DeFi ETFs

Definition ∞ DeFi ETFs are Exchange-Traded Funds designed to track the performance of a basket of decentralized finance assets or protocols. These financial products offer traditional investors exposure to the DeFi sector without requiring direct ownership or management of individual digital assets. They aim to simplify access to the often-complex world of decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading platforms. Such funds provide a regulated investment vehicle for a nascent asset class.
Context ∞ The emergence of DeFi ETFs signifies a growing maturation and institutional interest in decentralized finance. A critical debate concerns the regulatory classification and oversight of these products, particularly regarding asset custody and market manipulation concerns. Future developments will likely include a broader array of these funds as regulatory clarity progresses and investor demand expands.