Crypto.com and 21Shares Partner to Institutionalize the Cronos Ecosystem

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Published: Dec 08, 2025 at 23:29

The acceptance of high-market-cap altcoins into the regulated institutional investment universe

A major institutional partnership was announced on December 8th, with global crypto exchange Crypto.com and European crypto ETP issuer 21Shares forming a strategic alliance to expand regulated access to the Cronos (CRO) ecosystem.


The core aim of the alliance is to bring new, regulated investment products tracking the Cronos (CRO) token to market. This includes the development of a CRO private trust and an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). This is a significant step in the institutionalization of Layer 1 altcoins outside of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Cronos ecosystem growth


Cronos is an Ethereum-compatible Layer 1 blockchain supported by Crypto.com. By launching regulated ETPs and trusts, the partnership will unlock substantial institutional capital that is legally or strategically restricted to exchange-listed, compliant products. This flow of capital is intended to strengthen the entire Cronos ecosystem, enhancing its liquidity and utility.


This move aligns with 21Shares’ reputation as a leader in compliant digital asset products across Europe. The partnership emphasizes the industry’s strategy of ensuring regulatory compliance as the mandatory prerequisite for mass institutional adoption, paving the way for CRO to become a recognized asset class for traditional wealth managers and fiduciaries.

Exchange-Issuer synergy


The collaboration demonstrates a growing trend where major crypto exchanges leverage specialized ETP issuers to create a bridge between their native blockchain ecosystems and traditional finance. This synergy allows exchanges to attract deep institutional liquidity while giving ETP issuers new, high-growth products.


The agreement on December 8th signals the maturing of Layer 1 ecosystems and the acceptance of high-market-cap altcoins into the regulated institutional investment universe.


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Source: https://coinidol.com/institutionalize-cronos-ecosystem/