Bitwise Expands Staking Portfolio With Chorus One Acquisition
The deal gives the asset manager access to infrastructure that supports staking on more than 30 proof‑of‑stake networks, bolstering its Bitwise Onchain Solutions (BOS) platform.
New York, Feb 24 2026 – Bitwise Investments, the crypto‑focused asset manager that oversees roughly $15 billion in assets, announced that it has purchased Chorus One, a leading provider of institutional staking services. The acquisition is positioned as the latest move by Bitwise to deepen its on‑chain offering through the Bitwise Onchain Solutions (BOS) division.
Chorus One brings a cross‑chain staking architecture that currently operates on over 30 proof‑of‑stake (PoS) blockchains, ranging from well‑established networks such as Ethereum and Cosmos to emerging Layer‑1 protocols. By integrating this infrastructure, Bitwise will be able to extend staking options to the thousands of clients who already hold spot crypto assets in its index‑fund products.
“For our thousands of clients who hold spot crypto assets, staking is one of the most compelling growth opportunities. I’m thrilled about this acquisition and grateful to the Chorus One team for the trust placed in us. Chorus One is best‑in‑class across technology and research, with an eight‑year track record of doing things the right way,” said Hunter Horsely, CEO of Bitwise.
Why the acquisition matters
- Broadening on‑chain capabilities – BOS, formerly focused on index fund administration and data services, now gains a turnkey staking layer that can be bundled with existing products or offered as a stand‑alone service.
- Institutional‑grade security – Chorus One’s staking nodes are operated under rigorous operational‑risk frameworks, aligning with the compliance standards required by regulated investors.
- Speed to market – Instead of building staking infrastructure from scratch, Bitwise can immediately serve the full suite of PoS networks where Chorus One already has validator‑set relationships and research pipelines.
- Revenue diversification – Staking fees and yield‑sharing arrangements provide a recurring‑revenue stream that complements the manager’s traditional fee‑based income.
Market context
Staking has matured from a niche activity for early adopters into a mainstream asset‑class strategy. Institutional interest has accelerated over the past two years as PoS networks deliver competitive yields while simultaneously bolstering network security—a factor that aligns with the risk‑adjusted return mandates of many asset managers. According to industry trackers, the total value locked in institutional staking services crossed $50 billion in 2025, a figure projected to keep rising as more funds allocate capital to PoS ecosystems.
The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of crypto asset managers acquiring specialized infrastructure firms to control more of the value chain. By owning the staking layer, Bitwise can better manage counterparty risk, ensure compliance with custody standards, and provide transparent reporting to its investors.
Key takeaways
| Point | Implication |
|---|---|
| Expanded network coverage | Access to >30 PoS blockchains enhances product flexibility and allows Bitwise to capture yield opportunities across a wider set of assets. |
| Enhanced institutional appeal | Integrated staking aligns with the risk‑management expectations of regulated investors, potentially broadening Bitwise’s client base. |
| Operational synergy | Chorus One’s existing validator operations dovetail with Bitwise’s on‑chain analytics, creating a more robust, data‑driven staking service. |
| Revenue upside | Staking fees and performance‑based revenue can diversify Bitwise’s earnings beyond traditional index‑fund management fees. |
| Strategic positioning | The move positions Bitwise as a one‑stop shop for crypto exposure—spot, index, and staking—strengthening its competitive stance in the rapidly consolidating crypto‑asset management sector. |
Outlook
The integration of Chorus One is slated to begin immediately, with Bitwise planning to roll out staking options to its existing client roster over the next several quarters. Industry observers will watch how the combined entity balances the dual objectives of delivering attractive yields and maintaining the stringent security standards demanded by institutional capital.
The article was drafted with the assistance of AI‑driven editorial workflows.
Source: https://thedefiant.io/news/cefi/bitwise-expands-staking-capabilities-with-chorus-one-acquisition
