ARK 21Shares Active On-Chain Bitcoin Strategy ETF (ARKC) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that seeks capital growth by investing primarily in the ARKA ETF, Bitcoin (BTC) futures contracts, and cash equivalents. The fund optimizes performance relative to the price of BTC through quantitative models and on-chain valuation metrics, targeting investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin's market trends without direct cryptocurrency holdings. Launched on November 15, 2023, and listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, ARKC operates within the digital assets sector, with assets under management of approximately $2.03 million and an expense ratio of 0.93%. It is issued by 21Shares US LLC, a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based 21Shares AG founded in 2018, in partnership with ARK Investment Management LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida and established in 2014. Geographically, the fund focuses on U.S. investors while leveraging global Bitcoin futures markets, including those tied to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate.
ARKC's core offerings include dynamic allocation strategies based on proprietary trend indicators that analyze historical price data and on-chain metrics to determine bullish or bearish Bitcoin market conditions, adjusting exposure between futures contracts, the related ARKA Bitcoin Futures Strategy ETF, and cash equivalents accordingly. The fund does not invest directly in spot Bitcoin or other digital assets, emphasizing regulated futures-based and ETF-of-ETF structures for institutional and retail access. Holdings are limited to two primary components, providing a streamlined approach to Bitcoin-linked performance with quarterly dividend distributions, as evidenced by a trailing twelve-month yield of 36.80% and an ex-dividend date of December 30, 2024.
In September 2025, ARK Invest and 21Shares expanded their collaboration by announcing the launch of five new crypto-related ETFs on the Cboe, including ARKC alongside siblings such as ARKA (Active Bitcoin Futures Strategy), ARKZ (Active Ethereum Futures), ARKD (Blockchain and Digital Economy Innovation), and ARKY (Active Bitcoin Ethereum Strategy), with annual expenses ranging from 0.70% to 1.00%. Trading for these products commenced shortly thereafter, marking a significant strategic push into active futures and blockchain-themed funds amid growing institutional demand for regulated crypto exposure. This initiative builds on their established ARKB spot Bitcoin ETF and reflects ongoing alignment despite prior adjustments, such as ARK's 2024 exit from certain Ethereum ETF partnerships while retaining Bitcoin-focused ventures with 21Shares.