Bitwise Files for Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF Amid Growing Meme Coin Interest

Bitwise Files for Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF with SEC

On January 23, Bitwise Asset Management announced its formal filing for a Dogecoin (DOGE) exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Matt Hougan, Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer, confirmed the filing, which represents a preparatory step towards a full SEC application.

"This was from us," Hougan told The Block.

While this filing is not yet an official ETF proposal, it signals Bitwise's intention to introduce a DOGE-focused investment product to the market. As part of the process, a Delaware statutory trust has been established, providing Bitwise with clear governance, tax advantages, and separation of potential ETF assets from other company activities.

Before any actual Dogecoin ETF can be launched, Bitwise must submit a full application to the SEC. With over $12 billion in crypto assets under management, Bitwise possesses experience in navigating regulatory challenges and aims to facilitate institutional adoption of crypto through its products.

The Resurgence of Dogecoin

Dogecoin, initially conceived as a satirical project in 2013, has evolved into one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies. Created as a joke and featuring the Shiba Inu dog as its mascot, it has long been categorized as a "memecoin." However, recent months have witnessed a resurgence, particularly with the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump.

Dogecoin's popularity has been bolstered by high-profile supporters such as Elon Musk, who has consistently advocated for the token's legitimacy and utility. The renewed interest in Dogecoin has sparked an increasing recognition of its investment potential, making the pursuit of an ETF application a likely outcome.

Not a Surprise

The filing for a Dogecoin ETF comes as no surprise to industry observers. Nate Geraci, President of ETF Store, expressed astonishment at the delay in filing an ETF for DOGE, considering its status as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 15, Geraci suggested that a Dogecoin ETF could serve as a marketing campaign or receive lenient approval from the SEC.

Meme coins like Dogecoin have garnered significant mainstream attention, exemplified by TRUMP coin, launched by President Trump. The surge in meme coin investments has extended beyond crypto enthusiasts, with reports indicating that 40% of TRUMP coin buyers were first-time crypto investors. This growing crossover appeal has reportedly motivated companies like Bitwise to explore meme coin-based financial products, including the DOGE ETF.

Meme coins have gained traction not only in the U.S. but also globally. A notable example is Floki, a meme coin project planning to launch an exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe by early 2025.

While the Dogecoin ETF filing has generated excitement, analysts anticipate that other altcoins may follow suit. Litecoin, for instance, is considered a strong contender for future ETF approval, with Nasdaq previously filing Form 19b-4 to list Canary Capital's proposed Litecoin ETF.