On June 18, 2024, a historic moment unfolded at Börse Frankfurt as Valour Inc., a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, celebrated the official launch of the Valour Hedera (HBAR) Exchange Traded Product (ETP) — the world’s first regulated ETP for Hedera’s native cryptocurrency, HBAR. The milestone was marked by a prestigious Closing Bell Ceremony attended by key figures from Valour and The Hashgraph Association (THA), drawing attention from institutional investors and blockchain industry leaders across Europe.
This debut not only signifies a major leap in bridging traditional finance with decentralized technologies but also represents a world-first bell-ringing event for a crypto-based certificate product at one of Europe’s most influential financial exchanges.
A New Era for Digital Asset Accessibility
The Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP, listed under ISIN: CH1213604528, is designed to provide both retail and institutional investors with secure, compliant, and simplified access to HBAR — the utility token powering the Hedera network. Unlike traditional cryptocurrency investments that require digital wallets and complex onboarding, this ETP enables investors to gain exposure through standard brokerage accounts, just like stocks or bonds.
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Elaine Buehler, Head of Product at Valour Europe AG, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch:
"As we launch the world's first Hedera (HBAR) ETP, we're not just offering an investment product; we're providing a gateway for investors to easily access and leverage the robust capabilities of the Hedera network. This product simplifies the process, enabling investors to participate in the future of enterprise blockchain technology with unprecedented ease and security."
Why Hedera Stands Out in the Blockchain Landscape
Hedera is rapidly emerging as one of the most innovative and sustainable public networks in the Web3 ecosystem. Unlike energy-intensive proof-of-work blockchains, Hedera operates on an energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious investors.
Key advantages of the Hedera network include:
- High throughput and fast finality: Capable of processing thousands of transactions per second with sub-second confirmation times.
- Low and predictable fees: Ideal for enterprise applications requiring cost-effective scalability.
- Fair transaction ordering: Enabled by consensus timestamps, ensuring transparency and resistance to manipulation.
- Governance by global leaders: The Hedera Governing Council includes industry giants such as Google, IBM, Boeing, Deutsche Telekom, LG Electronics, and Standard Bank — ensuring decentralization without centralization risks.
HBAR, the native cryptocurrency of the network, plays a dual role: securing the network through staking and paying for transaction fees. With a market capitalization exceeding $3.7 billion, HBAR ranks among the top 30 cryptocurrencies globally, according to CoinMarketCap.
Stefan Deiss, Co-Founder & Board Director of The Hashgraph Association, highlighted the broader vision behind the collaboration:
"The Hashgraph Association is pleased to engage with Valour to launch this first-ever Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP out of Europe. This achievement aligns with our mission to bring institutional investors into Web3 and enable them to invest in bankable, regulatory-compliant digital assets. For the ESG-focused investor, HBAR stands out as one of the most energy-efficient utility tokens available today."
Expanding Institutional Access to Web3
Marco A. Infuso, Chief Sales Officer at Valour Europe AG, described the launch as a “double world premiere”:
"For the first time, the crypto asset Hedera can be integrated into any traditional portfolio or bank account as easily and transparently as any other share or bond. Additionally, for the first time ever, the bell for a crypto ETP will be rung in the certificates area of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. We are very grateful to The Hashgraph Association for selecting us for such a world premiere."
This innovation opens new doors for wealth managers, pension funds, and retail investors who previously faced regulatory, technical, or operational barriers to entering the digital asset space.
Valour’s growing suite of ETPs now includes exposure to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Uniswap — many of which are already listed across European exchanges and available through major banks and brokers. The addition of HBAR reinforces Valour’s position as a pioneer in regulated digital asset investment products.
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Commitment to Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance
One of the standout features of the Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP is its alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. As global investors increasingly prioritize sustainability, HBAR’s minimal carbon footprint positions it as a compelling option for responsible investing.
The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss-based non-profit organization, supports this mission by funding innovation, research, and development initiatives that promote economic inclusion and a sustainable digital future. Their partnership with Valour underscores a shared commitment to advancing Web3 adoption while maintaining strict adherence to financial regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an Exchange Traded Product (ETP)?
A: An ETP is a type of investment vehicle traded on traditional stock exchanges, similar to ETFs. It provides investors with exposure to underlying assets — in this case, HBAR — without requiring direct ownership of the cryptocurrency.
Q: How does the Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP work?
A: Investors can buy shares of the ETP through their existing brokerage accounts. Each share represents a fractional ownership of physically backed HBAR held in secure custody, offering transparency and regulatory oversight.
Q: Is HBAR environmentally friendly?
A: Yes. Hedera uses a highly efficient Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism and consumes negligible energy compared to proof-of-work networks like Bitcoin. It is widely recognized as one of the most sustainable public ledgers in existence.
Q: Where can I trade the Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP?
A: The ETP is listed on Börse Frankfurt and accessible via major European banks and broker platforms that support exchange-traded products.
Q: Who governs the Hedera network?
A: Hedera is governed by a decentralized council of leading global organizations, including Google, IBM, Boeing, and several top universities. This structure ensures long-term stability and resistance to centralized control.
Q: Why is this considered a “world-first” launch?
A: It is the first regulated ETP offering direct exposure to HBAR and marks the first time a crypto-related certificate product has been celebrated with a bell-ringing ceremony at Börse Frankfurt’s certificates trading floor.
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Final Thoughts
The launch of the Valour Hedera (HBAR) ETP represents more than just a financial innovation — it symbolizes the maturation of digital assets within mainstream capital markets. By combining cutting-edge blockchain technology with strict regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility, Valour and The Hashgraph Association are setting a new benchmark for institutional-grade crypto investment products.
As Web3 continues to evolve, products like this pave the way for broader adoption, enabling investors worldwide to participate in the decentralized future — securely, transparently, and sustainably.
Core Keywords: Hedera HBAR, Exchange Traded Product (ETP), Valour Inc., Börse Frankfurt, Proof-of-Stake blockchain, regulated crypto investment, sustainable cryptocurrency