- The new Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (CD5) trades on NYSE Arca, offering regulated exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.
- By moving from a trust to an ETF, investors gain easier brokerage access and diversified exposure.
- Launch follows strong debuts of XRP and DOGE ETFs, signaling intensifying competition as multi-asset crypto ETFs push toward mainstream adoption.
Grayscale Investments has officially launched its newly rebranded Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (NYSE Arca: CD5), marking a pivotal moment for U.S. crypto investment products.
The fund, which previously operated as the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC), will now start trading today, September 19, as a fully regulated exchange-traded fund following approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
From GDLC to CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF
The ETF offers exposure to a carefully selected basket of five leading cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). Each asset is weighted according to market capitalization and tracked using CoinDesk’s index methodology.
By moving from a trust structure to an ETF, Grayscale eliminates restrictions that previously hindered institutional adoption. Investors now gain direct, fractional ownership in the fund’s assets and distributions, with easier trading access through standard brokerage accounts.
Also Read: XRP’s Big Role in Coinbase’s U.K. Expansion – Here’s What It Means for Crypto Investors!
Looks like first index-based spot crypto ETF launches tomorrow…
Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF
Holds btc, eth, xrp, sol, & ada.
IMO, index-based & actively managed spot crypto ETFs will be met w/ *significant* demand, esp from financial advisors.
Will be *huge* category.
— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) September 19, 2025
The transition underscores Grayscale’s ambition to keep pace with a market that has seen growing competition from single-asset spot Bitcoin ETFs.
SEC Approval and Market Positioning
The SEC approved the listing earlier this year, clearing the way for Grayscale to expand its lineup beyond trusts and closed-end funds. The decision reflects a shift in regulatory openness toward diversified crypto investment products.
Grayscale’s alignment with CoinDesk’s benchmark indices provides added transparency and credibility. By leveraging an index methodology familiar to traditional investors, the ETF could bridge the gap between conventional finance and digital assets.
Competing With Spot ETFs
While spot Bitcoin ETFs have dominated headlines in 2025, Grayscale’s Crypto 5 ETF aims to stand out by broadening exposure. Instead of focusing on a single digital asset, the fund provides investors with access to a curated group of cryptocurrencies that represent both market leaders and emerging ecosystems.
Analysts suggest this positioning could attract investors seeking diversified exposure without having to directly manage multiple wallets or exchanges. It also reduces the risks tied to price volatility in a single cryptocurrency by spreading holdings across different blockchain projects.
Meanwhile, this comes on the heels of the launch of the first U.S.-based XRP and DOGE spot ETFs by REX-Osprey, which debuted yesterday, September 18.
According to data presented by Eric Balchunas, a renowned Bloomberg ETF analyst, the REX-Osprey XRP ETF (XRPR) pulled in a massive $37.7 million in volume, and DOJE saw $17 million in volume at its debut.
$XRPR traded $37.7m on Day One, which edges out $IVES for the biggest day one (natural) $ volume of any 2025 launch. $DOJE is no slouch at $17m, which would be Top 5 for year.. out of 710 launches. Good sign for the onslaught of 33 Act ETFs coming soon.. pic.twitter.com/JaQP9ekFIq
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) September 18, 2025
Commenting on the progress, Balchunas called it the “biggest day one” in volume, compared to any other 2025 launch.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF solidifies Grayscale’s position as a leader in integrating digital assets into mainstream financial markets. It also sets the stage for further competition, as rival firms are likely to explore similar multi-asset ETF products in the months ahead.
As of today’s opening, investors will be closely watching trading volumes and institutional uptake, which could determine whether diversified crypto ETFs become as impactful as their one-coin-only counterparts.
Also Read: XRP Surges with $9 Billion Open Interest as Bullish Momentum Builds for New ATH