21Shares Backs Dogecoin With ETF Filing and New Physically-Backed Product

Swiss asset manager 21Shares is giving Dogecoin (DOGE) the institutional nod of approval, reinforcing its long-term potential by backing it with a U.S. ETF filing and launching a physically-backed exchange-traded product (ETP). Once seen as a joke, the meme coin now stands among the most talked-about cryptocurrencies in the global investment arena.

Dogecoin: From Meme to Movement

What started as an online joke in 2013 has grown into a cultural and financial phenomenon. In its recent statement, 21Shares emphasized that Dogecoin has evolved into a legitimate financial asset, noting its 130,000% price increase over the last decade and an average annual growth rate of 125%.

Dogecoin has outpaced all other top 25 cryptocurrencies in long-term performance, firmly establishing itself in the digital asset class. The number of Dogecoin wallet addresses has also nearly doubled in the past four years, climbing from 44 million to 84 million, showing impressive user adoption despite the coin’s lighthearted origins.

Dogecoin ETF Filing Could Change the Game

In a bold move, 21Shares has submitted an S-1 form to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a Dogecoin ETF, which, if approved, would allow retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to DOGE without directly owning the crypto itself.

Structured as a commodity-based fund, the ETF would offer an easy, regulated gateway for traditional investors to incorporate Dogecoin into their portfolios using standard brokerage accounts.

Partnership with Dogecoin Foundation: A Strategic Milestone

Further strengthening its position, 21Shares has partnered with the House of Doge, the official commercial wing of the Dogecoin Foundation. This strategic alliance brings new credibility to DOGE and could open the door for broader institutional adoption.

By aligning with a reputable foundation, 21Shares is reinforcing Dogecoin’s growing reputation as more than just a viral internet trend. Traditional financial institutions are beginning to see Dogecoin not only as a speculative asset but as a viable part of the crypto ecosystem.

Launch of Physically-Backed Dogecoin ETP

To cement its support, 21Shares has launched a new Dogecoin ETP that is physically backed 1:1 with DOGE in cold storage. This means each share of the product represents ownership of actual Dogecoin—not a synthetic derivative. This model ensures transparency and gives investors peace of mind that their holdings are backed by real digital assets.

The product comes with a competitive management fee of just 0.25%, appealing to investors looking for low-cost exposure to one of crypto’s most resilient coins.

The Meme Coin Era Is Maturing

With institutional players like 21Shares getting involved and regulatory progress in motion, Dogecoin appears to be transitioning from meme to mainstream. The ETF filing, physically-backed ETP, and partnership with the Dogecoin Foundation may mark a turning point not just for DOGE—but for the broader perception of meme coins in the financial world.

Whether you’re a longtime believer in Dogecoin or a traditional investor just now taking interest, it’s becoming clear: the joke isn’t so funny anymore—it’s just real.