Bitwise Buys Chorus One to Power Global Staking Growth Drive

Bitwise Asset Management just made a big move and acquired Chorus One, a trusted name in crypto staking services. This isn’t just about adding another company to Bitwise’s roster. It’s a clear sign that Bitwise wants to evolve from a typical asset manager into a full-scale crypto platform, one that covers everything from investment products to direct on-chain services and yield-generating infrastructure.

Here’s What Happened

On Tuesday, Bitwise shared news that it acquired Chorus One as part of a long-term plan to expand its capabilities beyond traditional crypto investment funds. The company highlighted that 50 people from Chorus One are joining Bitwise Onchain Solutions, where they’re already staking billions in crypto assets.

Bitwise’s CEO, Hunter Horsley, didn’t mince words.

“For our thousands of clients with spot crypto holdings, staking is one of the clearest ways to grow,”

he said.

“This acquisition means a lot to us, and we appreciate the trust Chorus One has shown. Their tech and research are second to none, and they’ve built a strong reputation over the last eight years. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Hong Kim, Bitwise’s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted how Chorus One’s track record in tech, open-source work, and research aligns with Bitwise’s priorities. He revealed that building on the existing Bitwise Onchain Solutions platform and bringing Chorus One into the fold will significantly enhance their ability to support clients while strengthening their position as a leader in infrastructure and research. Since 2018, Chorus One has been securing major networks like Ethereum (ETH) and Cosmos, supporting the backbone of proof-of-stake blockchains.

Chorus One’s CEO and co-founder, Brian Crain, sees this as a natural next step.

“We started Chorus One because investors deserve secure, professional access to the whole Proof-of-Stake ecosystem,”

he said.

“We always believed Proof-of-Stake would shape the digital economy, and now, after supporting 30+ networks with a focus on reliability and security, joining Bitwise feels right. They share our drive for excellence and truly understand what investors need. We’re excited to keep building on this foundation as part of their team.”

Why This Matters for the Crypto

This deal could shake things up for both institutional investing and blockchain network participation. For institutional clients, think pension funds or endowments, it means staking and asset management can finally happen under one roof. That’s a big win for anyone who values efficiency and clear compliance.

For blockchain networks, the deal may strengthen validator reliability. Larger organisations typically bring more robust infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and security protocols. That can improve network stability and reduce risks associated with smaller or less experienced validators.

The move also highlights a shift in how firms view staking. Once seen mainly as a technical function, it is turning into a serious revenue driver. With yields on some networks ranging from low single digits to double-digit percentages depending on token economics, staking has become a key component of digital-asset portfolio strategy. Owning the infrastructure that generates those rewards can significantly enhance margins for asset managers.

Recent data from blockchain analytics firms shows that over $100 billion worth of digital assets are currently staked across major proof-of-stake networks. As regulators get clearer about how staking services can be offered, especially for big institutions, firms like Bitwise get more room to grow their offerings without as much uncertainty.

What’s Next

Buying Chorus One is more than just a tactical expansion. It’s about setting the tone for where crypto’s headed. As competition intensifies and profit margins tighten, firms that control more of the value chain could gain a decisive edge.

Bitwise’s move suggests a future where investors don’t just hold crypto, they actively participate in networks, earn yield, and engage in governance, all through a single platform.  If Bitwise pulls this off, it could raise the bar for what clients expect from their crypto asset managers.

The core Chorus One team will join Bitwise, with Brian Crain staying on as an advisor. One thing is certain: staking is no longer a niche feature; it’s front and centre in the next chapter of crypto. And with this acquisition, Bitwise is betting that owning the infrastructure will be just as important as managing the assets themselves.