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Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 000-56270

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

82-3002349

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

400 Montgomery Street,

Suite 600

San Francisco, CA 94104

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(415) 707-3663

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

 

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

None

N/A

N/A

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW) Shares

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 3, 2023: 20,241,947

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

i

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

iii

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

1

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

15

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

30

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

30

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION:

31

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

31

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

31

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

32

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

32

Item 5. Other Information

32

Item 6. Exhibits

32

SIGNATURES

33

 

 


 

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” with respect to the financial conditions, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW) (the “Trust”). Statements preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify some of the forward-looking statements. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) included in this Quarterly Report that address activities, events or developments that will or may occur in the future, including such matters as changes in market prices and conditions, the Trust’s operations, the plans of Bitwise Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Sponsor”) and references to the Trust’s future success and other similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially from such statements. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses the Sponsor made based on its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate in the circumstances. Whether or not actual results and developments will conform to the Sponsor’s expectations and predictions, however, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors. Forward-looking statements are made based on the Sponsor’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and neither the Trust nor the Sponsor is under a duty or undertakes an obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, other than as required by applicable laws. Investors are therefore cautioned against relying on forward-looking statements. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Trust's business, financial condition or results of operations and future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from the Trust's expectations include, but are not limited to:
 

the extreme volatility of trading prices that many Crypto Assets, including Bitcoin, have experienced in recent periods and may continue to experience, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Shares of the Trust;
the recentness of the development of Crypto Assets and the uncertain medium-to-long term value of the Shares due to a number of factors relating to the capabilities and development of Blockchain technologies and to the fundamental investment characteristics of Crypto Assets;
the value of the Shares depending on the acceptance of Crypto Assets and Blockchain technology, a new and rapidly evolving industry;
the unregulated nature and lack of transparency surrounding the operations of Blockchain technologies and crypto assets, which may adversely affect the value of Portfolio Crypto Assets and the Shares;
the limited history of the Index;
risks related to the COVID-19 outbreak, which could negatively impact the value of the Trust’s holdings and significantly disrupt its operations;
the possibility that the Shares may trade at a price that is at, above or below the Trust’s NAV Per Share;
regulatory changes or actions by the U.S. Congress or any U.S. federal or state agencies that may affect the value of the Shares or restrict the use of one or more Crypto Assets, Mining activity or the operation of their networks or the markets for the Portfolio Crypto Assets in a manner that adversely affects the value of the Shares;
changes in the policies of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that could adversely impact the value of the Shares;
the possibility that the Trust or the Sponsor could be subject to regulation as a money service business or money transmitter, which could result in extraordinary expenses to the Trust or the Sponsor and also result in decreased liquidity for the Shares;
regulatory changes or interpretations that could obligate the Trust or the Sponsor to register and comply with new regulations, resulting in potentially extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to the Trust;
potential delays in mail reaching the Sponsor when sent to the Trust at its registered office;
possible requirements for the Trust to disclose information, including information relating to investors, to regulators;
potential conflicts of interest that may arise among the Sponsor or its affiliates and the Trust;
the potential discontinuance of the Sponsor’s continued services, which could be detrimental to the Trust;
the Custodian’s possible resignation or removal by the Sponsor; and

i


 

additional risk factors discussed in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC.

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to the Sponsor acting on behalf of the Trust.

ii


 

Industry and Market Data

Although we are responsible for all disclosure contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in some cases we have relied on certain market and industry data obtained from third-party sources that we believe to be reliable. Market estimates are calculated by using independent industry publications in conjunction with our assumptions regarding the Crypto Asset industry and market. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any market, industry or similar data presented herein, such data involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

iii


 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

(formerly known as Bitwise 10 Private Index Fund, LLC)

 

Financial Statements

September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022

1


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Table of Contents

 

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Statements of Financial Condition

3

Schedules of Investments

4

Statements of Operations

5

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

6

Notes to Financial Statements

7

 

2


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Statements of Financial Condition

September 30, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 2022

 

Assets

 

September 30, 2023
(unaudited)

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value (cost $337,251,338 and $352,025,946)

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

$

308,152,209

 

Cash

 

 

604,991

 

 

 

656,726

 

Other assets

 

 

122

 

 

 

2,180

 

Total Assets

 

$

453,769,861

 

 

$

308,811,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fees payable

 

$

945,353

 

 

$

643,333

 

Subscriptions received in advance

 

 

301

 

 

 

301

 

Capital withdrawals payable

 

 

 

 

 

10,982

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

945,654

 

 

 

654,616

 

Net Assets

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

308,156,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid-in-capital

 

 

427,764,344

 

 

 

427,764,344

 

Accumulated net investment gain (loss)

 

 

(48,325,315

)

 

 

(39,439,982

)

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments in Crypto Assets

 

 

(42,528,232

)

 

 

(36,294,125

)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in Crypto Assets

 

 

115,913,410

 

 

 

(43,873,738

)

Net Assets

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

308,156,499

 

Shares issued and outstanding, no par value (unlimited shares
   authorized)

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

22.37

 

 

$

15.22

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements (unaudited).

3


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Schedules of Investments

September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percentage of Net Assets

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bitcoin

 

 

11,166.9519

 

 

$

300,641,928

 

 

 

66.39

 

%

Ethereum

 

 

68,705.6395

 

 

 

114,401,073

 

 

 

25.26

 

 

Ripple

 

 

30,354,415.8014

 

 

 

16,166,762

 

 

 

3.57

 

 

Cardano

 

 

19,977,492.3773

 

 

 

4,968,402

 

 

 

1.10

 

 

Solana

 

 

236,167.1756

 

 

 

4,780,024

 

 

 

1.06

 

 

Polkadot

 

 

724,689.3289

 

 

 

2,953,834

 

 

 

0.65

 

 

Polygon

 

 

5,331,868.5738

 

 

 

2,793,366

 

 

 

0.62

 

 

Litecoin

 

 

42,011.5759

 

 

 

2,778,226

 

 

 

0.61

 

 

Uniswap

 

 

432,903.2758

 

 

 

1,872,740

 

 

 

0.41

 

 

Avalanche

 

 

198,943.0885

 

 

 

1,808,393

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

Total investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value
(cost $
337,251,338)

 

 

 

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

 

100.08

 

 

Other liabilities in excess of assets

 

 

 

 

 

(340,541

)

 

 

(0.08

)

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

 

100.00

 

%

 

December 31, 2022

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percentage of Net Assets

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bitcoin

 

 

11,819.9707

 

 

$

195,753,017

 

 

 

63.52

 

%

Ethereum

 

 

74,021.6567

 

 

 

88,589,859

 

 

 

28.75

 

 

Cardano

 

 

21,522,897.0117

 

 

 

5,283,871

 

 

 

1.71

 

 

Polygon

 

 

5,364,647.6643

 

 

 

4,063,721

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

Polkadot

 

 

728,522.0272

 

 

 

3,151,586

 

 

 

1.02

 

 

Litecoin

 

 

44,176.0683

 

 

 

3,012,808

 

 

 

0.98

 

 

Uniswap

 

 

462,947.3743

 

 

 

2,343,903

 

 

 

0.76

 

 

Solana

 

 

225,537.2136

 

 

 

2,223,797

 

 

 

0.72

 

 

Avalanche

 

 

191,304.3666

 

 

 

2,083,305

 

 

 

0.68

 

 

Chainlink

 

 

301,859.6002

 

 

 

1,646,342

 

 

 

0.53

 

 

Total investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value
(cost $
352,025,946)

 

 

 

 

$

308,152,209

 

 

 

100.00

 

 

Other assets in excess of liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

4,290

 

 

 

0.00

 

*

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$

308,156,499

 

 

 

100.00

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Represents less than 0.00% of net assets

See accompanying notes to financial statements (unaudited).

