Safello and Deutsche Bank-Backed DDA to Launch First-Ever Bittensor (TAO) ETP on SIX Swiss Exchange
Nordic digital asset platform Safello is making a bold entry into the exchange-traded product (ETP) sector by announcing the launch of the first Bittensor (TAO) ETP, developed in collaboration with Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA), a crypto investment firm supported by Deutsche Bank. This pioneering product, named the Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP (STAO), is set to begin trading on Switzerland’s SIX Exchange starting November 19.
The move comes amid a flurry of activity in the global crypto ETF and ETP market, signaling what some are calling a new “crypto ETP season.” Alongside the debut of the STAO, the industry is witnessing the arrival of several other cryptocurrency-based funds, including those focused on Solana, Litecoin, and Hedera across both the United States and Asia.
Bringing AI and Blockchain Closer to Investors
The STAO product offers investors exposure to Bittensor, a decentralized and open-source network designed for the development and monetization of artificial intelligence models. What sets Bittensor apart is its structure: instead of relying on centralized platforms, it operates via an ecosystem of specialized subnets. These function as individual AI marketplaces where developers, validators, and miners collaborate and are rewarded in TAO tokens.
This dynamic environment creates a financial and computational layer for AI, enabling a peer-to-peer model akin to how Bitcoin decentralized money. TAO tokens, which underpin the Bittensor network, are stored in cold wallets managed by a regulated custodian. Additionally, the ETP incorporates staking rewards that are automatically reinvested into the product, increasing the Net Asset Value (NAV) over time.
According to Emelie Moritz, CEO of Safello, the product represents a strategic milestone for the company as it expands into the investment product space. “This ETP will be our first step in giving institutional and retail investors more accessible pathways to participate in one of the most promising intersections of blockchain and artificial intelligence,” she said.
A Strategic Fit for DDA’s Vision
Issued by DDA ETP AG, the product aligns with DDA’s broader objective to position itself as a leading independent issuer of crypto ETPs while also offering white-label solutions for partners. A spokesperson from DDA emphasized that their infrastructure allows for the launch of compliant, innovative crypto investment vehicles, enabling partners like Safello to enter the market efficiently and securely.
The Rise of Crypto ETPs and ETFs Globally
The STAO listing is part of a global trend in which crypto investment products are gaining momentum. Bitwise recently launched its Solana Staking ETF (BSOL), which debuted with a substantial $222.8 million in assets and offers an estimated 7% staking yield. Similarly, Canary’s Litecoin and Hedera ETFs are also scheduled to hit the market, while Grayscale is preparing to convert its Solana Trust into an ETF.
In Asia, Hong Kong has greenlit its first spot Solana ETF, joining the ranks of previously approved Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, further establishing the city as a key player in regulated digital asset investment.
Why Bittensor Matters in the AI-Blockchain Space
Bittensor’s unique architecture makes it a standout among decentralized AI networks. By leveraging blockchain’s decentralized nature, it enables developers to contribute models to a global AI network while maintaining control and receiving fair compensation. This model eliminates the dependency on Big Tech companies that currently dominate the AI landscape.
Chris Miglino, co-founder and CEO of DNA Fund, previously highlighted that decentralized AI systems like Bittensor could catalyze a new wave of technological and financial innovation, just as Bitcoin redefined currency. The STAO ETP acts as a bridge between traditional finance and this frontier of decentralized machine learning.
How Staking Enhances Investment Returns
One of the defining elements of the STAO ETP is its built-in staking mechanism. Unlike passive exposure products, this ETP redistributes staking rewards back into the product, thereby compounding the investment’s value over time. This feature is particularly attractive in a market where yield generation remains a key focus for crypto investors, especially those seeking alternatives to standard holding strategies.
Regulatory Compliance and Institutional Appeal
By partnering with a regulated custodian and operating under the SIX Swiss Exchange’s stringent listing standards, the STAO ETP appeals to institutional investors who prioritize security and compliance. This aligns with a broader industry trend toward regulated, transparent investment products that bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
What the Launch Means for the Broader Market
The emergence of innovative products like the STAO ETP reflects growing investor interest in non-traditional crypto assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. While these two remain dominant, tokens like TAO that combine AI and blockchain present new opportunities for diversification and technological impact.
Furthermore, the entry of financial institutions like Deutsche Bank into the crypto ETP space—albeit indirectly—signals increasing legitimacy and institutional confidence in blockchain-based solutions for AI and financial services.
Looking Ahead: More ETPs on the Horizon?
Given the rapid acceleration in crypto ETP and ETF activity, analysts expect even more products to enter the market in the coming months. As regulatory clarity improves and investor demand for diversified exposure increases, crypto asset managers are likely to explore other AI-linked tokens, Layer 1 blockchain projects, and sector-specific themes like Web3 and DeFi.
Conclusion: A Convergence of Finance, AI, and Blockchain
The launch of the Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP is more than just another listing—it represents a convergence of cutting-edge technologies and traditional finance. By offering transparent, regulated access to a decentralized AI network, the STAO opens the door for a new category of investors to participate in shaping the future of intelligent, distributed computing.
As the crypto investment landscape continues to evolve, products like STAO hint at a broader transformation where financial innovation meets technological revolution. Whether this marks the beginning of a lasting trend or a short-term wave remains to be seen—but the momentum is undeniable.