VanEck Launches First US Avalanche ETF With AVAX Price Tracking and Staking Exposure
- VanEck launches the first US listed Avalanche ETF giving investors regulated access to AVAX price and staking yield.
- The VAVX fund targets institutions and wealth managers seeking crypto exposure without direct token custody risk.
- The Avalanche ETF launch signals growing demand for yield focused crypto products in regulated US markets.
VanEck launched the first US-listed exchange-traded product that tracks Avalanche’s native token AVAX. The fund began trading on Monday under the ticker VAVX. It offers direct price exposure and access to staking rewards. Meanwhile, other Avalanche ETF proposals remain under regulatory review. The launch gives US investors regulated access to Avalanche through a standard exchange product.
The fund does not register under the Investment Company Act of 1940. However, it remains subject to other US securities laws. VanEck structured the product for wealth managers and institutional investors. As a result, the ETF removes the need for direct token custody. It also reduces operational complexity for traditional investment firms.
Fee Structure and Early Market Strategy
VanEck applied for a fee waiver to attract early investor interest. The firm waived sponsor fees on the first $500 million in assets. This waiver runs until Feb. 28. After that date, the fund will charge a 0.20% sponsor fee. The same fee will apply to all assets after the deadline.
AVAX traded near $11.76 during the fund’s launch period. The token held a market value of about $5.1 billion. However, the price remains far below its 2021 peak. Despite this decline, VanEck moved forward after months of filings. The firm submitted its initial application in March 2025. Nasdaq later followed with a rule-change request to support trading.
Avalanche Network and Product Design
Avalanche is an open-source smart contract blockchain and decentralized applications blockchain. The network was launched by Ava Labs in September 2020. The platform is concentrated on the aspect of interoperability and scalability. It also aids in EVM compatibility of Ethereum-based applications. As a result, Avalanche continues to support activity across finance and enterprise use cases.
The ETF includes staking exposure alongside price tracking. This structure allows investors to access potential network yield. Therefore, the fund differs from earlier spot crypto products. It reflects growing interest in yield-linked digital asset strategies. The design also fits demand for regulated income features within crypto portfolios.
Crypto ETF Market Continues to Expand
The Avalanche ETF launch signals broader growth in crypto exchange-traded products. Several asset managers now pursue altcoin-focused offerings. Grayscale has filed to convert its Avalanche trust into a spot ETF. Bitwise has also submitted an application for an AVAX ETF. These filings suggest rising competition in regulated altcoin exposure.
Meanwhile, issuers continue to design new crypto ETF structures. BlackRock recently filed for a Bitcoin income product using options. Amplify launched ETFs tied to stablecoin and tokenization infrastructure. Bitwise has proposed several single-asset crypto strategy funds. Together, these moves show a shift toward structured crypto products. The market now favors yield and risk controls over simple price exposure.