4


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

68,436

 

 

$

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fees

 

$

2,927,022

 

 

$

2,560,173

 

 

$

8,951,566

 

 

$

11,255,579

 

Transaction and other fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,203

 

 

 

820

 

Total Expenses

 

 

2,927,022

 

 

 

2,560,173

 

 

 

8,953,769

 

 

 

11,256,399

 

Net Investment gain (loss)

 

 

(2,927,022

)

 

 

(2,560,173

)

 

 

(8,885,333

)

 

 

(11,256,399

)

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(4,074,541

)

 

 

(2,472,815

)

 

 

(6,234,107

)

 

 

(11,214,769

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(63,235,155

)

 

 

36,687,023

 

 

 

159,787,148

 

 

 

(583,647,744

)

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

(67,309,696

)

 

 

34,214,208

 

 

 

153,553,041

 

 

 

(594,862,513

)

Net increase (decrease) in Net Assets resulting from operations

 

$

(70,236,718

)

 

$

31,654,035

 

 

$

144,667,708

 

 

$

(606,118,912

)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements (unaudited).

5


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gain (loss)

 

$

(2,927,022

)

 

$

(2,560,173

)

 

$

(8,885,333

)

 

$

(11,256,399

)

Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(4,074,541

)

 

 

(2,472,815

)

 

 

(6,234,107

)

 

 

(11,214,769

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(63,235,155

)

 

 

36,687,023

 

 

 

159,787,148

 

 

 

(583,647,744

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

(70,236,718

)

 

 

31,654,035

 

 

 

144,667,708

 

 

 

(606,118,912

)

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

523,060,925

 

 

 

336,764,715

 

 

 

308,156,499

 

 

 

974,537,662

 

End of Period

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

368,418,750

 

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

368,418,750

 

Change in Shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding at beginning of period

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

Subscriptions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding at end of period

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

 

20,241,947

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements (unaudited).

6


 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. Organization

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (the “Trust”) is a Delaware Statutory Trust that commenced operations on November 22, 2017. The Trust’s name was changed from “Bitwise Hold 10 Private Index Fund, LLC” on September 24, 2018, and changed again from “Bitwise 10 Private Index Fund, LLC” on May 1, 2020 when it was also simultaneously converted from a Delaware Limited Liability Company to a Delaware Statutory Trust. Bitwise Investment Advisers, LLC, is the sponsor (“Sponsor”) and investment adviser of the Trust. Bitwise Asset Management, Inc, an affiliate of the Sponsor, served as the Manager before the Trust’s conversion to a Delaware Statutory Trust. Delaware Trust Company is the Trustee of the Trust, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the Transfer Agent of the Trust.

On December 9, 2020, the Trust received notice that its Shares were qualified for public trading on the OTCQX U.S. Marketplace of the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (“OTCQX”). The Trust’s trading symbol on OTCQX is “BITW” and the CUSIP number for its Shares is 091749101.

The Trust’s principal investment objective is to invest in a portfolio of broad-based Crypto Assets that tracks the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index (the “Index”), which is administered by Bitwise Index Services, LLC (the "Index Provider"), an affiliate of the Sponsor. The Trust rebalances monthly alongside the Index to stay current with changes.

All shareholders are subject to a 2.5% per annum Management Fee and are referred to as the Investor Class. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Conversion executed as of May 1, 2020, the Trust converted from a Delaware Limited Liability Company to a Delaware Statutory Trust.

Theorem Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”) serves as the Trust’s Administrator and performs administrative and accounting services on behalf of the Trust.

7


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Trust is an investment company and follows the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The accompanying comparative financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of management of the Sponsor, contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Trust as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full-year period.

Pursuant to the Statement of Cash Flows Topic of the Codification, the Trust qualifies for an exemption from the requirement to provide a statement of cash flows and has elected not to provide a statement of cash flows.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash

Cash represents cash deposits held at financial institutions and Crypto Asset exchanges. Cash in a bank deposit account, at times, may exceed U.S. federally insured limits. The Trust has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on such bank deposits.

Investments and Valuation

The Trust’s investments in Crypto Assets are stated at fair value. For a further discussion of the Trust’s calculations of valuation, please see “Calculation of Valuation” in the footnote below. Crypto Assets are generally valued using prices as reported on reputable and liquid exchanges and may utilize an average of bid and ask quotes using closing prices provided by such exchanges as of the date and time of determination ("Calculation of Valuation" below). Factors such as the recent stability of the exchange, current liquidity of the exchange, and recent price activity of an exchange will be considered in the determination of which exchanges to utilize. The time used is 4:00 pm ET which corresponds to 20:00 UTC during Daylight Savings Time and 21:00 UTC during non-Daylight Savings Time. The Sponsor’s Valuation Policy provides a listing of preferred exchanges. While some Crypto Assets are valued based on prices reported in the public markets, other Crypto Assets may be more thinly-traded or subject to irregular trading activity. Determinations on the value of certain Crypto Assets, and how to value such assets as to which limited prices or quotations are available, are based on the Sponsor’s recommendations or instructions.

 

Crypto Asset transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from Crypto Asset transactions are determined using the identified cost method. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss is reported in the statement of operations. Commissions and other trading fees are reflected as an adjustment to cost or proceeds at the time of the transaction.

 

The Trust intermittently receives Airdrops of new Crypto Assets. The use of Airdrops is generally to promote the launch and use of new Crypto Assets by providing a small amount of the new Crypto Assets to the private wallets or exchange accounts of holders of existing related Crypto Assets. Airdropped Crypto Assets can have substantially different Blockchain technology that has no relation to any existing Crypto Asset, and many Airdrops may be without value. The Trust will only record receipt of Airdropped Crypto Assets if when received, the Airdropped Crypto Assets have value. Crypto Assets received from Airdrops have no cost basis and the Trust recognizes other income equal to the fair value of the new Crypto Asset received.

 

 

8


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Trust was eligible for a Flare (FLR) airdrop. The airdrop was based on the Trust’s XRP holding in its custody vault as of December 12, 2020. The Trust elected to participate in the airdrop and on April 17th, 2023, Other income resulting from the airdrop was booked into the Fund’s assets. At the time of the airdrop, the result was a positive NAV increase of 0.013% bps, less than $0.00 NAV increase and $68,436 net asset increase to the Trust. On April 18th, 2023, the Trust sold the FLR and raised USD resulting in a minor loss to the Trust. The USD was used to purchase other assets in the Trust’s portfolio, since FLR was not part of the Index of the Trust. The impact of this airdrop can be seen within the Statement of Operations under Other income and Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets. There were no Airdrops recognized or unrecognized during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Calculation of Valuation

The process that the Sponsor developed for identifying a principal market (the "Principal Market"), as described in FASB ASC 820-10, which outlines the application of fair value accounting, was to begin by identifying publicly available, well established and reputable Crypto Asset exchanges selected by the Sponsor and its affiliates in their sole discretion, including BitFlyer, Binance, Bitstamp, Bittrex, Coinbase, itBit, Kraken, Gemini, and LMAX, and then calculating, on each valuation period, the highest volume exchange during the 60 minutes prior to 4:00 pm ET for each asset. The 4:00 pm ET closing price from this Principal Market would be used for valuation of the Trust's crypto assets (the "Principal Market Price"). In evaluating the markets that could be considered principal markets, the Trust considered whether or not the specific markets were accessible to the Trust, either directly or through an intermediary, at the end of each period.

The following provides an overview of the Principal Market and the Principal Market Prices for Portfolio Crypto Assets that comprised the majority of the Trust’s assets for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023.

