What is the difference between a spot Bitcoin ETF and a futures Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning it, with spot ETFs tracking real-time prices and futures ETFs relying on contracts.

Jul 02, 2025 at 08:01 am

Understanding the Basics of Bitcoin ETFs

A Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is a financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning the cryptocurrency. These ETFs are traded on traditional stock exchanges and offer an accessible way for both retail and institutional investors to participate in the Bitcoin market. The primary distinction between different types of Bitcoin ETFs lies in the underlying assets they track — specifically, whether they are based on spot Bitcoin or Bitcoin futures contracts.

Spot Bitcoin refers to the actual price of Bitcoin at a given moment in the market. A spot Bitcoin ETF holds real Bitcoin as its underlying asset, meaning it directly mirrors the price of Bitcoin in real time. On the other hand, a futures Bitcoin ETF does not hold actual Bitcoin but instead invests in Bitcoin futures contracts — agreements to buy or sell Bitcoin at a predetermined price and date in the future.

How Spot Bitcoin ETFs Operate

A spot Bitcoin ETF functions by purchasing and holding actual Bitcoin. This type of ETF is designed to reflect the current market price of Bitcoin, also known as the spot price. Investors who buy shares in a spot Bitcoin ETF indirectly own a portion of the physical Bitcoin held by the fund. The value of the ETF shares fluctuates in line with the real-time price of Bitcoin.

• The ETF provider stores Bitcoin in secure custody solutions.
• Shares are issued based on the total value of the Bitcoin held.
• Investors can trade these shares on stock exchanges like regular stocks.

Because this type of ETF tracks the actual asset, there is minimal tracking error compared to the real price of Bitcoin. Additionally, it avoids complications related to futures markets such as contango (when futures prices are higher than spot prices) or backwardation (when futures prices are lower than spot prices).

How Futures Bitcoin ETFs Work

Unlike spot Bitcoin ETFs, futures-based Bitcoin ETFs do not hold actual Bitcoin. Instead, they invest in Bitcoin futures contracts traded on regulated exchanges like the CME Group. These contracts have expiration dates and must be rolled over periodically to maintain continuous exposure to Bitcoin's price movements.

• The ETF buys Bitcoin futures contracts rather than physical Bitcoin.
• As contracts approach expiration, the fund rolls them into new contracts.
• The performance of the ETF may deviate from the spot price due to roll costs and market conditions.

This method introduces additional complexities. For example, if the futures market is in contango, rolling contracts becomes costly and can erode returns over time. Similarly, during backwardation, rolling contracts can provide a slight advantage. These dynamics make futures-based ETFs less precise in mirroring Bitcoin’s spot price.

Regulatory Considerations and Approval Process

The regulatory landscape plays a crucial role in determining which type of Bitcoin ETF gets approved. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has historically been more cautious about approving spot Bitcoin ETFs due to concerns around market manipulation, custody solutions, and investor protection.

• Futures Bitcoin ETFs have received SEC approval because they use regulated futures markets.
• Spot Bitcoin ETFs face stricter scrutiny and require robust custodial frameworks.
• Many global regulators view futures-based products as safer due to existing oversight mechanisms.

Several major asset managers have filed proposals for spot Bitcoin ETFs, but as of now, none have been fully approved in the U.S., while some have gained traction in other jurisdictions like Canada and Europe.

Cost Structures and Expense Ratios

Both spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs come with expense ratios that cover management fees, custody costs, and operational expenses. However, the cost structures differ due to the nature of their underlying assets.

A spot Bitcoin ETF typically incurs higher custody and security costs because it must store actual Bitcoin in cold storage wallets. These funds also need to comply with insurance and auditing requirements, which add to the overall expense ratio.

In contrast, a futures Bitcoin ETF avoids direct custody costs but faces expenses related to contract rollovers and trading activity. While these funds might have lower upfront custody fees, the ongoing costs from rolling futures contracts can impact long-term returns.

• Spot ETFs: Higher custody and compliance costs.
• Futures ETFs: Lower custody costs but potential for higher trading-related expenses.

Investors should carefully compare the expense ratios and understand how each structure impacts their investment over time.

Liquidity and Trading Mechanics

Liquidity is another critical factor when comparing spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs. Spot ETFs generally offer tighter spreads and better liquidity since they are backed by real assets that can be redeemed or created based on demand.

Futures-based ETFs may experience liquidity fluctuations depending on the volume and depth of the Bitcoin futures market. Since futures contracts are time-bound instruments, managing liquidity during contract rollover periods can introduce volatility and wider bid-ask spreads.

• Spot ETFs: More stable liquidity due to direct Bitcoin backing.
• Futures ETFs: Potential liquidity issues during contract transitions.

Market participants should consider how each ETF type aligns with their trading strategy and investment horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I redeem shares of a Bitcoin ETF for actual Bitcoin?

A: It depends on the ETF structure. Some spot Bitcoin ETFs may allow institutional investors to redeem shares for Bitcoin under specific conditions, but retail investors typically cannot.

Q: Are Bitcoin ETFs available outside the U.S.?

A: Yes, several countries, including Canada and Germany, have approved both spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs, offering investors alternative access points.

Q: Do Bitcoin ETFs pay dividends?

A: No, Bitcoin ETFs do not generate income like dividend-paying stocks. Their value is solely derived from changes in Bitcoin’s price or futures contract performance.

Q: Is one type of Bitcoin ETF inherently riskier than the other?

A: Neither is universally riskier. Spot ETFs expose investors directly to Bitcoin’s volatility, while futures ETFs carry additional risks from contract mechanics and market structure.