Grayscale filed an S-1 form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2025, for its Bittensor Trust (GTAO). This step aims to convert the trust into the first U.S.-listed exchange-traded product (ETP) providing regulated exposure to the Bittensor TAO token powering decentralized AI.
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Grayscale Bittensor Trust filing targets SEC approval for GTAO ETP, marking a milestone in regulated crypto AI access.
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TAO token, native to Bittensor network, enables AI model collaboration and rewards in a decentralized marketplace.
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Despite 52% year-to-date decline, TAO holds $2.3 billion market cap with $72 million daily volume per CoinMarketCap data.
Grayscale Bittensor Trust S-1 filing opens regulated path to TAO token and decentralized AI. Explore impacts on crypto markets, TAO performance, and investment opportunities now.
What is Grayscale Bittensor Trust?
Grayscale Bittensor Trust is a crypto asset product from Grayscale designed to give investors exposure to the Bittensor TAO token without directly holding it. The trust filed its initial S-1 registration on December 30, 2025, with the SEC to transition into a fully regulated exchange-traded product (ETP). If approved, GTAO would become the first U.S.-listed ETP for TAO, enhancing accessibility, transparency, and compliance for institutional and retail investors.
How has the TAO token performed amid market volatility?
The TAO token, powering the Bittensor blockchain, has faced significant price pressure. Year-to-date, it declined 52%, dropping from a January high of $555 to around $220. From its all-time high of $767 in April 2024, TAO lost 70% of its value, though it surged 174,437% from its launch low of $30. At publication, TAO traded at $220.33, up 0.33% in 24 hours, with a $2.3 billion market cap and $72 million average daily volume, based on CoinMarketCap data. Bittensor’s unique protocol incentivizes AI developers through staking, governance, and utility rewards, as outlined in a 21shares report.
Today we filed the initial S-1 for Grayscale Bittensor Trust (ticker: $GTAO) with the SEC.
This milestone is the next step in converting $GTAO to an ETP, which would make it the first $TAO ETP in the U.S. and another first for Grayscale.
Read the S-1:… pic.twitter.com/2qg6AgqYOg
— Grayscale (@Grayscale) December 30, 2025
Grayscale’s move follows its October Form 10 filing for the trust, advancing it toward SEC reporting status. The firm detailed five steps: quoting GTAO on OTC Markets, full registration, periodic 10-K and 10-Q filings, audited reports, and shortening the private placement hold from 12 to six months. Barry Silbert, Grayscale’s chairman, emphasized on X that this filing highlights the explosive growth of decentralized AI, with his firm leading regulated entry points.
Bittensor stands out as an open-source blockchain connecting AI models in a competitive marketplace where participants collaborate, compete, and earn TAO rewards. This model addresses key AI advancement needs beyond traditional blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, drawing developer interest.
In parallel, Deutsche Digital Assets, a Germany-regulated ETP provider, announced a Bittensor ETP listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker STAO, assisted by Nasdaq Nordic-listed broker Safello. This European listing underscores global demand for regulated TAO exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Grayscale’s S-1 filing for Bittensor Trust mean for long-term investors?
Grayscale’s S-1 filing for Bittensor Trust signals a push toward full SEC oversight, potentially unlocking ETP status for GTAO shares. This would boost liquidity, transparency, and institutional appeal for TAO exposure. Investors gain regulated access to decentralized AI growth without direct token custody, reducing risks amid volatile markets.
Will Grayscale Bittensor Trust become the first U.S. TAO ETP?
Yes, if approved, Grayscale Bittensor Trust (GTAO) would be the pioneering U.S.-listed ETP for the Bittensor TAO token. This follows prior steps like Form 10 and OTC quoting, positioning it ahead of similar products while meeting strict reporting standards.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory Milestone: S-1 filing advances GTAO to potential ETP, first for TAO in U.S. markets.
- Market Context: TAO’s $2.3B cap reflects AI-crypto interest despite 52% YTD drop.
- Strategic Outlook: Grayscale forecasts 10x ETP growth in 2026 with clearer regulations driving adoption.
Grayscale’s proactive regulatory filings, including the Bittensor Trust S-1, demonstrate confidence in decentralized AI’s role in crypto evolution. As ETPs expand, clearer U.S. policies could integrate traditional finance rules like disclosures and anti-fraud measures, fueling on-chain activity. Investors should monitor SEC progress on GTAO, which could catalyze broader TAO and AI-blockchain adoption in 2026.
Conclusion
The Grayscale Bittensor Trust S-1 filing represents a pivotal step in bridging decentralized AI with regulated crypto products. By targeting ETP status for GTAO, Grayscale enhances TAO token accessibility amid its volatile performance and growing developer ecosystem. With projections of surging ETP volumes and bipartisan legislation in 2026, this initiative positions decentralized AI for mainstream institutional inflows—stay informed on regulatory updates for timely opportunities.