Crypto Asset

 

Principal Market Price

 

 

Principal
Market

Bitcoin (BTC)

 

$

26,922.47

 

 

Coinbase

Ethereum (ETH)

 

$

1,665.09

 

 

Coinbase

Ripple (XRP)

 

$

0.53

 

 

Coinbase

Cardano (ADA)

 

$

0.25

 

 

Coinbase

Solana (SOL)

 

$

20.24

 

 

Coinbase

Polkadot (DOT)

 

$

4.08

 

 

Coinbase

Polygon (MATIC)

 

$

0.52

 

 

Coinbase

Litecoin (LTC)

 

$

66.13

 

 

Coinbase

Uniswap (UNI)

 

$

4.33

 

 

Coinbase

Avalanche (AVAX)

 

$

9.09

 

 

Coinbase

 

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Trust carries its investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value investments are not adjusted for transaction costs.

In determining fair value, the Trust uses a single, principal market approach. A fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs are to be used when available. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include (a) quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, or (d) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

9


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and are affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of investment, whether the investment is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following summarizes the Trust’s assets accounted for at fair value at September 30, 2023.

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following summarizes the Trust’s assets accounted for at fair value at December 31, 2022.

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

$

308,152,209

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

308,152,209

 

 

4. Risks and Uncertainties

Crypto Assets

Crypto Assets are loosely regulated and there is no central marketplace for currency exchange. Supply is determined by a computer code, not by a central bank, and prices have been extremely volatile. Crypto Asset exchanges have been closed due to fraud, failure, or security breaches. Any of the Trust’s assets that reside on an exchange that closes may be lost. At September 30, 2023, Crypto Assets of approximately $3,110,700 and cash of approximately $604,350 resided on exchanges. At December 31, 2022, Crypto Assets of approximately $292,400 and cash of $644,700 resided on exchanges.

Several factors may affect the price of Crypto Assets, including, but not limited to: supply and demand, investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates, or future regulatory measures (if any) that restrict the trading of Crypto Assets or the use of Crypto Assets as a form of payment. There is no assurance that Crypto Assets will maintain their long-term value in terms of purchasing power in the future, or that acceptance of Crypto Asset payments by mainstream retail merchants and commercial businesses will continue to grow.

Crypto Asset Regulation

As Crypto Assets have grown in popularity and market size, various countries and jurisdictions have begun to develop regulations governing the Crypto Assets industry. To the extent that future regulatory actions or policies limit the ability to exchange Crypto Assets or utilize them for payments, the demand for Crypto Assets will be reduced. Furthermore, regulatory actions may limit the ability of end-users to convert Crypto Assets into fiat currency (e.g., U.S. dollars) or use Crypto Assets to pay for goods and services. Such regulatory actions or policies could result in a reduction of demand, and in turn, a decline in the underlying Crypto Asset unit prices.

The effect of any future regulatory change on the Trust or Crypto Assets in general is impossible to predict, but such change could be substantial and adverse to the Trust and the value of the Trust’s investments in Crypto Assets.

10


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Custody of Crypto Assets

Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (the “Custodian”) serves as the Trust’s Custodian for Crypto Assets for which qualified custody is available. The Custodian is subject to change in the sole discretion of the Sponsor. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Crypto Assets of approximately $450,054,000 and $307,859,800 were held by the Custodian, respectively.

Crypto Asset Trading is Volatile and Speculative

Crypto Assets represent a speculative investment and involve a high degree of risk. Prices of Crypto Assets have fluctuated widely for a variety of reasons including uncertainties in government regulation and may continue to experience significant price fluctuations. If Crypto Asset markets continue to be subject to sharp fluctuations, Shareholders may experience losses as the value of the Trust’s investments decline. Even if Shareholders are able to hold their Shares in the Trust for the long-term, their Shares may never generate a profit, since Crypto Asset markets have historically experienced extended periods of flat or declining prices in addition to sharp fluctuations.

Over-the-Counter Transactions

Some of the markets in which the Trust may execute its transactions are “over-the-counter” or “interdealer” markets. The participants in such markets are typically not subject to credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are members of “exchange-based” markets. This exposes the Trust to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Trust to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for Crypto Assets where the Trust has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. The Trust is not restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty or from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. Moreover, the Trust has no internal credit function that evaluates the creditworthiness of its counterparties. The ability of the Trust to transact business with any one or number of counterparties, the lack of any meaningful and independent evaluation of such counterparty’s financial capabilities and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Trust.

No FDIC or SIPC Protection

The Trust is not a banking institution or otherwise a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). Accordingly, deposits or assets held by the Trust are not subject to the protections enjoyed by depositors with FDIC or SIPC member institutions. The Trust’s Crypto Asset custodians do however carry bespoke insurance policies related to the Crypto Assets over which they provide custody.

The Trust must adapt to technological change in order to secure and safeguard client accounts. While management believes they have developed an appropriate proprietary security system reasonably designed to safeguard the Trust’s Crypto Assets from theft, loss, destruction, or other issues relating to hackers and technological attack, such assessment is based upon known technology and threats. To the extent that the Trust is unable to identify and mitigate or stop new security threats, the Trust’s Crypto Assets may be subject to theft, loss, destruction, or other attack, which could have a negative impact on the performance of the Trust or result in loss of the Trust’s Crypto Assets.

Risks Associated With a Crypto Asset Majority Control

Since Crypto Assets are virtual and transactions in such currencies reside on distributed networks, governance of the underlying distributed network could be adversely altered should any individual or group obtain 51% control of the distributed network. Such control could have a significant adverse effect on either the ownership or value of the Crypto Asset.

Transaction Authentication

As of the date of these financial statements, the transfer of Crypto Assets from one party to another typically relies on an authentication process by an outside party known as a miner or validator. In exchange for compensation, the miner or validator will authenticate the transfer of the currency through the solving of a complex algorithm known as a proof of work, or will vouch for the transfer through other means, such as a proof of stake. Effective transfers of and therefore realization of Crypto Assets, and tokens are dependent on interactions from these miners or validators. In the event that there were a shortage of miners to perform this function, that shortage could have an adverse effect on either the fair value or realization of the Crypto Assets.

11


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Other Risks

Management continues to evaluate the impact of current or anticipated military conflict, including between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, sanctions, and other geopolitical events; as well as adverse developments in the economy, the capital markets and the Blockchain markets, including rising energy costs, inflation and interest rates globally, and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and global health epidemics. Management has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that these events could have a negative effect on the financial performance and operations of the Trust, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

5. Income Taxes

The Trust is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Trust does not record a provision for U.S. federal, U.S. state, or local income taxes because the Shareholders report their share of the Trust’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The Trust files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions.

The Trust is required to determine whether its tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained on examination by the applicable taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more likely than not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Trust has determined that no provision for income taxes is required and no liability for unrecognized tax benefits has been recorded. The Trust does not expect that its assessment related to unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next 12 months. However, the Trust’s conclusions may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions; compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state, and tax laws of jurisdictions in which the Trust operates in; and changes in the administrative practices and precedents of the relevant authorities. The Trust is required to analyze all open tax years. Open tax years are those years that are open for examination by the relevant income taxing authority. As of September 30, 2023, the 2022, 2021, and 2020 tax years remain open for examination. There were no examinations in progress at period end.

6. Shareholders’ Equity

Subscriptions

 

As of November 18, 2021, the Sponsor to the Trust has closed the acceptance of all subscriptions to the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund, pursuant to its rights under Sections 5 and 6 of the Trust Agreement.

In-Kind Subscriptions

 

The Sponsor may, at its sole discretion, accept Crypto Assets (“In-Kind Investments”) in lieu of, or in addition to, cash as payment for investment in the Trust. Such In-Kind Investments are valued using the same Crypto Asset prices as per the Trust’s valuation policy at any given valuation date as of 4:00 pm ET on the date of the subscription. As of November 18, 2021, the Sponsor to the Trust has closed the acceptance of all subscriptions to the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund, pursuant to its rights under Sections 5 and 6 of the Trust Agreement.

Withdrawals

 

In connection with the Trust seeking approval for the quotation of its Shares on OTCQX, the Trust halted the withdrawal program on October 7, 2020.

