurg, chief investment officer at Valkyrie, told Blockworks Friday, referring to a spot-based ETF. “You’ll probably see them filed in November and hopefully launching in the beginning of next year.” 

The news comes as VanEck’s futures-based fund launch is delayed yet again. The issuer filed a new date on Tuesday stating that the filing is expected to become effective on Wednesday, October 27, meaning the fund may start trading on Thursday or Friday. VanEck’s management fee will be 0.65%, as opposed to Valkyrie and ProShare’s fee of 0.95%. 

“VanEck is excited to offer a long-awaited bitcoin exchange traded product to the U.S. market,” said Ed Lopez, Head of ETF Product at VanEck. “We were the first asset manager to file for a bitcoin futures ETF back in 2017, and we are offering what would be most competitively priced ETF in the category when we come to market.”

The issuer declined to comment on the reason for the delayed launch.

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

Old Billingsgate

Mon - Wed, October 13 - 15, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Unlocked by Template.png

Research

The march toward an interoperable and onchain-by-default internet depends on reliable messaging and value transfer across heterogeneous domains. Crosschain protocols now process >$1.3T in combined annual transfer volume and secure tens of millions of user interactions, yet no single design dominates.

article-image

As the shutdown enters its second week, sources say the Senate Banking Committee looks to move ahead with a market structure bill markup

article-image

The collaboration expands Ripple’s Middle East footprint, supporting Bahrain’s blockchain adoption and future rollout of Ripple USD

by Blockworks /
article-image

The medical device firm will manage its $400 million Solana holdings using Coinbase Prime infrastructure to bolster its digital asset strategy

by Blockworks /
article-image

The deal gives PayPay a 40% stake in Binance Japan, linking digital assets with Japan’s largest mobile payment network

by Blockworks /
article-image

Citigroup’s venture arm backs BVNK to expand stablecoin payments infrastructure amid growing US regulatory clarity

by Blockworks /
article-image

The partnership integrates Deutsche Bank’s payment rails with Bullish’s regulated exchange, streamlining fiat operations for institutional traders

by Blockworks /