Crypto prime broker FalconX has announced plans to acquire 21Shares, the world’s largest issuer of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs).
The partnership aims to create new regulated digital asset investment products tailored for both institutional and retail investors, FalconX said in a statement shared with Cointelegraph.
“21Shares has built one of the most trusted and innovative product platforms in digital assets,” said Raghu Yarlagadda, CEO of FalconX. “We’re seeing a powerful convergence between digital assets and traditional finance, as crypto ETPs offer new, regulated avenues for investor participation.”
FalconX will contribute its $2 trillion trading infrastructure and network of over 2,000 institutional clients, while 21Shares adds its expertise in ETP design and global distribution.
21Shares to Continue Operating Independently Under FalconX
Following the acquisition, 21Shares’ leadership team will remain in place, with no immediate changes to its existing ETPs or ETFs in Europe and the U.S.
Russell Barlow, CEO of 21Shares, said the deal will enable the company to “move faster” and extend its global footprint. “Together, we’ll develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of digital asset investors worldwide,” he added.
Founded in 2018 by Hany Rashwan and Ophelia Snyder, 21Shares has become a leading player in the crypto ETP market, managing over $11 billion in assets across 55 listed products as of September 2025.
FalconX’s Third Major Deal in 2025
The acquisition marks FalconX’s third major transaction this year. In January, the company acquired crypto derivatives platform Arbelos Markets for an undisclosed sum.
In June, FalconX took a majority stake in Monarq Asset Management’s parent company, further expanding its footprint in the institutional investment space.
FalconX has also partnered with Crypto.com, Galaxy, and Wintermute as a launch partner for Lynq, a new settlement platform built for digital asset and financial institutions. Developed in collaboration with Arca Labs, Tassat Group, and tZERO, Lynq is designed to mitigate regulatory and counterparty risk as institutional adoption of digital assets accelerates.