Allocation of Profits and Losses

 

Starting May 1, 2020, income or loss was directly allocated to the Investor Class.

12


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Related Party Transactions

The Trust considers the Sponsor, and its directors and employees to be related parties of the Trust. In consideration for the management services to be provided to the Trust, the Sponsor will receive from the Trust a management fee (the “Management Fee”) payable monthly, in arrears at a rate of 2.5% per annum.

The Sponsor may, in its discretion, waive, reduce, or rebate the Management Fee with respect to any Shareholder or group of Shareholders (which group may, but need not, include all Shareholders), including affiliates of the Sponsor; provided that such waiver, reduction, or rebate shall not increase the Management Fee payable in respect of any other Shareholder.

For the periods January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 and January 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022, the Shareholders were charged Management Fees of $8,951,566 and $11,255,579, respectively, of which $945,353 and $769,141 remained payable as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Sponsor paid all expenses related to the initial offering, organization and start-up of the Trust and will not seek reimbursement for such amounts. The Sponsor is responsible for all ordinary operating expenses of the Trust, including administrative, custody, legal, audit, insurance, and other operating expenses.

8. Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. The Trust expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.

9. Financial Highlights

The following presents the financial highlights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2023

 

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2022

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2023

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2022

 

 

Per Share Performance

 

Investor Class

 

 

Investor Class

 

 

 

Investor Class

 

 

Investor Class

 

 

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share at beginning of period

 

$

25.84

 

 

$

16.64

 

 

 

$

15.22

 

 

$

48.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in Net Assets resulting from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments (1)

 

 

(3.33

)

 

 

1.69

 

 

 

 

7.59

 

 

 

(29.38

)

 

Net investment gain (loss) (1)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

 

 

(0.44

)

 

 

(0.56

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in Net Assets resulting
from operations

 

 

(3.47

)

 

 

1.56

 

 

 

 

7.15

 

 

 

(29.94

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share at end of period

 

$

22.37

 

 

$

18.20

 

 

 

$

22.37

 

 

$

18.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total return

 

 

(13.43

)

%

 

9.37

 

%

 

 

46.98

 

%

 

(62.19

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios to average net asset value(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

2.51

 

%

 

2.51

 

%

 

 

2.51

 

%

 

2.51

 

%

Net investment loss

 

 

(2.51

)

%

 

(2.51

)

%

 

 

(2.49

)

%

 

(2.51

)

%

Net Assets at end of period

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

368,418,750

 

 

 

$

452,824,207

 

 

$

368,418,750

 

 

Average net assets(3)

 

$

467,348,360

 

 

$

408,774,365

 

 

 

$

476,422,390

 

 

$

599,048,234

 

 

Portfolio turnover

 

 

4.73

 

%

 

1.21

 

%

 

 

6.21

 

%

 

7.97

 

%

 

13


Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund

Notes to Comparative Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Total returns are calculated based on the change in value of a share during the period. The total return and the ratios to average net asset value are calculated for each class as a whole. An individual Shareholder’s return and ratios may vary based on the timing of capital transactions. Ratios have been annualized for the periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; total returns and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

(1)
Net investment loss per share is calculated by dividing the net investment loss by the average number of shares outstanding during the period. Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share with the other per share information.
(2)
Annualized.
(3)
Based on the average of month-end net assets.

 

 

 

10. New Accounting Pronouncements

On September 6, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) approved a proposed accounting standards update (Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Crypto Assets, ASU Subtopic 350-60) to improve the accounting for, and disclosure of, certain crypto assets. The new standard is expected to be published by the end of 2023 and will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Sponsor is evaluating the potential impact the ASU may have, and does not believe there will be any material impact to the Trust’s financial statements.

11. Subsequent Events

The Sponsor has evaluated subsequent events through November 3, 2023, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, and has determined that there are no subsequent events that require disclosure.

14


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” or in other sections of this Form 10-Q.

Trust Overview

The Trust is a Delaware Statutory Trust that issues units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in the form of shares, which represent ownership in the Trust ("Shares"). All Shareholders of “investor class” units received 10 Shares for each unit owned prior to the corporate action date, and all Shareholders of “institutional class” units received 10.12602229 Shares for each unit owned prior to the corporate action date.

The purpose of the Trust is to make it easier for an investor to invest in the Crypto Asset market as a whole, without having to pick specific tokens, manage a portfolio, and constantly monitor ongoing news and developments. Although the Shares are not the exact equivalent of a direct investment in Crypto Assets, they provide investors with an alternative that constitutes a relatively cost-effective, professionally managed way to participate in Crypto Asset markets. The Trust holds a Portfolio of Crypto Assets, referred to as the Portfolio Crypto Assets.

In furtherance of this objective, the activities of the Trust include (i) issuing Shares in exchange for subscriptions, (ii) selling or buying Portfolio Crypto Assets in connection with monthly rebalancing, (iii) selling Portfolio Crypto Assets as necessary to cover the Management Fee (as defined below) and/or any Organizational Expenses (as defined below), (iv) causing the Sponsor to sell Portfolio Crypto Assets upon any potential future termination of the Trust, and (v) engaging in all administrative and security procedures necessary to accomplish such activities in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement, and the Custodian Agreement (as defined below).

The Trust’s principal investment objective is to invest in a Portfolio of Crypto Assets that tracks the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index (the "Index") as closely as possible with certain exceptions determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. In addition, in the event the Portfolio Crypto Assets being held by the Trust present opportunities to generate returns in excess of the Index (for example, Airdrops, Emissions, forks, or similar network events) the Sponsor may also pursue these incidental opportunities on behalf of the Trust as part of the investment objective if in its sole discretion the Sponsor deems such activities to be possible and prudent. The Trust believes that it has met its principal investment objective. As of September 30, 2023, there was a correlation of 99.99% between the Portfolio Crypto Assets and the assets included in the Index. The Trust is aware that the market price of the Trust’s shares may deviate from the net asset value (“NAV”) of the shares, and the market price may at times be significantly above or below the shares’ NAV. The NAV of the Trust is calculated by summing the assets and liabilities and the NAV Per Share is calculated by dividing the total NAV by the shares outstanding. However, the Trust believes that any such deviation does not affect the Trust’s principal investment objective, as the Trust does not maintain or promote any business objectives related to the market trading price of its shares. Furthermore, under Regulation M, the Trust as issuer of the Shares is not permitted to take any actions that would seek to reconcile the NAV of the Shares and the market price of the Shares, and the Trust would not undertake business objectives that it was legally restricted from achieving.

The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license agreement with Bitwise Index Services, LLC (the “Index Provider”), an affiliate of the Trust that is controlled by the same parent entity as the Sponsor, at no cost to the Trust or the Sponsor allowing the Trust to use the Index as the benchmark index for the Trust (the “License Agreement”).

The Shares may also trade at a substantial premium over, or a substantial discount to, the NAV Per Share as a result of price volatility, trading volume and closings of the exchanges on which the Sponsor purchases Portfolio Crypto Assets on behalf of the Trust due to fraud, failure, security breaches or otherwise. As a result of the foregoing, the price of the Shares as quoted on OTCQX has varied

15


 

significantly from the value of the Trust’s Portfolio Crypto Assets Per Share since the Shares were approved for quotation on December 9, 2020.

The following charts show the percentage of Premium/(Discount) of the Shares as quoted on OTCQX and the Trust’s NAV and a comparison of the NAV of the Trust vs the market price as quoted on OTCQX.

img154072328_0.jpg 

img154072328_1.jpg 

From December 10, 2020 to September 30, 2023, the Shares of BITW traded at an average discount of 10.74%, based on closing prices at 4:00 pm ET, and estimated, unaudited, NAV Per Share. During that same period, the highest premium was 649.38% on December 16, 2020, and the lowest premium was 0.27% on August 4, 2021. During that same period, the highest discount was

16


 

67.80% on December 28, 2022, and the lowest discount was 0.09% on September 24, 2021. Given the lack of an ongoing redemption program and the holding period under Rule 144, there is no arbitrage mechanism to keep the Shares closely linked to the value of the Trust’s underlying holdings that may continue to have an adverse impact on investments in the Shares.

