Grayscale Registers Trusts for BNB and HYPE

Grayscale has registered statutory trusts in Delaware linked to potential BNB and HYPE Exchange Traded Products (ETPs). This administrative action is widely regarded as a preliminary step that often precedes the formal filing of an ETF application with regulators, though it does not guarantee that such filings will occur.

The registration indicates the asset manager is exploring expansion into specific altcoin markets. BNB is the native token of the Binance ecosystem, while HYPE is associated with the Hyperliquid decentralized exchange. These trusts represent a potential move to offer institutional exposure to these specific assets, pending regulatory approval and market conditions.

The registrations were filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations, a common jurisdiction for establishing legal entities for investment funds. Statutory trusts are often used as a vehicle to hold assets in preparation for an ETF launch. This step allows the company to establish the legal structure required before engaging with regulators like the SEC.

However, industry observers note that registering a trust is distinct from filing a Form S-1 or 19b-4, which are the official documents required to list an ETF on an exchange. The Grayscale registrations serve as an early signal of intent but remain a non-binding administrative action.

The specific trusts registered point toward two distinct crypto assets. BNB is the native coin of the BNB Chain, widely used for transaction fees and decentralized applications within the Binance ecosystem. It is currently one of the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.

The second asset, HYPE, is the native token of Hyperliquid, a decentralized perpetual exchange. Targeting these assets suggests a strategy to capture interest in established ecosystem tokens as well as emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The potential products would allow investors to gain exposure to these tokens without holding the underlying assets directly.

This development occurs amidst a shifting regulatory environment for digital assets in the United States. Asset managers have been increasingly aggressive in filing for crypto-based products following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The move by Grayscale to register trusts for BNB and HYPE highlights a broader trend of firms seeking to diversify their crypto offerings beyond the two largest assets.

If formal filings are eventually submitted and approved, these products could provide a regulated avenue for investors to access these tokens. However, the timeline for any potential launch remains uncertain and is contingent upon regulatory review and market demand.