Asset management firm VanEck has filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on AVAX, the native token of the Avalanche blockchain. If approved by the SEC, the move could set a precedent for other altcoin ETFs in the U.S.
What VanEck Proposes
The proposed fund, titled VanEck Avalanche ETF, would track the market price of AVAX and be listed on the Nasdaq exchange under rule 5711(d), which governs the trading of commodity- and asset-based trusts. This rule allows for the launch of funds backed by non-physical assets such as cryptocurrencies.
The filing was made using form 19b-4, which is required for the review of new exchange-traded products. Once accepted, the SEC has up to 90 days to review the proposal — with the possibility of extension. During this period, the agency assesses the product’s compliance with financial regulations, market risk level, and investor protection measures.
VanEck’s Experience With Altcoins
VanEck already operates a similar product in the European market — an Avalanche-based ETN with an annual fee of 1,50%. This could hint at a comparable fee structure in the U.S. if the ETF receives approval.
If greenlit, the fund would allow institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to AVAX without the need to hold the token directly or use cryptocurrency wallets.
AVAX Market Behavior and Technical Outlook
During the bull run in November 2021, AVAX reached a peak price of $146.22. It then experienced a sharp decline, trading below $10 throughout 2022 and 2023. In 2025, the token began to recover and has hovered around $18 since last week. Over the past 24 hours, AVAX has increased by 1,25%.