The following chart shows a comparison of the cumulative returns of the Index compared to the NAV of the Trust.

img154072328_2.jpg 

Results of Operations

Financial Information for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

The following table sets forth statements of operations data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

 

2023
(unaudited)

 

 

2022
(unaudited)

 

Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

68,436

 

 

$

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fees

 

$

2,927,022

 

 

$

2,560,173

 

 

$

8,951,566

 

 

$

11,255,579

 

Transaction and other fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,203

 

 

 

820

 

Total Expenses

 

 

2,927,022

 

 

 

2,560,173

 

 

 

8,953,769

 

 

 

11,256,399

 

Net Investment gain (loss)

 

 

(2,927,022

)

 

 

(2,560,173

)

 

 

(8,885,333

)

 

 

(11,256,399

)

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(4,074,541

)

 

 

(2,472,815

)

 

 

(6,234,107

)

 

 

(11,214,769

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from Crypto Assets

 

 

(63,235,155

)

 

 

36,687,023

 

 

 

159,787,148

 

 

 

(583,647,744

)

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

(67,309,696

)

 

 

34,214,208

 

 

 

153,553,041

 

 

 

(594,862,513

)

Net increase (decrease) in Net Assets resulting from operations

 

$

(70,236,718

)

 

$

31,654,035

 

 

$

144,667,708

 

 

$

(606,118,912

)

 

17


 

 

Comparison of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

The following provides a discussion of the material items that impacted the Trust’s financial condition during the applicable period:

Management fees

The Sponsor charges the Trust a Management Fee payable monthly, in arrears, in an amount equal to 2.5% per annum (1/12th of 2.5% per month) of the net asset value of the Trust’s assets at the end of each month. Management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $8,951,566 compared to management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $11,255,579. These changes were due to a decrease in the Trust’s net asset value due to a decrease in the value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust as a result of the fair market value of the Assets (see “Schedules of Investments” below).

Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets

Net realized loss from Crypto Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6,234,107 compared to net realized loss from Crypto Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $11,214,769. These changes were due to fluctuations in the value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, the Trust recorded net realized losses from sales of Bitcoin and Solana of approximately $2,826,800 and $1,859,900, respectively, among the gains and losses realized in smaller amounts from the sale of other Portfolio Crypto Assets. These sales were made as a result of rebalancing activity and sales of Portfolio Crypto Assets to raise money to pay the management fee.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2022, the Trust recorded net realized losses from sales of Algorand and Cosmos of approximately $4,116,600 and $3,501,500, respectively, among the gains and losses realized in smaller amounts from the sale of other Portfolio Crypto Assets. These sales were made as a result of rebalancing activity and sales of Portfolio Crypto Assets to raise money to pay the management fee.

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from Crypto Assets

Net change in unrealized appreciation from Crypto Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $159,787,148 compared to net change in unrealized depreciation from Crypto Assets for nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $583,647,744. The primary factor for the change was related to an increase in the fair value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust (see “Schedules of Investments” below).

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2023 the Trust recorded net unrealized appreciation from Crypto Assets of Bitcoin and Ethereum of approximately $126,270,500 and $32,795,900, respectively, among the unrealized gains and losses in smaller amounts of other Portfolio Crypto Assets.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2022 the Trust recorded net unrealized depreciation from Crypto Assets of Bitcoin and Ethereum of approximately $320,432,000 and $180,407,400, respectively, among the unrealized gains and losses in smaller amounts of other Portfolio Crypto Assets.

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, the Trust recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $144,667,708, compared to a net decrease in net assets resulting from operations of $606,118,912 for the period ended September 30, 2022. The primary factor that impacted 2023 net increase in net assets resulting from operations compared to 2022 net decrease in net assets resulting from operations was an increase in net realized gain and change in unrealized gain on investments with a net gain of $153,553,041 in 2023 compared to a net loss of $594,862,513 in 2022. The primary factor for the change was an increase in the value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust as a result of the fair market value of the Assets (see “Schedules of Investments” below).

Management Fee

The Sponsor charges the Trust a Management Fee payable monthly, in arrears, in an amount equal to 2.5% per annum (1/12th of 2.5% per month) of the net asset value of the Trust’s assets at the end of each month.

The Sponsor is responsible for paying for all ordinary administrative and overhead expenses of managing the Trust, including payment of rent, custody charges or flat rate fees for holding the Trust’s assets charged by the Custodian and customary fees and expenses of the Trustee, Administrator and Auditor (including costs incurred for appraisal or valuation expenses associated with the preparation of the Trust’s financial statements, tax returns and other similar reports and excluding indemnification and extraordinary costs). The Sponsor also pays for all expenses associated with the operation of the Trust, including for example, fees associated with quotation of the Shares on the OTCQX, registration with the SEC, and fees associated with retaining and maintaining the Transfer

18


 

Agent. “Trading commissions” or trading fees paid to trading venues (also known as exchanges) or intermediaries (such as trading technology or Crypto Asset brokerage firms) that assist in trade execution for accessing Crypto Asset liquidity are charged to the Trust and may either be included in the cost of the Crypto Assets acquired by or disposed of by the Trust or may appear as explicit costs in addition to the price of the Crypto Asset. Trading fees and commissions are charged to the Trust and may appear in the financial statements as “Transaction and other fees” in the Financial Statements’ Statement of Operations in the Expenses category or may be included in the cost of the Crypto Assets acquired by the Trust.

There is no ceiling to the Trust’s expenses that the Sponsor will pay. However, the Sponsor retains the right to cause the Trust to pay indemnification and extraordinary expenses, and these Trust expenses are not covered by the Management Fee. The Trust may incur certain extraordinary expenses including, but not limited to, any non-customary costs and expenses including extraordinary costs of the Administrator and Auditor, costs of any litigation or investigation involving Trust activities, and workout and restructuring and indemnification expenses.

Shareholder Subscriptions

 

As of November 18, 2021, the Sponsor to the Trust has closed the acceptance of all subscriptions to the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund, pursuant to its rights under Sections 5 and 6 of the Trust Agreement. At this time, the Sponsor has no plans to reopen subscriptions to the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund. There were no shareholder subscriptions during the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The Trust generally holds only a very small cash balance, and is otherwise fully invested in order to maintain its investment objective of tracking the Index. When selling Portfolio Crypto Assets to pay the Management Fee, the Sponsor endeavors to sell an exact amount of Portfolio Crypto Assets needed in order to pay such expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than Portfolio Crypto Assets. As a consequence, the Sponsor expects the Trust will typically have a very small cash balance at each reporting period. Cash may also be held in the Trust after a subscription from Shareholder is funded (or sent to the Trust’s bank account) but not yet invested in Portfolio Crypto Assets, or after a redemption from a redeeming Shareholder has been processed (e.g., by raising cash through the sale of Portfolio Crypto Assets) but not yet paid to the redeeming Shareholder.

As described above, in exchange for the Management Fee, the Sponsor is responsible for payment of almost all of the expenses incurred by the Trust. As a result, the only material ordinary expense of the Trust during the periods covered by this Registration Statement was the Management Fee. The Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, conditions or events that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity needs.

Value of Portfolio Crypto Assets

As described in the Risk Factors set out in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023, the prices of the various Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust are subject to extreme volatility. This volatility had a significant impact on the value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2022.

As shown below in the “Schedules of Investments,” the increase in total investments in Crypto Assets from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 was due primarily to an increase in the value of the Portfolio Crypto Assets and to a lesser extent, by the sale of various Portfolio Crypto Assets to pay the Management Fee.

