21Shares Seeks SEC Approval for SEI ETF, Potentially Joining Canary Capital’s Bid

• 21Shares filed an S-1 to list a spot SEI ETF using CF Benchmarks pricing.

• Coinbase Custody is named as custodian; staking is contemplated but under legal review.

• SEI trades near $0.30 and ranks around 74th by market cap per market aggregator CoinGecko.

SEI ETF filing by 21Shares: spot SEI ETF via CF Benchmarks, Coinbase Custody as custodian — learn implications and next steps. Read more.

SEI is the native token of the Sei network, a layer-1 blockchain specializing in trading infrastructure for decentralized exchanges and marketplaces.

What is the 21Shares SEI ETF filing?

The 21Shares SEI ETF filing is an S‑1 registration submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposing an exchange-traded fund that tracks the spot price of the SEI token using CF Benchmarks and aggregated exchange data. The fund names Coinbase Custody Trust Company as custodian and explores optional staking to produce additional returns, pending legal and regulatory review.

How does the filing propose to price and custody SEI?

21Shares proposes to rely on CF Benchmarks for a consolidated SEI price index derived from multiple cryptocurrency exchanges. Coinbase Custody is listed as the custodian to hold on‑chain SEI assets in secure institutional custody. The filing also states the team is investigating whether staking can be used to generate rewards without creating undue legal, regulatory or tax risk.

Why does an SEI ETF matter to investors?

An approved spot SEI ETF would create a regulated, exchange-listed vehicle for institutional and retail exposure to the SEI token without requiring direct custody management by individual investors. That could broaden market access and potentially increase SEI liquidity and market participation.

When did other issuers file similar SEI or altcoin ETF applications?

Canary Capital previously filed for an SEI-focused ETF in April, proposing direct exposure to staked SEI and distribution of staking rewards. Multiple other issuers have pursued ETFs for coins like SOL, SUI, XRP and broader crypto baskets; these filings reflect issuer interest in widening spot crypto ETF access beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

How could the SEC process this SEI ETF application?

The filing follows standard SEC S‑1 procedures. In practice, the SEC reviews disclosures, custody arrangements and valuation methodology. Recent reporting from industry journalists indicates the SEC has considered streamlined listing procedures that could shorten listing timelines if no formal objection is raised within a defined review window.

What are the immediate market metrics for SEI?

As reported in the filing summary, SEI trades near $0.30 and has seen a 24‑hour gain of roughly 4.2%. Market-ranking data from CoinGecko places SEI in the mid‑tier range by capitalization, near the 74th position.

Comparison: SEI ETF vs Other Recent Crypto ETF Filings

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 21Shares SEI ETF allow staking rewards?

21Shares has proposed the possibility of staking SEI to generate additional returns, but the company states it is assessing whether staking would present legal, regulatory or tax risks before implementing any staking strategy.

Who would custody the SEI tokens for the ETF?

The filing names Coinbase Custody Trust Company as the custodian to hold SEI on behalf of the fund, providing institutional custody services and segregated asset control.

How soon could the ETF be approved?

SEC review timelines vary; filings under standard S‑1 review can take weeks to months. Industry reporting has suggested potential streamlined processes that may accelerate approvals if no formal objections are issued within a defined review window.

Key Takeaways

• 21Shares filed an S‑1 for a SEI ETF: The fund would track SEI via CF Benchmarks and use institutional custody.
• Staking is possible but provisional: Additional yield via staking is being investigated for legal and tax safety.
• Market access could expand: An approved ETF would simplify on‑ramps for investors seeking SEI exposure without direct custody.

Conclusion

21Shares’ SEI ETF filing represents a meaningful step toward broadening regulated access to the SEI token. The proposal—grounded in CF Benchmarks pricing and institutional custody—could increase liquidity and investor participation if cleared by the SEC. Watch for updates as the review progresses and issuers refine staking and custody disclosures.