Kraken's CF Benchmarks has secured a dominant position in the crypto ETF market, managing $24 billion in reference data. Amidst surging demand, the firm anticipates further expansion into Israel and South Korea, with South Korea being a particularly promising market due to its high crypto adoption rate. CF Benchmarks initially projected $5 billion in assets for US spot Bitcoin ETFs this year, but actual demand has exceeded expectations by four times.
Kraken's CF Benchmarks Emerges as Market Leader in Crypto ETF Benchmarking, Dominating with $24 Billion in Reference Data
New York, NY (April 28, 2023) - CF Benchmarks, a subsidiary of the renowned cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has established itself as the dominant force in the crypto ETF benchmarking market, commanding a staggering $24 billion in reference data. This remarkable achievement, coupled with an unprecedented surge in demand, positions CF Benchmarks for exponential growth in the burgeoning crypto ETF landscape.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, CF Benchmarks CEO Sui Chung expressed the firm's bullish outlook, predicting that crypto ETFs will soon penetrate new markets in Israel and South Korea, citing the latter's "high degree of crypto adoption." Chung further noted that "South Korea is a market where ETFs have become the preferred vehicle for long-term savings."
Initially, CF Benchmarks projected $5 billion in assets under management for U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs utilizing its data in 2023. However, Chung revealed that the actual demand far exceeded expectations, eclipsing the initial projection by a factor of four.
Despite a tepid initial reception in Hong Kong, with spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF trading volumes hovering below $13 million, CF Benchmarks remains optimistic about the region's potential. Chung stated that the firm anticipates managing approximately $1 billion in assets for Hong Kong products by the end of 2024.
In mid-April, Hong Kong granted approval for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approval of several spot Bitcoin ETF applications in the United States a few months earlier. While Hong Kong forges ahead, the SEC adopts a more cautious stance regarding spot Ethereum ETFs, potentially deferring approvals until late 2024 or beyond.
Founded in 2017, CF Benchmarks was acquired by Kraken in 2019. With its expertise in providing unbiased, transparent, and reliable benchmark data, CF Benchmarks empowers market participants to make informed investment decisions in the rapidly evolving crypto ETF market.
As the crypto industry continues to mature and institutional adoption accelerates, CF Benchmarks stands poised to capitalize on the growing demand for reliable and accurate ETF benchmarks. The firm's unwavering commitment to innovation and transparency will undoubtedly propel it to even greater heights in the years to come.