Shareholder Subscriptions and Redemptions

During the period from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, there were no subscriptions or redemptions of Shares. There were 20,241,947 Shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023.

Schedules of Investments

The following provides details on the Portfolio Crypto Assets that comprise the Trust’s assets.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022

 

19


 

 

Bitcoin (BTC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

11,819.9707

 

 

$

195,753,017

 

Purchases

 

 

17.7841

 

 

 

515,300

 

Sales

 

 

(670.8029

)

 

 

(19,070,123

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(2,826,772

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

126,270,506

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

11,166.9519

 

 

$

300,641,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethereum (ETH)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

74,021.6567

 

 

$

88,589,859

 

Purchases

 

 

557.8226

 

 

 

1,028,557

 

Sales

 

 

(5,873.8398

)

 

 

(10,711,449

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

2,698,234

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

32,795,872

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

68,705.6395

 

 

$

114,401,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ripple (XRP)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

Purchases

 

 

30,354,415.8014

 

 

 

21,766,500

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(5,599,738

)

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

30,354,415.8014

 

 

$

16,166,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardano (ADA)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

21,522,897.0117

 

 

$

5,283,871

 

Purchases

 

 

197,109.8403

 

 

 

80,002

 

Sales

 

 

(1,742,514.4747

)

 

 

(567,015

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,768,128

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

1,939,672

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

19,977,492.3773

 

 

$

4,968,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solana (SOL)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

225,537.2136

 

 

$

2,223,797

 

Purchases

 

 

24,329.4282

 

 

 

521,017

 

Sales

 

 

(13,699.4662

)

 

 

(315,124

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,859,930

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

4,210,264

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

236,167.1756

 

 

$

4,780,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polkadot (DOT)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

728,522.0272

 

 

$

3,151,586

 

Purchases

 

 

48,979.7370

 

 

 

280,752

 

Sales

 

 

(52,812.4353

)

 

 

(299,302

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(745,911

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

566,709

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

724,689.3289

 

 

$

2,953,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20


 

 

Polygon (MATIC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

5,364,647.6643

 

 

$

4,063,721

 

Purchases

 

 

261,220.9012

 

 

 

280,000

 

Sales

 

 

(293,999.9917

)

 

 

(211,124

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(342,067

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(997,164

)

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

5,331,868.5738

 

 

$

2,793,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litecoin (LTC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

44,176.0683

 

 

$

3,012,808

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

(2,164.4924

)

 

 

(189,773

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

70,542

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(115,351

)

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

42,011.5759

 

 

$

2,778,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniswap (UNI)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

462,947.3743

 

 

$

2,343,903

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

(30,044.0985

)

 

 

(181,419

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(9,941

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(279,803

)

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

432,903.2758

 

 

$

1,872,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avalanche (AVAX)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

191,304.3666

 

 

$

2,083,305

 

Purchases

 

 

15,318.4719

 

 

 

236,603

 

Sales

 

 

(7,679.7500

)

 

 

(99,702

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(752,684

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

340,871

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

198,943.0885

 

 

$

1,808,393

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chainlink (LINK)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

301,859.6002

 

 

$

1,646,342

 

Purchases

 

 

312,129.0000

 

 

 

2,402,769

 

Sales

 

 

(613,988.6002

)

 

 

(4,428,235

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(276,184

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

655,308

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flare (FLR)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

Purchases

 

 

1,953,075.1500

 

 

 

68,435

 

Sales

 

 

(1,953,075.1500

)

 

 

(66,644

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,791

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cosmos (ATOM)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

Purchases

 

 

178,366.2493

 

 

 

2,395,000

 

Sales

 

 

(178,366.2493

)

 

 

(1,975,407

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(419,593

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2023, Bitcoin represented 66.34% of the total Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust, and Ethereum represented 25.25%, while the remaining 8.41% of the Portfolio Crypto Assets were comprised of Ripple, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, Polygon, Litecoin, Uniswap, and Avalanche.

 

22


 

 

Bitcoin (BTC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

12,475.6558

 

 

$

572,231,636

 

Purchases

 

 

34.6029

 

 

 

990,512

 

Sales

 

 

(690.2880

)

 

 

(19,705,319

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(4,078,605

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(353,685,207

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

11,819.9707

 

 

$

195,753,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethereum (ETH)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

78,234.5412

 

 

$

285,145,344

 

Purchases

 

 

189.5821

 

 

 

592,000

 

Sales

 

 

(4,402.4666

)

 

 

(10,335,265

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

4,066,734

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(190,878,954

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

74,021.6567

 

 

$

88,589,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardano (ADA)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

22,428,062.5169

 

 

$

28,941,172

 

Purchases

 

 

1,696,988.1502

 

 

 

891,000

 

Sales

 

 

(2,602,153.6554

)

 

 

(2,161,992

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,796,053

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(20,590,256

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

21,522,897.0117

 

 

$

5,283,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polygon (MATIC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

4,647,380.3452

 

 

$

11,418,613

 

Purchases

 

 

1,248,948.7864

 

 

 

928,000

 

Sales

 

 

(531,681.4673

)

 

 

(731,987

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(269,155

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(7,281,750

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

5,364,647.6643

 

 

$

4,063,721

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polkadot (DOT)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

Purchases

 

 

729,988.6299

 

 

 

13,681,210

 

Sales

 

 

(1,466.6027

)

 

 

(3,000

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(28,741

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(10,497,883

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

728,522.0272

 

 

$

3,151,586

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litecoin (LTC)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

46,487.4378

 

 

$

6,697,910

 

Purchases

 

 

44,535.1923

 

 

 

2,454,000

 

Sales

 

 

(46,846.5618

)

 

 

(2,627,251

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,456,030

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(2,055,821

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

44,176.0683

 

 

$

3,012,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniswap (UNI)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

30,776.6772

 

 

$

517,971

 

Purchases

 

 

762,328.4151

 

 

 

4,457,500

 

Sales

 

 

(330,157.7180

)

 

 

(2,295,460

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

65,795

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(401,903

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

462,947.3743

 

 

$

2,343,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solana (SOL)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

204,175.6196

 

 

$

34,352,548

 

Purchases

 

 

22,977.2473

 

 

 

1,487,000

 

Sales

 

 

(1,615.6533

)

 

 

(158,889

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(178,007.0000

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(33,278,855

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

225,537.2136

 

 

$

2,223,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avalanche (AVAX)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

4,851.3970

 

 

$

519,342

 

Purchases

 

 

187,642.4472

 

 

 

18,469,834

 

Sales

 

 

(1,189.4776

)

 

 

(59,137

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(72,974

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(16,773,760

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

191,304.3666

 

 

$

2,083,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chainlink (LINK)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

314,935.5479

 

 

$

6,005,821

 

Purchases

 

 

318,812.7686

 

 

 

2,432,000

 

Sales

 

 

(331,888.7163

)

 

 

(2,759,845

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(1,795,264

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(2,236,370

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

301,859.6002

 

 

$

1,646,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cosmos (ATOM)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

Purchases

 

 

380,045.6466

 

 

 

7,888,000

 

Sales

 

 

(380,045.6466

)

 

 

(4,071,292

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(3,816,708

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

12,742.5405

 

 

$

5,359,895

 

Purchases

 

 

11,811.2543

 

 

 

2,358,003

 

Sales

 

 

(24,553.7948

)

 

 

(4,806,221

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(2,546,813

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(364,864

)

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Algorand (ALGO)

 

 

Units

 

 

Fair Value

 

Balance at January 1, 2022

 

 

4,208,152.1524

 

 

$

6,924,935

 

Purchases

 

 

12,540.2936

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

(4,220,692.4460

)

 

 

(3,908,361

)

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

(4,116,639

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment

 

 

 

 

 

1,100,065

 

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, Bitcoin represented 63.52% of the total Portfolio Crypto Assets held by the Trust, and Ethereum represented 28.75%, while the remaining 7.73% of the Portfolio Crypto Assets were comprised of Cardano, Polygon, Polkadot, Litecoin, Uniswap, Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Trust is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Trust is an investment company and follows the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies.

