Spot Bitcoin ETF: Valkyrie Expands its Primary Custodian List

Godfrey Benjamin
February 2, 2024 Updated July 21, 2025
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Highlights

  • Valkyrie has tapped BitGo as its second spot Bitcoin ETF custodian
  • The ETF issuer noted that it plans to keep both BitGo and Coinbase as its custodial service providers
  • This move, predicted in January by Samson Mow might see more issuers expand their custodians

A new filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirms that asset management firm Valkyrie has adopted BitGo as a custodian for its spot Bitcoin ETF.

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Valkyrie’s Spot Bitcoin ETF Now Have Two Custodians

Valkyrie’s BRRR, whose volume recently soared by up to 12%, previously leveraged only the Coinbase Custody service. Per the latest filing, the firm has chosen BitGo as its Bitcoin ETF custodian. However, Valkyrie intends to retain Coinbase custodian service alongside that of BitGo. 

Per the SEC filing, “The Sponsor anticipates utilizing the custodial services of both Coinbase and BitGo to custody the Trust’s bitcoin.”

A significant percentage of the eleven spots Bitcoin ETFs including BlackRock, Bitwise, and ARK 21Shares that were greenlighted by the SEC more than three weeks ago, utilize the custody service offered by Coinbase. BlackRock chose the crypto exchange as the custodian for its spot Bitcoin ETF right when it sent out its application to the SEC last year, cementing an existing relationship between the duo. 

Hashdex is one of the spot Bitcoin ETF issuers that stood out in terms of the custodian for its offering. The asset manager also listed BitGo as its custodian. The sudden decision to have BitGo as a custodian is an indication that some of these ETF issuers are attempting to break the dominance of Coinbase. 

This is in direct response to the fears that Coinbase might be unsafe infrastructurally and that it might be influencing the actions of these spot ETF issuers.

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Troubling Prediction on Coinbase Custody

A few days ago, spot Bitcoin ETF issuer Bitwise published the Bitcoin addresses for its BITB holdings, a move that many at the time attributed to a show of transparency. 

The action sparked a thread of reactions which eventually led to a troubling prediction from Samson Mow, a Bitcoin (BTC) Marxist and the CEO of JAN3. Mow stated that crypto custodians like Coinbase failed to invest so much into their Bitcoin infrastructure as a result of “shitcoining”.

As a result, he forecasted that spot Bitcoin ETF issuers start considering the adoption of in-house custody or even migrate their BTC holdings to other custodians. He strongly stated that these asset managers may later go for a Bitcoin-only custodian.

While Valkyrie claims that it would still leverage the Coinbase Custody services alongside BitGo, this may just be the reflection of Mow’s prediction and with this move, more spot Bitcoin ETF issuers are likely to follow suit.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalists who relish writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desires to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain based media and sites. Benjamin Godfrey is a lover of sports and agriculture. Follow him on X, Linkedin
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.