VanEck Expands European Reach with PYTH-Based ETN

Asset manager VanEck has launched a new ETN based on PYTH, specifically for European buyers. The Pyth network, a decentralized oracle protocol, has earned praise from VanEck for its potential to transform the DeFi landscape.

This launch follows several similar crypto-focused ventures by VanEck in recent months.

VanEck Launches PYTH ETN

According to a recent press release, asset manager VanEck is listing a new exchange-traded note (ETN) based on PYTH today. The Pyth network is a decentralized oracle protocol that uses PYTH as a network token. PYTH’s value has risen slightly since this announcement, bucking a decline this month, but there has not been a substantial price jump.

This new ETN is one of several recent crypto project investments by VanEck. Earlier in October, the firm launched a $30 million venture fund aimed at crypto startups and, just last week, partnered with Kiln to offer Solana staking.

Read more: What Is a Blockchain Oracle? An Introductory Guide

VanEck publicly stated that Pyth’s technical potential inspired its latest ETN offering. Listed on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam, the ETN is now available to investors. Although distinct from an ETF, it shares some similarities: its value is tied to PYTH, and VanEck secures the ETN’s underlying assets in cold storage.

“Smart contracts… are gaining increasing significance in the financial world… and oracle networks play a crucial role in enabling [their] real-world use. With our Pyth ETN, investors have the opportunity to participate in the development of… Pyth Network, which has the potential to become a crucial part of DeFi application infrastructure,” VanEck Europe CEO Martijn Rozemuller said.

Read more: Crypto ETN vs. Crypto ETF: What Is the Difference?

However, it remains unclear whether “underlying assets” specifically refers to PYTH tokens. The ETN’s value is derived from the MarketVector Pyth Network VWAP Close Index, which in turn tracks PYTH’s value indirectly. This layered approach to value calculation may help explain why PYTH’s price has remained relatively stable since the announcement.

The press release also notes that the ETN is available across 15 European countries under the ticker VYPT, with a total expense ratio of 1.5%. VanEck cautions twice in its statement about the “risk of extreme volatility” associated with the product.