Bitwise Launches NEAR ETF to Capitalize on the AI Economy

Projected Growth for Agentic Commerce

Global agentic commerce is estimated to soar to $5 trillion by 2030, driving investments and innovations in the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology.

Introduction of the Bitwise NEAR ETF

In a significant move, Bitwise Asset Management, which manages approximately $9 billion in client assets as of mid-2026, has unveiled the Bitwise NEAR ETF (ticker: NRR). This fund aims to offer investors exposure to NEAR, a prominent blockchain infrastructure that is paving the way for the burgeoning AI economy.

Bitwise plans to stake the NEAR tokens held within the fund internally, targeting to enhance participation in NEAR’s average staking rewards, which are estimated at around 5%.¹

Understanding the Risks and Investment Profile

Prospective investors should carefully consider the inherent risks associated with NRR. The fund is subject to high volatility and could lead to substantial losses, including complete loss of investment. Notably, NRR is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, thus lacking the protective measures afforded to registered investment funds. Investors should recognize that owning shares in NRR does not equate to direct ownership of NEAR.

NEAR Protocol’s Position in Technology

“NEAR sits at the intersection of two of the biggest trends in technology: AI and crypto,” stated Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise. He expressed confidence that as AI agents begin to conduct transactions autonomously, there will be an increased demand for swift, reliable settlement infrastructures. NEAR’s product, NEAR Intents, exemplifies these principles in action, making the NRR ETF a promising vehicle for early investment before widespread adoption.

Key Features of NEAR Protocol

• Innovative Background: Developed by leading AI researchers, NEAR is establishing a robust transaction layer tailored for AI agents.
• Rapid Growth: NEAR Intents has processed over $32 billion in transactions within a year, a significant increase from under $1 billion the previous year.
• Security Design: The protocol utilizes smart contracts to facilitate cross-chain transactions, ensuring security against centralized risks, including built-in quantum resistance and privacy features.
• Scalability: NEAR has operated for six years without downtime, achieving transaction finality in approximately 1.2 seconds at minimal costs.
• Market Viability: With a market capitalization exceeding $6 billion and a recent reduction in inflation distribution to 2.5%, NEAR’s economic model promotes sustainability.

Investment Expansion in the U.S.

Bitwise’s introduction of the NRR ETF signifies the company’s expansion of its NEAR offerings from Europe into the U.S. market, augmenting a portfolio that includes other crypto ETFs like Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) and Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW).

Fund Overview

The Bitwise NEAR ETF is set to begin trading on NYSE Arca on September 29, 2026, under the ticker symbol NRR. A management fee of 0.75% applies. Investors will benefit from potential price gains of NEAR and participate in staking rewards by allowing Bitwise’s institutional staking team to manage the staking process internally.

Key Takeaways on Risks

This investment comes with various risks, including:

• Market Volatility: NEAR is subject to significant price fluctuations.
• Liquidity Risks: Illiquid market conditions may hinder timely transactions.
• Regulatory Changes: Potential shifts in local or international regulations could impact investments.
• Blockchain Technology Risks: Operational vulnerabilities associated with blockchain might not manifest until widely adopted.
• Staking Risks: Participation in staking introduces unforeseen risks, including the potential for losses.
• Single Asset Risk: Holding a single asset increases exposure to market changes affecting that specific asset.

Conclusion

“AI is fundamentally changing how we access information and how economic activity happens,” remarked Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise. He emphasizes the transition to an economy where AI agents increasingly engage autonomously, hinting at vast opportunities ahead. NEAR aims to be at the forefront of this shift, supporting a future driven by AI and blockchain technology.

For further details, interested parties may refer to the fund’s prospectus available at nrretf.com/welcome.