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Global investment firm Franklin Templeton has filed an S-1 registration form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a crypto index ETF that tracks the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

According to an Aug. 16 filing, the fund, called the “Franklin Crypto Index ETF,” aims to provide investors with diversified access to the world of digital assets while benefiting from Franklin’s renowned institutional backing.

The ETF will focus exclusively on the two largest digital assets, as stated in the filing. However, if other digital assets are added to the index in the future, Franklin will adjust the fund structure accordingly, subject to regulatory approval.

Coinbase Custody Trust Company has been appointed as custodian of the fund’s digital assets. Bank of New York Mellon will manage the fund’s cash positions and act as manager and transfer agent for the fund.

If approved, the fund will be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange and trade under the ticker symbol “EZPZ.” The document noted that Cboe is currently awaiting regulatory approval to allow in-kind creation and redemption of shares using digital assets.

Franklin Templeton isn’t the only company seeking approval to offer a crypto index ETF for Bitcoin and Ethereum. In June, Hashdex filed to create the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, which aims to become the first dual Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF in the US.

Earlier this month, the SEC announced it would extend the decision deadline for Hashdex’s proposed ETF until September 30.

Growing institutional appetite

Franklin Templeton’s latest move comes as institutional interest in digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, is growing.

While Bitcoin’s price has struggled of late, the growing adoption of crypto ETFs reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions recognizing the value of digital assets as part of a diversified portfolio.

Franklin Templeton has been actively involved in the crypto space. The firm debuted its spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. on January 10, alongside other major asset managers.

Following the approval of the Ethereum ETF in May, Franklin Templeton announced plans to launch a new crypto fund that invests in tokens other than Bitcoin and Ether and focuses on a broader range of digital assets.

This story is still in development and will be updated.

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