Bitwise will acquire staking service provider Chorus One - expanding profitability

Expanding profitable services

Bitwise Asset Management — one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency ETF issuers — has agreed to acquire Chorus One , a leading independent staking provider for institutions, in a deal that significantly enhances Bitwise 's ability to generate returns across multiple blockchains. The transaction, reported by The Block and confirmed by sources close to both companies on February 4, 2026, is structured as an all-equity acquisition with a reported valuation for Chorus One in the range of $200-$300 million.

This acquisition gives Bitwise immediate access to Chorus One 's institutional-level staking operations , which currently manages over $2.5 billion in staked assets across more than 30 proof-of-stake networks , including Ethereum , Solana , Cosmos , Polkadot , Near , Avalanche , and emerging chains.

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley commented:

“ Staking is no longer a secondary activity—it’s becoming a core component of institutional cryptocurrency portfolios. Chorus One has set the gold standard in standalone, non-custodial staking infrastructure. Combining it with our ETF platform creates the most comprehensive and profitable diversified product suite on the market. ”

The benefits that Chorus One offers

Chorus One is renowned for operating secure, high-performance validators across multiple networks, providing staking services, node operations, and risk management for institutional clients. Their expertise spans validator operations, MEV awareness strategies , and on-chain governance engagement – ​​capabilities that are increasingly important as staking becomes more complex.

By incorporating Chorus One internally, Bitwise gains direct access to the technical depth and operational resilience that is difficult to replicate naturally.

This acquisition aligns with Bitwise 's broader effort to build comprehensive cryptocurrency investment products. As regulators begin allowing staking rewards within ETF or fund structures in certain jurisdictions, asset managers with internal staking capabilities will gain a decisive advantage.

Organizational Risk, Compliance, and Trust

This deal raises the bar for cryptocurrency asset managers. Yield is no longer a minor add-on—it's becoming a fundamental expectation. Companies that cannot provide secure and regulated staking services may be at a disadvantage when investors compare total returns, not just price volatility.

It also puts pressure on independent staking service providers, as consolidation by asset managers could reduce profit margins or alter relationships with clients.

Staking carries unique risks—demolition, downtime, governance involvement—that traditional investors fear. Bitwise's acquisition strategy demonstrates a belief that owning the system is better than outsourcing. With direct oversight, Bitwise can standardize controls, disclosures, and insurance structures to meet organizational requirements.

Our review

The acquisition of Chorus One gives Bitwise immediate scale and prestige in the institutional staking sector — transforming the company from an ETF specialist into a full-fledged cryptocurrency asset manager with the ability to generate direct returns across dozens of networks.

This is the logical and powerful next step: ETFs attract investors, while staking allows them to continue earning while awaiting the next price surge. With over $2.5 billion in staked assets currently under Bitwise's management, the company is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of the growing demand for tightly regulated, multi-chain staking solutions.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the field of cryptocurrency. This is not financial or investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.

Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

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