Introduction to ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) – Price Analysis

The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) has emerged as one of the more prominent crypto investment vehicles in 2024. 

As a product of a collaboration between ARK Invest and Swiss fintech firm 21Shares, ARKB offers traditional investors a simplified and regulated way to gain exposure to Bitcoin. 

Since its approval on January 11, 2024, ARKB has gained traction, reaching third place in total bitcoin holdings among the newly launched spot bitcoin ETFs. 

But how does it work, and how does it compare to others in the space?

This article explores the structure, performance, and uniqueness of ARKB while providing an outlook on its current and future role in bitcoin investing.

Read Also: 21Shares Files for Two New Crypto ETFs with U.S. SEC

Key Takeaways

• ARKB is a spot bitcoin ETF jointly managed by ARK Invest and 21Shares, approved in January 2024.
• It directly holds bitcoin, offering investors exposure without needing to buy or store the asset.
• ARKB charges a 0.21% management fee and uses Coinbase Custody to store its bitcoin.
• Despite being among the top holders of bitcoin among ETFs, its daily trading volume trails behind leaders like IBIT and GBTC.
• ARKB’s success lies in its strong brand association with Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest and institutional-grade asset custody.

What Is ARKB?

ARKB is a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) that gives investors exposure to bitcoin through a regulated product on traditional stock exchanges. This means you can buy shares of ARKB in a brokerage account just like any stock or ETF, while the fund itself directly holds bitcoin in cold storage.

This structure eliminates the need for retail investors to manage wallets, secure private keys, or navigate crypto exchanges. Instead, ARKB’s value tracks the price of bitcoin in real-time, minus a small management fee.

It was approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alongside ten other spot bitcoin ETFs on January 11, 2024. Since then, it has steadily accumulated assets, growing its bitcoin holdings and climbing to third place among bitcoin ETF managers by assets under management.

Who Are the Firms Behind ARKB?

ARK Invest

Founded by Cathie Wood in 2014, ARK Invest is known for its strong emphasis on innovation and disruptive technologies. 

ARK manages actively traded ETFs that focus on sectors like genomics, autonomous technology, fintech, and artificial intelligence. The firm gained widespread attention for its early investments in companies like Tesla, Roku, and Coinbase.

When it comes to crypto, ARK Invest has been vocal and bullish on Bitcoin’s long-term potential, even predicting that the asset could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next decade.

21Shares

21Shares is a Swiss-based fintech company that specializes in crypto ETPs (exchange-traded products). It has launched more than 40 crypto products globally and was one of the first to offer regulated bitcoin exposure in Europe. 

In ARKB’s structure, 21Shares US acts as the official sponsor, while ARK Invest serves as the sub-advisor responsible for investment decisions.

Read Also: Understand How BTC ETF Works in Detail Here

What Makes ARKB Different from Other Spot Bitcoin ETFs?

Several spot bitcoin ETFs were launched simultaneously, but ARKB is distinct in several ways:

1. Dual Management Structure. While most ETFs have a single issuer, ARKB benefits from a partnership between 21Shares and ARK Invest, combining fintech and innovation expertise.

2. Coinbase Custody. Like many of its competitors (including BlackRock’s IBIT and Grayscale’s GBTC), ARKB uses Coinbase Custody to hold its bitcoin securely in cold wallets.

3. Moderate Fee Structure. ARKB’s 0.21% annual management fee is competitive among spot bitcoin ETFs. It's lower than Grayscale’s GBTC but slightly higher than BlackRock’s IBIT at 0.19%.

4. Public Wallet Transparency. While ARKB has not officially published its Bitcoin wallet addresses, Arkham Intelligence claims to have identified its on-chain wallet, increasing transparency for on-chain watchers.

ARKB Price and Performance

ARKB’s price is tied directly to bitcoin’s spot market price. As of mid-2024, bitcoin has seen increased institutional inflows due to the ETF approvals, with ARKB contributing to that momentum.

Despite its strong AUM growth, ARKB’s trading volume is relatively modest compared to competitors like IBIT (BlackRock) and FBTC (Fidelity). 

Still, its consistent inflows suggest that long-term investors see ARKB as a credible, low-cost way to gain bitcoin exposure through traditional finance infrastructure.

With bitcoin trading around $118,000 in July 2025, ARKB has mirrored this price trajectory. As BTC price continues to move, ARKB’s price will follow, minus the fee drag and any tracking deviation.

Read Also: List of Valid Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs – Learn Here Before Invest

Custody and Security

ARKB uses Coinbase Custody Trust Company, a qualified and regulated custodian for digital assets, to hold its bitcoin in cold storage. 

This is a crucial feature for institutional investors who demand high standards for asset safety and regulatory compliance.

This custody setup aligns with those used by leading financial players, giving ARKB credibility among risk-averse investors.

Outlook for ARKB

ARKB has gained meaningful ground in the race to dominate the spot bitcoin ETF space, even if it trails slightly behind BlackRock and Fidelity in terms of volume. 

Cathie Wood’s continued presence in the public eye and ARK Invest’s high-conviction narratives around crypto are helping the fund retain relevance.

If the U.S. market continues to embrace bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption rises, ARKB could grow further. The low fee and reputable backing give it a strong foundation for long-term investors seeking exposure without crypto-native friction.

However, competition is fierce, and market dominance may ultimately hinge on fee reductions, trading volume, and marketing strategy.

Final Thoughts

ARKB sits at the intersection of traditional finance and crypto innovation. Backed by two well-known firms—ARK Invest and 21Shares—it offers a credible way to invest in bitcoin through the safety and familiarity of an ETF structure.

Though it hasn’t reached the top in daily trading volume, it is one of the largest spot bitcoin ETFs by assets under management. ARKB represents a meaningful step toward bitcoin’s integration into mainstream investment products, and its role is likely to grow as investor trust in crypto deepens.

For those seeking regulated, low-fee exposure to bitcoin, ARKB is a solid choice in a fast-evolving ETF landscape.

Read Also: Satoshi Becomes 11th Richest, ETF Inflows Surge

FAQs

What does ARKB stand for?

ARKB is the ticker symbol for the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, a fund that offers exposure to bitcoin through traditional financial markets.

Who manages ARKB?

ARKB is sponsored by 21Shares and managed by ARK Investment Management, with custody provided by Coinbase Custody Trust Company.

Does ARKB actually hold bitcoin?

Yes, ARKB is a spot bitcoin ETF, meaning it directly holds bitcoin as its underlying asset.

Is ARKB’s bitcoin wallet public?

No, the companies behind ARKB have not publicly listed its wallet. However, Arkham Intelligence claims to have discovered it through blockchain analysis.

How much does ARKB charge in fees?

ARKB charges a 0.21% annual management fee, making it one of the more competitively priced bitcoin ETFs.