Calamos CEO Signals Bullish Outlook on Bitcoin as $45B Firm Launches Downside-Protected ETFs

• Three ETFs launched (CBOO, CBXO, CBTO) with tiered downside protection.

• Annual resets set new upside caps and refresh protection each 12-month cycle.

• Calamos manages $45 billion in assets and positions these ETFs to bridge traditional finance and digital assets.

Calamos Bitcoin Structured Protection ETFs: defined downside protection and capped upside—learn how each fund balances risk and return. Read more on en.coinotag.com.

Calamos CEO John Koudounis says he’s bullish on Bitcoin as the $45B firm launches new ETFs offering downside protection.

• Calamos CEO John Koudounis remains bullish on Bitcoin, citing growing institutional confidence in digital assets.
• The firm launched three Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETFs with downside protection and capped upside potential.
• Managed by Eli Pars, the ETFs aim to bridge traditional finance and crypto through structured, risk managed exposure.

Calamos Investments CEO John Koudounis has reiterated a bullish stance on Bitcoin while unveiling a suite of structured ETFs designed to limit downside risk. The global investment firm, which manages approximately $45 billion in assets, introduced three Bitcoin Structured Alt Protection ETFs that combine capital protection levels with capped participation in Bitcoin’s upside. The launch represents a notable product innovation as traditional asset managers develop mechanisms to offer crypto exposure with clearer risk parameters.

What are the Calamos Bitcoin Structured Protection ETFs?

The Calamos Bitcoin Structured Protection ETFs (CBOO, CBXO, CBTO) are annual-reset funds that provide defined downside protection levels—100%, 90%, and 80%—while offering investors capped upside participation in Bitcoin. Each ETF resets every 12 months to establish a new upside cap and protection profile.

How do the protection levels and cap rates differ?

Calamos disclosed that CBOO offers full downside protection with an initial cap rate of 8.47%. CBXO provides 90% protection with a 23.43% cap, and CBTO provides 80% protection with a 41.62% cap. These caps determine the maximum upside an investor can receive for the covered period and are intended to balance return potential with volatility control.

Why are institutional managers introducing structured Bitcoin products?

Institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to grow as managers seek scalable, regulated ways to access digital assets. Calamos’ offering demonstrates a trend: firms are crafting instruments that mimic structured finance techniques to make crypto exposure compatible with fiduciary risk frameworks. This addresses volatility concerns and aligns with institutional portfolio governance.

Who manages the funds and what is the investment process?

The ETFs are managed by Co-Chief Investment Officer Eli Pars and the Calamos Alternatives Team. The strategy uses a combination of Bitcoin-linked derivatives and structured option overlays to deliver the stated protection and cap features, with monthly entry points and annual resets to rebalance exposure and protection levels.

When did Calamos launch these ETFs and what does it mean for investors?

Calamos launched the three funds on October 8, 2025. For investors, the suite offers tiered choices depending on risk tolerance: full protection at lower upside, or higher upside with reduced protection. These options broaden access to Bitcoin exposure without requiring direct custody of the asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these ETFs suitable for conservative investors?

Yes—CBOO’s 100% downside protection is designed for conservative investors wanting principal protection while retaining limited upside to Bitcoin. Investors should review cap rates and fund mechanics before investing.

How do annual resets affect returns?

Annual resets establish new caps and protection for each 12-month cycle, which can limit multi-year upside but provide refreshed downside coverage annually. This structure can benefit investors seeking periodic re-evaluation of exposure.

Key Takeaways

• Structured exposure: Calamos offers defined downside protection tiers (100%, 90%, 80%) to manage Bitcoin volatility.
• Annual reset mechanics: Upside caps reset each year, balancing return potential and risk control.
• Institutional bridge: The ETFs signal growing institutional adoption by packaging crypto exposure in familiar, regulated fund formats.

Conclusion

Calamos’ Bitcoin Structured Protection ETFs provide a tailored approach to crypto exposure, combining downside protection with capped upside and annual resets to meet varied risk profiles. These products reflect a broader institutional shift toward structured solutions for digital assets. For full fund details and disclosures, refer to Calamos Investments press release and en.coinotag.com coverage.