As mainstream appetite for crypto exposure continues to expand, Themes ETFs has launched a new product aimed at investors looking to amplify their bets on one of the industry’s cornerstone stocks: Coinbase.
The Leverage Shares 2X Long Coinbase ETF (Ticker: COIG) debuted this week on Nasdaq, offering investors double the daily performance of Coinbase (COIN) stock. It’s the latest sign that Wall Street is leaning into crypto—not just through direct assets like Bitcoin ETFs, but by offering derivative exposure through familiar equity-based products.
Traditional Investors Seek Crypto Exposure—Without the Crypto
“I’ve watched my own parents go from skeptics who called Bitcoin ‘made-up internet money’ to asking how they can gain exposure,” one investor noted. That shift reflects a broader trend: traditional investors, especially those wary of direct crypto holdings, are increasingly embracing ETFs as a gateway to the digital asset space.
Paul Marino, Chief Revenue Officer at Themes ETFs, explained the timing of the launch despite recent market softness. “We’re long-term bullish on crypto and Coinbase,” he said. “COIG isn’t about trying to time the market—it’s about offering traders a liquid, leveraged way to express conviction in one of crypto’s most essential infrastructure players.”
Designed for Tactical Traders—Not Long-Term Holding
COIG is a leveraged ETF, meaning it’s built for short-term tactical use, not long-term buy-and-hold strategies. The fund aims to deliver 200% of the daily performance of COIN, making it a powerful tool for traders anticipating sharp price moves—or looking to hedge.
But as with all leveraged ETFs, the compounding effect of daily resets introduces risks. If COIN trades sideways or moves erratically, investors can lose money—even if the stock ends up slightly higher. “We don’t recommend a ‘set it and forget it’ approach,” Marino cautioned. “Investors should understand the math and risks before diving in.”
Coinbase as a Proxy for Crypto Growth
While not a pure crypto product, COIG represents a proxy bet on crypto market activity. As Coinbase earns revenue through trading volume, the company generally benefits during bullish periods in Bitcoin and broader crypto markets.
“As the Bitcoin tide rises, we believe it lifts all crypto boats—including Coinbase,” Marino said. “COIG gives traders the ability to amplify that potential—up or down—in a regulated ETF wrapper.”
Still, Marino emphasizes that COIG is not a substitute for direct crypto exposure or spot ETFs. “It’s an equity-based product that happens to track a crypto-adjacent company. It’s for traders who want leverage, not necessarily for long-term crypto believers.”
Competitive Fees and Future Expansion
With an expense ratio of 0.75%, COIG is among the lowest-cost leveraged ETFs of its kind. Themes ETFs hopes this will set it apart in a growing field of complex products. Marino cited low costs and an experienced team as key differentiators, along with growing trading volumes since launch.
Looking ahead, Themes ETFs has more crypto-related products in the pipeline. While details are under wraps for now, Marino said the firm is “actively developing new, innovative tools for traders who want exposure to crypto themes without directly holding digital assets.”
A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and Digital Assets
As institutional and retail investors increasingly turn to ETFs to gain exposure to the crypto ecosystem, products like COIG represent a bridge between traditional financial infrastructure and the fast-evolving world of digital assets.
While leveraged ETFs carry significant risks, they also offer sophisticated tools for active investors—and reflect growing confidence in the crypto economy’s integration with mainstream markets.
