STOXX has unveiled its inaugural digital asset index, the STOXX® Digital Asset Blue Chip, designed to track high-quality cryptocurrencies representing today’s crypto ecosystem. This launch, in collaboration with Swiss crypto-financial services leader Bitcoin Suisse, marks STOXX’s strategic entry into the digital assets market.
Why This Index Stands Out
Unlike conventional indices that prioritize market capitalization, the STOXX Digital Asset Blue Chip employs crypto-native metrics to select assets, including:
- Adoption scope
- Developer community size
- User-paid fees
- Protocol longevity
This methodology ensures a focus on blue-chip digital assets with proven utility and sustainability.
The Rising Institutional Interest in Crypto
The 2023 crypto market rebound (now valued at $1.45 trillion1) reflects growing institutional adoption. Key drivers include:
- Portfolio diversification: 60% of institutions allocate >1% to digital assets2.
- Regulatory clarity: Enhanced infrastructure attracts larger investors.
- Market recovery: Prices stabilized post-2022 volatility.
"Investors need diversification as traditional asset correlations shift. This index meets robustness demands for today’s portfolios."
— Axel Lomholt, General Manager, STOXX
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Index Methodology: Quality Over Quantity
Sector-Based Selection Process
Assets are screened from five sectors under Bitcoin Suisse’s Global Crypto Taxonomy:
- Cryptocurrencies
- Smart Contract Platforms
- DeFi Protocols
- Utility Tokens
- Culture/NFTs
Selection Criteria
Each asset is scored (1 or 0) across five metrics:
| Metric | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Protocol Age | Measures project longevity |
| Total Value Secured | Economic security strength |
| Developer Activity | Community engagement |
| Active Addresses | Adoption rate |
| Fees Generated | Protocol revenue equivalence |
Inclusion threshold: Composite score ≥4. Weightings are market-cap-based with a 30% cap per asset.
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Robust Pricing via Bitcoin Suisse
To counter unreliable crypto pricing, Bitcoin Suisse implements:
- Exchange vetting: Due diligence on liquidity and volume.
- Dual-source averaging: Prices derived from two principal exchanges per asset.
This ensures transparent, representative pricing aligned with institutional standards.
FAQs: Addressing Key Investor Queries
1. How often is the index rebalanced?
Quarterly reviews with real-time eligibility checks.
2. Which assets are excluded?
Non-Xetra® traded assets (covered in a parallel Blue Chip X index).
3. What’s the minimum investment horizon?
Recommended 3–5 years to mitigate crypto volatility.
4. How does this compare to traditional indices?
It adapts proven methodologies to crypto-specific factors like decentralization.
5. Is custody integrated?
Yes, Bitcoin Suisse provides secure institutional custody solutions.
Why This Matters Now
The STOXX Digital Asset Blue Chip index:
- Provides a benchmark for high-quality crypto assets.
- Bridges traditional finance and digital markets.
- Supports ETF/ETP development with reliable tracking.
As digital assets gain mainstream traction, this index offers a trusted pathway for institutional participation.
- CoinMarketCap Data ↩
- EY, Institutional Investor Outlook on Digital Assets, 2023 ↩