 

Transactions of Crypto Assets have been accounted for analogizing to existing accounting standards that management believes are appropriate to the circumstances.

 

Pursuant to the Statement of Cash Flows Topic of the Codification, the Trust qualifies for an exemption from the requirement to provide a statement of cash flows and has elected not to provide a statement of cash flows.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash

 

Cash represents cash deposits held at financial institutions and Crypto Asset exchanges. Cash in a bank deposit account, at times, may exceed U.S. federally insured limits. The Trust has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on such bank deposits.

 

Investments and Valuation

 

Calculation of Valuation

 

The process that the Sponsor developed for identifying a principal market (the "Principal Market"), as described in FASB ASC 820-10, which outlines the application of fair value accounting, was to begin by identifying publicly available, well established and reputable Crypto Asset exchanges selected by the Sponsor and its affiliates in their sole discretion, including BitFlyer, Binance, Bitstamp, Bittrex, Coinbase, itBit, Kraken, Gemini, and LMAX, and then calculating, on each valuation period, the highest volume exchange during the 60 minutes prior to 4:00 pm ET for each asset. The 4:00 pm ET closing price from this Principal Market would be used for valuation of the Trust's crypto assets (the "Principal Market Price"). In evaluating the markets that could be considered principal markets, the Trust considered whether or not the specific markets were accessible to the Trust, either directly or through an intermediary, at the end of each period.

25


 

 

The following provides an overview of the Principal Market and the Principal Market Prices for Portfolio Crypto Assets that comprised the majority of the Trust’s assets for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023.

 

Crypto Asset

 

Principal Market Price

 

 

Principal
Market

Bitcoin (BTC)

 

$

26,922.47

 

 

Coinbase

Ethereum (ETH)

 

$

1,665.09

 

 

Coinbase

Ripple (XRP)

 

$

0.53

 

 

Coinbase

Cardano (ADA)

 

$

0.25

 

 

Coinbase

Solana (SOL)

 

$

20.24

 

 

Coinbase

Polkadot (DOT)

 

$

4.08

 

 

Coinbase

Polygon (MATIC)

 

$

0.52

 

 

Coinbase

Litecoin (LTC)

 

$

66.13

 

 

Coinbase

Uniswap (UNI)

 

$

4.33

 

 

Coinbase

Avalanche (AVAX)

 

$

9.09

 

 

Coinbase

Valuation during the periods presented

 

During the periods presented, the trust carried its investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value investments are not adjusted for transaction costs. The Trust utilized this method for purposes of calculating the Trust’s NAV.

 

In determining fair value, the Trust uses a single, principal market valuation approach. A fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs are to be used when available. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:

 

Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

 

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include (a) quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, or (d) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

 

The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and are affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of investment, whether the investment is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following summarizes the Trust’s assets accounted for at fair value at September 30, 2023.

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

453,164,748

 

 

The following summarizes the Trust’s assets accounted for at fair value at December 31, 2022.

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Crypto Assets, at fair value

 

$

308,152,209

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

308,152,209

 

26


 

During the period, all of the Trust’s assets were considered “Level 1” valuations, because the valuations were based on quoted prices in markets that are active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include (a) quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, or (d) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

The Trust generally records receipt of a new Crypto Asset created due to a Hard Fork at the time the Hard Fork is effective. The Trust’s methodology for determining effectiveness of the fork is when two or more recognized exchanges quote prices for the forked coin. Some exchanges and custodians do not honor Hard Forks or may honor Hard Forks in the future. In such cases, the Trust will record receipt of the new Crypto Asset at the time two or more recognized exchanges begin quoting prices for the asset. Although the Trust records the asset into its books and records at the time the fork is effective, as described above, the Trust’s custodian may take an extended period of time to make the forked asset available for transfer, and it may never make the forked asset available for transfer, which could lead to either the Trust holding the asset longer than it would otherwise hold the asset (if it was freely transferrable), or a complete write-down in the value of the forked asset. The Trust does not allocate any of the original Crypto Asset’s cost to the new Crypto Asset and recognizes unrealized gains equal to the fair value of the new Crypto Asset received. During the period ended September 30, 2023, there were no hard forks recognized or not recognized.

 

There were no Hard Forks during the period that were not initially recognized but were subsequently recognized.

 

Crypto Asset transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from Crypto Asset transactions are determined using the identified cost method. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss is reported in the statement of operations. Commissions and other trading fees are reflected as an adjustment to cost or proceeds at the time of the transaction.

 

The Trust intermittently receives Airdrops of new Crypto Assets. The use of Airdrops is generally to promote the launch and use of new Crypto Assets by providing a small amount of such new Crypto Assets to the private wallets or exchange accounts that support the new Crypto Asset and that hold existing related Crypto Assets. Unlike Hard Forks, Airdropped Crypto Assets can have substantially different Blockchain technology that has no relation to any existing Crypto Asset, and many Airdrops may be without value. The Trust records receipt of Airdropped Crypto Assets when received if there is value to the Trust in doing so. Crypto Assets received from Airdrops have no cost basis and the Trust recognizes unrealized gains equal to the fair value of the new Crypto Asset received.

 

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2023, the Trust was eligible for a Flare (FLR) airdrop. The airdrop was based on the Trust’s XRP holding in its custody vault as of December 12, 2020. The Trust elected to participate in the airdrop and on April 17th, 2023, Other income resulting from the airdrop was booked into the Fund’s assets. At the time of the airdrop, the result was a positive NAV increase of 0.013% bps, less than $0.00 NAV increase and $68,436 net asset increase to the Trust. On April 18th, 2023, the Trust sold the FLR and raised USD resulting in a minor loss to the Trust. The USD was used to purchase other assets in the Trust’s portfolio, since FLR was not part of the Index of the Trust. The impact of this airdrop can be seen within the Statement of Operations under Other income and Net realized gain (loss) from Crypto Assets.

There were no Airdrops recognized or not recognized during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Trust is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Trust does not record a provision for U.S. federal, U.S. state or local income taxes because the Shareholders report their share of the Trust’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The Trust files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions.

The Trust is required to determine whether its tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained on examination by the applicable taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more likely than not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Trust has determined that no provision for income taxes is required and no liability for unrecognized tax benefits has been recorded. The Trust does not expect that its assessment related to unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next 12 months. However, the Trust’s conclusions may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions; compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state, and tax laws of jurisdictions in which the Trust operates in; and changes in the administrative practices and precedents of the relevant authorities. The Trust is required to analyze all open tax years. Open tax years are those years that are open for examination by the relevant income taxing authority. As of September 30, 2023, the 2022, 2021, and 2020 tax years remain open for examination. There were no examinations in progress at period end.

 

27


 

 

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

 

Crypto Assets

 

Crypto Assets are loosely regulated and there is no central marketplace for currency exchange. Supply is determined by a computer code, not by a central bank, and prices have been extremely volatile. Crypto Asset exchanges have been closed due to fraud, failure or security breaches. Any of the Trust’s assets that reside on an exchange that shuts down may be lost. At September 30, 2023, Crypto Assets of approximately $3,110,700 and cash of approximately $604,350 reside on exchanges. At December 31, 2022 Crypto Assets of approximately $292,400 and cash of $644,700 resided on exchanges.

 

Several factors may affect the price of Crypto Assets, including, but not limited to: supply and demand, investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates or future regulatory measures (if any) that restrict the trading of Crypto Assets or the use of Crypto Assets as a form of payment. There is no assurance that Crypto Assets will maintain their long-term value in terms of purchasing power in the future, or that acceptance of Crypto Asset payments by mainstream retail merchants and commercial businesses will continue to grow.

