21Shares, a leading European provider of exchange-traded products (ETPs) focused on digital assets, has introduced an innovative product designed to provide institutional investors with exposure to the growing Cronos (CRO) cryptocurrency. This new ETP, named CRON, offers a regulated and efficient way for investors to gain access to the Cronos blockchain ecosystem, which has seen rapid growth and widespread adoption in the Web3 space.

The CRON ETP was introduced on May 6, 2025, and will be available for trading on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam exchanges under the ticker CH1443364232. It comes with an operational fee of 2.5% and aims to streamline the process of investing in Cronos (CRO), a cryptocurrency that powers the Cronos blockchain. Investors can now gain exposure to Cronos without having to directly handle digital wallets or exchanges, making it more accessible for traditional investors in the cryptocurrency market.

What is Cronos (CRO)?

Cronos (CRO) is the native cryptocurrency of the Cronos blockchain, which was developed to enable the seamless integration of traditional finance with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. The blockchain is designed for scalability, interoperability, and AI-driven applications, and is backed by Crypto.com, one of the leading global cryptocurrency platforms. With the growing importance of DeFi and the rapid expansion of Web3 technologies, the Cronos blockchain has emerged as one of the most promising ecosystems in the digital asset space.

The Cronos blockchain is home to over 500 developers and partners, and it has attracted a user base of more than 100 million people worldwide. Cronos is widely regarded for its ability to facilitate decentralized finance, gaming, and decentralized applications (dApps), which are all driving the evolution of the Web3 ecosystem. Given its focus on scalability and ease of use, Cronos has quickly gained traction as a vital platform within the broader cryptocurrency and blockchain landscape.

The Impact of the Cronos ETP

The introduction of the Cronos ETP marks an important milestone for 21Shares, which is known for offering innovative digital asset investment solutions. According to Mandy Chiu, Head of Financial Products Development at 21Shares, the introduction of the Cronos ETP is significant because it provides regulated exposure to a blockchain ecosystem that is positioned at the forefront of both centralized access and decentralized innovation.

Chiu highlighted that by introducing the Cronos ETP, 21Shares is offering institutional investors a simple, cost-effective, and regulated way to gain exposure to the Cronos ecosystem and the future of Web3. This move makes it easier for investors who may have been hesitant to dive into the complexities of cryptocurrency exchanges and digital wallets to engage with the space in a more familiar, traditional investment setting.

For traditional investors, the Cronos ETP provides an opportunity to diversify into a rapidly growing sector without directly handling digital assets or needing to understand the complexities of managing wallets or navigating decentralized exchanges. With the increasing interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, this ETP could serve as a gateway for many investors to explore the broader Web3 ecosystem.

A Partnership That Expands Horizons

In addition to its role in simplifying access to digital assets, the Cronos ETP is also the result of a strategic partnership between 21Shares and Crypto.com. Crypto.com, a long-time supporter of the Cronos ecosystem, has played a crucial role in helping to develop and expand the network, and its partnership with 21Shares is aimed at helping more investors gain exposure to Cronos.

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, expressed excitement over the partnership with 21Shares, emphasizing that it is essential to provide investors with more ways to engage with cryptocurrencies. According to Anziani, this collaboration is central to Crypto.com’s mission of further mainstreaming the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. He also noted that the Cronos ETP will open up new opportunities for investors who are keen to engage with the growing Web3 infrastructure while maintaining a regulated and straightforward investment approach.

The Future of Cronos and Web3

As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, the Cronos blockchain is poised to be at the forefront of innovation. With a strong emphasis on decentralized finance (DeFi) and gaming, Cronos is becoming an integral part of the blockchain space. Its scalability and focus on interoperability make it an attractive platform for developers and users alike, and its growing adoption signals a bright future for the Cronos network.

The introduction of the Cronos ETP aligns with 21Shares’ ongoing efforts to provide investors with innovative, accessible, and regulated investment products focused on digital assets. The product is expected to attract institutional and retail investors who are seeking exposure to one of the most promising blockchain ecosystems in the market.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Cronos ETP by 21Shares represents a significant step forward in providing institutional investors with access to one of the fastest-growing blockchain ecosystems in the cryptocurrency space. With its regulatory oversight and focus on Web3 infrastructure, the Cronos ETP offers an easy and straightforward way for investors to integrate Cronos (CRO) into their portfolios. As the Cronos ecosystem continues to grow, this ETP could become a crucial vehicle for gaining exposure to the future of decentralized finance and Web3 technologies.