In a groundbreaking move for the cryptocurrency market, digital asset management firm 21Shares has announced the launch of the 21Shares Dogecoin ETP (DOGE) on the SIX Swiss Exchange. This development signifies a pivotal moment in the integration of meme-based cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial instruments, offering investors regulated exposure to Dogecoin (DOGE).
It’s official: We’ve partnered exclusively with the @houseofdoge to launch the only Dogecoin ETPs endorsed by the Dogecoin Foundation globally.
— 21Shares (@21Shares) April 9, 2025
This exclusive partnership celebrates one of the most passionate communities in crypto — and expands access to $DOGE through… pic.twitter.com/pjUfvCy2iq
21Shares: Pioneering Crypto ETPs
Founded in July 2018 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, 21Shares has established itself as a leader in the cryptocurrency exchange-traded product (ETP) space. The company has a history of innovation, having introduced the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange in November 2018. Since then, 21Shares has expanded its portfolio to include a diverse range of crypto ETPs, catering to both institutional and retail investors across multiple countries.
Dogecoin’s Journey from Meme to Mainstream
Dogecoin began as a lighthearted joke in 2013, created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer to satirize the speculative frenzy surrounding cryptocurrencies. Featuring the Shiba Inu dog from the “Doge” meme as its logo, Dogecoin quickly garnered a dedicated community. Over the years, it has evolved from an internet meme into a significant digital asset with a substantial market capitalization, driven in part by endorsements from high-profile figures like Elon Musk.
The Significance of the Dogecoin ETP Launch
The introduction of the 21Shares Dogecoin ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange is a testament to the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within traditional financial markets. This ETP provides investors with a regulated avenue to gain exposure to Dogecoin without the complexities associated with direct ownership, such as setting up digital wallets or navigating unregulated crypto exchanges. By listing on a reputable exchange like SIX, 21Shares enhances the credibility and accessibility of Dogecoin as an investment asset.
SIX Swiss Exchange: A Hub for Crypto ETPs
The SIX Swiss Exchange has emerged as a leading platform for cryptocurrency ETPs, offering a broad selection of products to investors. By the end of 2024, the exchange had a total of 429 crypto products trading, including 169 crypto ETPs. This extensive offering enables investors to access approximately 90% of the total market capitalization of existing crypto assets through a single regulated venue.
Implications for the Crypto Market
The launch of the Dogecoin ETP by 21Shares reflects a broader trend of integrating cryptocurrencies into conventional financial systems. It underscores the increasing demand from investors for diversified crypto exposure and highlights the willingness of financial institutions to accommodate this demand through innovative products. Moreover, it sets a precedent for other meme-based cryptocurrencies, indicating that assets once considered niche or humorous can achieve legitimacy and attract institutional interest.
The 21Shares Dogecoin ETP’s debut on the SIX Swiss Exchange marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency investments. It exemplifies the maturation of the crypto market and its convergence with traditional finance, offering investors novel opportunities to engage with digital assets in a regulated and accessible manner. As the landscape continues to evolve, such developments are likely to pave the way for further innovation and acceptance of cryptocurrencies worldwide
Nikolai Carter
