ADA ETF in the Works: Cardano Foundation CEO Reveals Plans - Crypto Economy

TL;DR

• Cardano Foundation CEO Frederik Gregaard confirms the organisation is actively developing a US-based ADA ETF, offering investors direct exposure to Cardano’s $18 billion blockchain.
• The foundation now has over 100 staff and collaborates with global firms including BMW and NASA.
• Gregaard stresses that the ETF is part of a broader effort to expand ADA adoption, strengthen Cardano’s financial presence, and integrate blockchain solutions into mainstream markets.
  

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At the Cardano Summit 2025 in Berlin, CEO Frederik Gregaard confirmed the foundation is pursuing a US-listed exchange-traded fund featuring ADA. He noted that while some recent US ETF launches operate as exchange-traded products, the foundation’s effort aims to provide regulated, accessible exposure to Cardano for a wider investor base. Gregaard views the ETF as a strategic step in increasing institutional participation and market liquidity for ADA.

Cardano Foundation Advances ADA ETF Development

Since taking the helm in 2020, Gregaard has expanded the foundation from 30 to over 100 employees, introducing structured management and long-term planning under guidance from Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson. The organisation now coordinates blockchain integrations with crypto exchanges, supports node rollouts, and engages with other fund issuers to advance Cardano’s reach. In addition, the foundation has strengthened its research and development teams, focusing on improving scalability, network security, and interoperability with other blockchains. These efforts also aim to facilitate future regulatory compliance and enhance institutional trust in Cardano’s ecosystem.

Corporate Partnerships and Blockchain Applications

The Cardano Foundation has worked with major enterprises experimenting with blockchain solutions. BMW and media group Saturn are among the organisations testing Cardano’s capabilities. In addition, the foundation has supported microfinance initiatives in Africa and invested around $15 million in blockchain-based tracking systems for NASA. Gregaard highlighted that these projects demonstrate practical, scalable use cases for Cardano beyond speculative trading. The foundation is also exploring educational programs and collaborations to boost blockchain literacy and encourage broader adoption among developers and enterprises.

Responsible Innovation and Strategic Goals

Gregaard discussed the potential risks and benefits of emerging technologies such as drones, AI, and blockchain. He emphasized that the foundation, along with Emurgo and IOHK, seeks to promote positive applications while reducing negative impacts. The ADA ETF initiative aligns with this mission, combining financial accessibility, institutional adoption, and long-term blockchain sustainability.

By developing a regulated investment vehicle, the Cardano Foundation positions ADA as a mainstream financial asset while reinforcing the network’s role in global enterprise and social projects. Gregaard concluded that the ETF “ticks several strategic boxes,” supporting both investor engagement and broader blockchain adoption worldwide.