Coinbase is set to introduce the Coinbase Bitcoin Yield Fund (CBYF) on May 1, targeting institutional investors outside the United States. The fund aims to provide annual net returns between 4% and 8% on Bitcoin (BTC) holdings.
Utilizing a cash-and-carry strategy, the fund seeks to generate yield by capitalizing on the price differences between spot Bitcoin and its derivatives. This approach offers a passive income opportunity for Bitcoin holders, addressing the asset’s limitation of not supporting staking mechanisms like those available for Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL).
Aspen Digital, a digital asset manager based in Abu Dhabi and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, is among the initial backers of the fund. Coinbase emphasizes that CBYF is designed to mitigate the investment and operational risks typically associated with Bitcoin yield products, aligning with the risk appetites of institutional investors.
The launch coincides with a notable uptick in Bitcoin’s market performance, which saw a 9% increase in the week leading up to April 28. This surge is attributed to significant exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, marking the second-highest weekly inflow at over $3 billion. Analysts suggest that if Bitcoin surpasses the $100,000 threshold, retail investor interest may experience a substantial boost.
Coinbase’s introduction of CBYF reflects the growing institutional demand for structured Bitcoin investment products that offer yield, potentially setting a precedent for similar offerings in the digital asset space.
