Global digital asset exchange-traded products (ETPs) posted a modest decline in January 2026, even as broader crypto markets experienced sharper losses, according to new research from Fineqia International Inc (CSE:FNQ).
Total assets under management (AUM) across global crypto ETPs fell 5.1% to $155.8 billion from $164.2 billion at year-end 2025, while the overall digital asset market capitalization dropped 10% to $2.74 trillion.
The discrepancy, analysts said, largely reflected sharp price declines in the final weekend of January that were not immediately captured in ETP valuations.
“Overall, January 2026 data indicates that crypto ETP demand remains structurally robust despite significant market volatility and negative price performance, with limited outflows compared to the broader market correction,” said Matteo Greco, senior associate at Fineqia.
Bitcoin-backed ETPs retained their dominance, ending the month with $125 billion in AUM, down 4.4% from December, while BTC’s price fell 10.1% to $78,626. The smaller decline in AUM compared with price, Greco noted, highlights the resilience of institutional demand. “January data confirms that Bitcoin ETPs remain the preferred vehicle for institutional digital asset exposure, with demand proving resilient even during periods of significant price volatility and market uncertainty,” he said.
Ethereum ETPs, meanwhile, saw a larger AUM decline of 7.9% to $19.9 billion, as ETH’s price slid 17.6% to $2,445. Despite the steeper drop, analysts said institutional interest in Ethereum remains strong, buoyed by product launches such as spot Ethereum ETFs in mid-2024.
Product issuance continued apace, with the number of listed crypto ETPs rising to 318 from 312 at year-end 2025. The expansion spans Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoin, and basket products, reflecting ongoing institutional appetite for diversified digital asset exposure.
“January’s performance reinforces that crypto ETPs have become essential infrastructure for institutional and retail investors seeking regulated, exchange-traded exposure to digital assets, regardless of short-term market conditions,” Greco added.
Altcoin and basket ETPs were more affected by market volatility. Altcoin ETPs fell 5.5% to $6.9 billion, while basket ETPs dropped 13.4% to $4 billion. Together, Bitcoin and Ethereum products continue to represent over 92% of total crypto ETP AUM, underscoring their dominance in the sector.
The data, Fineqia said, points to structural growth in the ETP market. Year-over-year, total crypto ETP AUM increased 3.4% from $150.9 billion in January 2025, even as the broader crypto market declined 19.3% over the same period.