Bitwise Expands Staking Empire with Acquisition of Chorus One The cryptocurrency asset manager Bitwise has significantly expanded its presence in the blockchain staking arena through the acquisition of Chorus One, a major institutional staking provider. This strategic move broadens Bitwise’s staking capabilities to encompass more than 30 different blockchain networks. The acquisition brings notable blockchain ecosystems under the Bitwise staking umbrella, including Solana, Hyperliquid, Monad, Avalanche, and Sui. This diversification moves Bitwise beyond its existing stronghold in Ethereum staking, positioning the company as a full-service provider for institutions and investment products seeking exposure to staking rewards across a wider spectrum of the digital asset landscape. Staking is a process where participants lock up or delegate their cryptocurrency to help secure and operate a proof-of-stake blockchain network. In return, they earn additional tokens as rewards. This has become a central function for many modern blockchains and a growing source of yield for investors. For Bitwise, this acquisition is more than just an expansion of technical capacity. It represents a deepening of the firm’s infrastructure and service offerings at a time when demand for regulated crypto exposure is rising, particularly through vehicles like exchange-traded funds. By integrating Chorus One’s expertise and multi-chain architecture, Bitwise strengthens its ability to offer sophisticated staking solutions within its existing and future investment products. Industry observers note that enhancing in-house staking capabilities could be a crucial step for asset managers aiming to launch future financial products that incorporate staking yield, such as a staked Ethereum ETF or other similar instruments. While regulatory approval for such products in the United States remains pending, building the necessary infrastructure places companies at a competitive advantage. The deal underscores a continuing trend of consolidation and vertical integration within the crypto asset management and infrastructure sector. As the industry matures, large players are seeking to control more of the service stack, from asset management and custody to underlying blockchain validation services. Acquiring established staking operators like Chorus One provides a faster and more reliable path to achieving this integration than building such complex systems from scratch. For clients of Bitwise, the acquisition promises access to a broader array of staking opportunities through a single, regulated vendor. It potentially reduces counterparty risk and complexity that institutions might face when dealing with multiple staking providers across different chains. The financial terms of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed. The integration of Chorus One’s team and technology is expected to proceed in the coming months, with Bitwise aiming to seamlessly offer the expanded staking services to its institutional client base and through its suite of investment products. This move solidifies Bitwise’s position as a comprehensive crypto asset manager with deep roots in both traditional finance and blockchain network infrastructure.
