ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF

Overview: The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) is a U.S.-based exchange-traded fund launched on January 10, 2024, and managed by 21Shares US LLC, with ARK Investment Management LLC as sub-adviser, offering exposure to Bitcoin’s price.

Investment Focus: Directly invests in physical Bitcoin, tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, which reflects Bitcoin’s performance in U.S. dollars, adjusted for the fund’s expenses and liabilities.

Accessibility: Trades on the CBOE BZX Exchange under the ticker ARKB, accessible through U.S. brokerage accounts, but not specifically noted for TFSA or RRSP eligibility due to its U.S. domicile.

Performance: As of July 26, 2025, ARKB’s stock price was USD 38.83, with a 52-week range of USD 16.51 to USD 40.62, and a year-to-date return of 16.17%, with net assets of approximately USD 5.47 billion.investing.com

Risk Profile: High-risk due to Bitcoin’s volatility and lack of regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, suitable for investors with high risk tolerance and understanding of cryptocurrency markets.

Management and Fees: Passively managed with a low expense ratio of 0.21%, with Bitcoin held in cold storage by Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC; full details on fees and risks are in the prospectus.theblock.co

Background: ARK 21Shares is a partnership between ARK Invest (led by Cathie Wood) and 21Shares, a global crypto ETP leader founded in 2018 and acquired by FalconX in November 2025.

ARK Invest: Known for disruptive innovation investing across genomics, AI, fintech, and blockchain.

FalconX: An institutional digital asset prime brokerage that acquired 21Shares to bridge traditional finance and crypto markets.

Bitcoin ETFs: The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) combines ARK's innovation thesis with 21Shares' crypto infrastructure expertise.

Leadership: 21Shares is led by CEO Russell Barlow, President Duncan Moir, and COO Edel Bashir.

Custody: Uses Coinbase Custody for Bitcoin safekeeping.