21Shares Submits SEC Filing for Spot ONDO ETF on August 13, 2025
Imagine stepping into the fast-evolving world of decentralized finance, where traditional assets meet blockchain innovation. Today, on August 13, 2025, 21Shares has taken a bold step by filing a preliminary application with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for an ETF that directly tracks the token of the DeFi powerhouse Ondo Finance. This move could open new doors for investors eager to tap into the growing realm of tokenized real-world assets without the usual complexities.
Breaking Down the 21Shares Spot ONDO ETF Filing
Picture this as a straightforward bridge between everyday investors and cutting-edge DeFi: 21Shares, a leading issuer of exchange-traded funds, has officially submitted paperwork to US regulators for a product that mirrors the real-time price of Ondo, the core token powering the decentralized finance protocol Ondo Finance. The filing, dated August 13, 2025, outlines the “21Shares Ondo Trust,” designed to hold actual Ondo (ONDO) tokens and follow their performance using the CME CF Ondo Finance-Dollar Reference Rate. With Coinbase handling the secure storage of these tokens, it’s all about reliability and transparency.
This isn’t some high-risk gamble; it’s a passive investment option that steers clear of speculation or added leverage, much like a steady mutual fund but tailored for the crypto age. Big players, known as authorized participants, get the flexibility to create or redeem shares either in cash or directly with the underlying assets, making it accessible and efficient. It’s like having a front-row seat to DeFi growth without needing to navigate the blockchain yourself.
ONDO serves as the essential utility token for Ondo Chain, a layer-1 proof-of-stake blockchain built specifically for high-stakes financial markets and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). Think of it as the engine driving institutional adoption, where Wall Street meets decentralized tech. As of today, August 13, 2025, ONDO boasts a market capitalization of approximately $4.2 billion, with a circulating supply of about 3.5 billion tokens out of a total 10 billion. Its current price hovers around $1.20, reflecting a 44% drop from its all-time high of $2.14 back in December, based on the latest data from CoinGecko. This resilience underscores its potential, especially as the DeFi sector rebounds.
ONDO’s Connection to the Trump Family and DeFi Buzz
Adding a layer of intrigue, ONDO has caught the eye of prominent figures, including ties to the Trump family’s DeFi venture, World Liberty Financial. This platform has shown strong support for Ondo Finance by incorporating its token into their portfolio. Back in December, World Liberty Financial snapped up $250,000 worth of ONDO, and recent checks via Nansen reveal they now hold around 342,000 tokens, valued at roughly $410,000 as of August 13, 2025. While this represents just 0.2% of their overall $208 million holdings—mostly stablecoins, wrapped Ether (ETH), and Bitcoin (BTC)—it’s a nod to ONDO’s appeal in influential circles.
On Twitter, discussions about ONDO have been heating up lately, with users buzzing about its role in RWA tokenization. A recent post from Ondo Finance’s official account on August 10, 2025, highlighted partnerships expanding their ecosystem, sparking threads on how this could rival traditional finance. Frequently searched questions on Google, like “What is the future of ONDO token?” or “How does ONDO connect to Trump DeFi projects?” reflect growing curiosity, often leading to talks of its stability amid market volatility.
Pushing Boundaries in Institutional RWA Tokenization with Ondo
Ondo Finance isn’t stopping at tokens; they’re scaling up for the big leagues. Just earlier this month, they acquired Oasis Pro, an SEC-registered broker-dealer, setting the stage for launching tokenized securities alongside heavyweights like Pantera Capital. This is like upgrading from a local market to a global exchange—Oasis Pro operates as an Alternative Trading System and transfer agent, fully compliant with regulations, and has been part of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority since 2020. It positions Ondo to handle secure, non-exchange trading and manage securities ownership seamlessly.
Compare this to traditional asset management: while banks grapple with paperwork, Ondo’s layer-1 blockchain, unveiled in February, empowers Wall Street firms to tokenize RWAs efficiently. It’s an arms race in RWA tokenization, fueled by initiatives like the $250 million Ondo Catalyst fund, which signals intense competition to bring real assets onchain. This alignment with institutional needs not only boosts credibility but also highlights how projects like Ondo are bridging gaps, much like how smartphones revolutionized communication.
Speaking of seamless integration in the crypto space, platforms like WEEX exchange stand out for their commitment to brand alignment with innovative DeFi projects. WEEX offers a user-friendly interface for trading tokens like ONDO, emphasizing security and efficiency that aligns perfectly with the institutional focus of Ondo Finance. Their robust features, backed by top-tier liquidity and compliance, make them a go-to choice for investors looking to capitalize on RWA trends without hassle, enhancing overall market accessibility and trust.
Explosive Growth in Onchain RWA Value
The excitement around tokenized real-world assets is no fluke—it’s exploding. Onchain RWA value has surged dramatically this year, climbing 62% to nearly $28 billion as of August 13, 2025, per data from RWA.xyz. Most of these assets, including private credit and US Treasurys, live on Ethereum, which commands a 55% market share. Visualize this as a snowball effect: what started as niche experiments has grown into a powerhouse, proving RWAs’ staying power with real data backing every claim. Ethereum’s dominance here is like the foundation of a skyscraper, solid and expansive, drawing in billions in value and validating the shift toward blockchain-based finance.
This growth isn’t just numbers; it’s a testament to how DeFi protocols like Ondo are transforming investments, making them more inclusive and efficient for everyone involved.
FAQ
What exactly is the 21Shares Ondo Trust ETF?
It’s a proposed exchange-traded fund that would track the spot price of ONDO tokens by holding them directly, offering investors easy exposure to Ondo Finance’s DeFi ecosystem without managing crypto wallets themselves.
How does ONDO’s connection to World Liberty Financial impact its value?
While the Trump-backed platform holds a small portion of ONDO, it adds visibility and credibility, potentially attracting more institutional interest, though the token’s value is primarily driven by its utility in RWA tokenization.
Is investing in tokenized RWAs like ONDO safe for beginners?
It can be, especially through regulated products like ETFs, but always research market volatility and use secure platforms; RWAs offer real asset backing, which provides more stability compared to purely speculative cryptos.
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