Monochrome Group Expands into Southeast Asia with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF
In a strategic move to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, Monochrome Group, an Australian crypto-asset firm, has successfully registered its Bitcoin (IBTC) and Ethereum (IETH) ETFs with Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS). This milestone marks a significant step in the firm’s mission to cater to the growing demand for regulated digital asset products in institutional markets.
Monochrome’s CEO, Jeff Yew, explained that the company’s primary focus is on establishing real infrastructure rather than chasing short-term price movements. Yew highlighted that these newly registered ETFs are designed to meet the needs of accredited and institutional investors, with a minimum transaction requirement of S$200,000.
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs will support cash subscriptions and redemptions, which are tailored to suit institutional requirements in the region. Yew noted that this move is not just about participating in the market’s volatility but rather providing long-term, secure access to Bitcoin, which he views as a “unique commodity” with “short-term volatility” driven purely by fluctuations in demand.
Strategic Partnership and Security Enhancements
Monochrome’s expansion into Southeast Asia is complemented by its strategic partnership with Anadara Capital, aiming to bolster institutional services and broaden its reach. Additionally, Monochrome has onboarded BitGo Trust Company for custody services, addressing key security concerns that often arise for institutional investors dealing with crypto-assets.
The firm’s move into Southeast Asia also coincides with a larger trend where institutions are increasingly seeking regulated digital asset products as a hedge against geopolitical and macroeconomic instability, especially amid the current market turbulence. The firm’s ETFs are part of this larger institutional demand for compliant and secure crypto offerings.
Southeast Asia’s Role as Crypto Hub
Monochrome’s MAS-approved Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs represent a promising blueprint for how regulated crypto products can be integrated into mainstream finance in the region. Singapore’s regulated financial framework provides a reliable environment for institutional investors seeking to participate in the growing crypto market while adhering to rigorous compliance standards. This is in stark contrast to the more volatile and less regulated approaches seen in other jurisdictions.
The firm’s expansion comes at a time when trade tensions and market sell-offs have caused $2.1 billion in liquidations within the broader crypto market. Despite these challenges, Monochrome continues to view Bitcoin as a long-term value proposition, built for the volatility cycles it faces, as noted by CEO Yew.
Monochrome Group’s move to bring Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs to Southeast Asia represents a critical step towards enhancing crypto infrastructure and institutional accessibility in a region that’s becoming increasingly important in the global crypto regulatory landscape.
