21Shares Hits 50 Crypto ETPs in Europe with Launch of AI and Raydium-Focused Products  

On September 17, 2025, 21Shares launched two new crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) in Europe, reaching a milestone of 50 offerings and expanding access to decentralized AI and Solana-based DeFi. The 21Shares Artificial Superintelligence Alliance ETP (AFET) and 21Shares Raydium ETP (ARAY) provide token-backed exposure to innovative sectors, amid Europe's $23.24 billion in crypto ETP assets under management. This article explores the new ETPs, their features, market implications, and role in the growing European cryptocurrency landscape.

Definition of 21Shares Crypto ETPs

Crypto ETPs from 21Shares are exchange-traded products that offer investors indirect exposure to digital assets without direct ownership, physically backed by underlying tokens for transparency and security. With the launch of AFET and ARAY on September 17, 2025, 21Shares now totals 50 such ETPs across Europe, pioneering token-backed models since 2018. AFET tracks decentralized AI protocols, while ARAY focuses on Raydium's Solana-based DEX token. These products list on major exchanges like Euronext and SIX Swiss, providing regulated access to niche crypto sectors. This expansion underscores 21Shares' role in bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovations.

• Physically backed by tokens, ensuring 1:1 asset representation.
• AFET listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Paris for AI protocol exposure.
• ARAY trades on SIX Swiss Exchange, indexed by CoinDesk Indices.
• Total of 50 ETPs, managing over $11 billion globally.
• First token-backed ETP issued by 21Shares in 2018.

Benefits of 21Shares' New Crypto ETPs

The new 21Shares ETPs benefit investors by offering diversified exposure to high-growth areas like decentralized AI and DeFi, with physical backing reducing counterparty risks in volatile markets. They enable easy integration into portfolios via established exchanges, potentially attracting institutional capital to Europe's $23.24 billion crypto ETP sector. Compared to U.S. spot ETFs with $174 billion AUM, these products provide broader altcoin access without the need for direct custody. Duncan Moir, President of 21Shares, noted, “With these new launches, 21Shares now offers investors access to 50 physically backed crypto ETPs across Europe.” This milestone enhances liquidity and innovation in the European cryptocurrency ecosystem.

• Regulated access to AI and Solana DeFi without wallet management.
• Physical backing for transparency, appealing to institutional investors.
• Expansion to 50 ETPs diversifies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Potential for higher yields in niche sectors like decentralized AI.
• Bridges TradFi and crypto, boosting overall market adoption.

Key Factors Driving the Launch of AI and Raydium ETPs

The launch of AFET and ARAY is driven by surging interest in AI-blockchain integration and Solana's DeFi ecosystem, with 21Shares leveraging its experience to meet European demand. Regulatory advancements in Europe facilitate token-backed ETPs, contrasting with U.S. limitations on altcoin products. CoinDesk Indices' role in indexing ARAY ensures reliable tracking of Raydium's token, amid Solana's growing TVL. Europe's crypto ETP AUM at $23.24 billion reflects maturation, though trailing U.S. volumes. These factors position 21Shares to capitalize on thematic trends like AI protocols including Fetch.ai and Ocean Protocol.

• Rising AI-crypto fusion, tracking protocols like SingularityNET and CUDOS.
• Solana DeFi boom, with Raydium as a key DEX for liquidity.
• European regulatory support for diverse ETPs versus U.S. spot focus.
• 21Shares' $11 billion AUM enabling product diversification.
• Index provider CoinDesk Indices for accurate Raydium exposure.

Use Cases and Real-World Applications

21Shares' new ETPs enable applications in portfolio diversification, where investors allocate to AFET for exposure to decentralized AI in machine learning and data markets. ARAY supports DeFi strategies on Solana, facilitating liquidity provision and yield farming indirectly through regulated products. Institutions can use them for thematic investing, hedging against traditional AI stocks with blockchain alternatives. In Europe, these ETPs integrate with retirement funds or ETFs, enhancing crypto adoption. Real-world examples include trading on Euronext for AI-driven blockchain projects or SIX Swiss for Solana DEX efficiency.

• Thematic investing in AI protocols for data economy exposure.
• DeFi participation via Raydium token for Solana ecosystem yields.
• Institutional portfolio tools for regulated altcoin access.
• Integration with European exchanges for seamless trading.
• Hedging strategies combining AI and DeFi with traditional assets.

Tokenomics and Market Dynamics

Tokenomics of the new ETPs mirror underlying assets: AFET aggregates tokens from AI protocols with varying supplies and utilities, ensuring balanced exposure via physical backing. ARAY tracks Raydium's RAY token, with inflationary mechanics supporting DEX liquidity on Solana's high-speed network. Market dynamics show Europe's ETP sector growing to $23.24 billion AUM, driven by altcoin diversification amid U.S. Bitcoin dominance. Launch timing aligns with AI hype and Solana's TVL surge, potentially increasing trading volumes. This structure fosters sustainable growth, differentiating from pure spot products.

• AFET's multi-token basket for diversified AI protocol economics.
• RAY token's utility in Raydium's AMM model on Solana.
• Physical backing maintaining peg stability in ETPs.
• Europe's $23.24B AUM vs. U.S. $174B, highlighting volume gaps.
• Thematic dynamics boosting liquidity in niche crypto sectors.

Summary

21Shares achieved 50 crypto ETPs in Europe on September 17, 2025, with the launch of AFET for decentralized AI protocols and ARAY for Raydium on Solana, expanding physically backed offerings. Managing over $11 billion globally, the firm bridges innovative sectors amid Europe's $23.24 billion ETP AUM. These products reflect growing altcoin interest, contrasting U.S. spot ETF focus. As the market evolves, they provide key access points for AI and DeFi. Monitor exchange listings and AUM trackers for ongoing developments in 21Shares' crypto ETPs.