 

Crypto Asset Regulation

 

As Crypto Assets have grown in popularity and market size, various countries and jurisdictions have begun to develop regulations governing the Crypto Assets industry. To the extent that future regulatory actions or policies limit the ability to exchange Crypto Assets or utilize them for payments, the demand for Crypto Assets will be reduced. Furthermore, regulatory actions may limit the ability of end-users to convert Crypto Assets into fiat currency (e.g., U.S. dollars) or use Crypto Assets to pay for goods and services. Such regulatory actions or policies would result in a reduction of demand, and in turn, a decline in the underlying Crypto Asset unit prices. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Trust or Crypto Assets in general is impossible to predict, but such change could be substantial and adverse to the Trust and the value of the Trust’s investments in Crypto Assets.

 

Custody of Crypto Assets

 

The Custodian serves as the Trust’s Custodian for Crypto Assets for which qualified custody is available. The Custodian is subject to change in the sole discretion of the Sponsor. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Crypto Assets of approximately $450,054,000 and $307,859,800 are held by the Custodian, respectively.

 

Crypto Asset Trading is Volatile and Speculative

 

Crypto Assets represent a speculative investment and involve a high degree of risk. Prices of Crypto Assets have fluctuated widely for a variety of reasons including uncertainties in government regulation and may continue to experience significant price fluctuations. If Crypto Asset markets continue to be subject to sharp fluctuations, Shareholders may experience losses as the value of the Trust’s investments decline. Even if Shareholders are able to hold their Shares in the Trust for the long-term, their Shares may never generate a profit, since Crypto Asset markets have historically experienced extended periods of flat or declining prices, in addition to sharp fluctuations.

 

Over-the-Counter Transactions

 

Some of the markets in which the Trust may execute its transactions are “over-the-counter” or “interdealer” markets. The participants in such markets are typically not subject to credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are members of “exchange-based” markets. This exposes the Trust to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Trust to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for Crypto Assets where the Trust has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. The Trust is not restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty or from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. Moreover, the Trust has no internal credit function that evaluates the creditworthiness of its counterparties. The ability of the Trust to transact business with any one or number of counterparties, the lack of any meaningful and independent evaluation of such counterparty’s financial capabilities and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Trust.

 

No FDIC or SIPC Protection

 

The Trust is not a banking institution or otherwise a member of the FDIC or the SIPC. Accordingly, deposits or assets held by the Trust are not subject to the protections enjoyed by depositors with FDIC or SIPC member institutions. The Trust’s Crypto Asset Custodian does however carry bespoke insurance policies related to the Crypto Assets over which it provides custody.

28


 

The Trust must adapt to technological change in order to secure and safeguard client accounts. While management believes they have developed an appropriate proprietary security system reasonably designed to safeguard the Trust’s Crypto Assets from theft, loss, destruction or other issues relating to hackers and technological attack, such assessment is based upon known technology and threats. To the extent that the Trust is unable to identify and mitigate or stop new security threats, the Trust’s Crypto Assets may be subject to theft, loss, destruction or other attack, which could have a negative impact on the performance of the Trust or result in loss of the Trust’s Crypto Assets.

 

Risks Associated with a Crypto Assets Majority Control

 

Since Crypto Assets are virtual and transactions in such currencies reside on distributed networks, governance of the underlying distributed network could be adversely altered should any individual or group obtain 51% control of the distributed network. Such control could have a significant adverse effect on either the ownership or value of the Crypto Asset.

 

Transaction Authentication

 

As of the date of these financial statements, the transfer of Crypto Assets from one party to another typically relies on an authentication process by an outside party known as a Miner or Validator. In exchange for compensation, the Miner or Validator will authenticate the transfer of the currency through the solving of a complex algorithm known as a proof of work, or will vouch for the transfer through other means, such as a proof of stake. Effective transfers of and therefore realization of Crypto Assets and tokens are dependent on interactions from these Miners or Validators. In the event that there were a shortage of Miners or Validators to perform this function, that shortage could have an adverse effect on either the fair value or realization of the Crypto Assets.

Other Risks

Management continues to evaluate the impact of current or anticipated military conflict, including between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, sanctions, and other geopolitical events; as well as adverse developments in the economy, the capital markets and the Blockchain markets, including rising energy costs, inflation and interest rates globally, and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and global health epidemics. Management has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that these events could have a negative effect on the financial performance and operations of the Trust, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

29


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The Trust Agreement does not authorize the Trustee to borrow for payment of the Trust’s ordinary expenses. The Trust does not engage in transactions in foreign currencies which could expose the Trust or holders of Shares to any foreign currency related market risk. The Trust does not invest in derivative financial instruments and has no foreign operations or long-term debt instruments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Trust maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, and to the Board of Directors of the Sponsor, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, the Sponsor conducted an evaluation of the Trusts disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls.

30


 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION:

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors last reported under Item 1A of the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)

The Trust offers the Shares pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act. The Shares offered by the Trust have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state or other securities laws, and were offered and sold only to “accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable state or other securities laws.

The table below describes the Shares offered, the Shares sold and the average and range of prices at which the Shares were offered and sold by the Trust. All Shares initially offered and sold by the Trust are restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Until the Shares sold by the Trust become unrestricted in accordance with Rule 144, the certificates or other documents evidencing the Shares will contain legends stating that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act and referring to the restrictions on transferability and sale of the Shares under the Securities Act. Such legends are removed upon Shares becoming unrestricted in accordance with Rule 144.

To date, no Shares, other securities of the Trust, or options to acquire such other securities were issued in exchange for services provided by any person or entity.

As of November 18, 2021, the Sponsor to the Trust has closed the acceptance of all subscriptions to the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund, pursuant to its rights under Sections 5 and 6 of the Trust Agreement.

 

Period

Shares
Offered

Shares Sold

 

Number of
Purchasers

 

Avg.
Price
Per
Share

 

High
Price
Per
Share

 

Date

 

Low
Price
Per
Share

 

Date

 

 January 1, 2021 to
   March 31, 2021

Unlimited

 

4,647,510

 

 

536

 

$

34.65

 

$

51.02

 

3/30/21

 

$

28.82

 

1/21/21

 

April 1, 2021 to
   June 30, 2021

Unlimited

 

335,785

 

 

192

 

$

49.03

 

$

60.39

 

5/11/21

 

$

31.44

 

6/22/21

 

 July 1, 2021 to
   September 30, 2021

Unlimited

 

40,296

 

 

39

 

$

41.15

 

$

53.19

 

9/2/21

 

$

28.62

 

7/20/21

 

October 1, 2021 to
   December 31, 2021

Unlimited

 

86,116

 

 

15

 

$

62.13

 

$

68.87

 

11/9/21

 

$

52.36

 

10/5/21

 

 January 1, 2022 to
   March 31, 2022

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 April 1, 2022 to
   June 30, 2022

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 July 1, 2022 to
   September 30, 2022

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 October 1, 2022 to
   December 31, 2022

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 January 1, 2023 to
   March 31, 2023

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 April 1, 2023 to
   June 30, 2023

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 July 1, 2023 to
   September 30, 2023

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31


 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Description

  31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

  31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

  32.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, with respect to the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

  32.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, with respect to the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in exhibit 101)

* These exhibits are furnished with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and are not deemed filed with the SEC and are not incorporated by reference in any filing of Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filings.

32


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Bitwise Investment Advisers, LLC

as Sponsor of Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW)

By:

/s/ Hunter Horsley

Name:

Hunter Horsley

Title:

President (Principal Executive Officer)*

By:

/s/ Paul Fusaro

Name:

Paul Fusaro

Title:

Title: Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)*

 

Date: November 3, 2023

* The Registrant is a trust and the persons are signing in their capacities as officers or directors of Bitwise Investment Advisers, LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

33