21Shares Boosts Bitcoin ETF Access with 3-for-1 Share Split

21Shares US LLC has announced a 3-for-1 share split for its ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), effective at the market opening on June 16, 2025, to make the fund more accessible to retail investors.

With Bitcoin recently surpassing $100,000, the split will lower the share price from $104.25 to approximately $34.75, maintaining the fund’s net asset value and investment strategy.

This move aims to capitalize on heightened investor interest in cryptocurrencies, driven by regulatory advancements and market momentum, positioning ARKB as a key player in bridging traditional and digital finance.

Share Split Mechanics and Investor Benefits

The 3-for-1 share split will triple the number of ARKB shares held by investors, with each shareholder receiving three shares for every one owned, as of the record date, June 12, 2025.

The pay date is set for June 13, 2025, with the ex-date on June 16, 2025. The fund will retain its ticker symbol (ARKB) and CUSIP (409191022), ensuring continuity in trading on the Cboe BZX Exchange.

By reducing the per-share price, 21Shares aims to enhance trading efficiency and attract a broader retail investor base, particularly those deterred by higher share prices.

The fund’s strategy, which tracks the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, New York Variant, remains unchanged, offering regulated exposure to Bitcoin’s performance.

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Bitcoin’s Surge Fuels ETF Appeal

Bitcoin’s price crossed $100,000 on May 8, 2025, reaching $101,402.19 by midday and later hitting $100,710, according to market data. Despite a recent 4% dip to just below $104,000 on June 2, the cryptocurrency has gained 30% in the past month, driven by factors such as a U.S.-U.K. trade deal easing geopolitical tensions and sustained capital inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs.

ARKB, holding approximately 45,410 BTC valued at $4.82 billion, has delivered a 12% year-to-date return and a 27% quarterly gain. However, the fund has faced $430 million in outflows over six consecutive trading days, prompting 21Shares to enhance accessibility to reverse this trend.

Did You Know?
Bitcoin, launched in 2009, remains the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, surpassing $1.9 trillion in November 2024, outpacing the market cap of major corporations like Apple.

Retail Accessibility in a Booming Crypto Market

The share split aligns with 21Shares’ strategy to democratize access to cryptocurrency investments, following the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. This regulatory milestone has bolstered the credibility of digital assets, with ARKB’s lower post-split share price expected to attract new retail investors seeking exposure without the complexities of direct Bitcoin ownership.

Industry sentiment reflects optimism, with projections suggesting Bitcoin could reach $138,500 by year-end, further enhancing ARKB’s appeal. By maintaining robust custodians like Coinbase Custody and BitGo, 21Shares ensures investor confidence in the fund’s security and operational integrity.