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The next index revolution is here, and it’s happening onchain

A new survey reveals strong demand for diversified crypto exposure. Here’s why Decentralized Token Folios (DTFs) could revolutionize digital asset investing.

Sydney Jacobs

Nov 20, 2025

2 min read

The next index revolution is here, and it’s happening onchain

For almost half a century, mutual funds and ETFs have been the bedrock for traditional, smart investing. They’ve made diversification simple, accessible, and affordable for millions, no matter their level of investing knowledge. But as digital asset adoption rises among institutions and retail investors, we’re seeing demand for infrastructure that mirrors traditional investment vehicles for cryptocurrencies unfold before our very eyes.

The market has evolved far beyond Bitcoin: what was once a single-asset industry is now a $4 trillion, multi-sector ecosystem spanning DeFi, AI, gaming, tokenized real-world assets, and more. And just like in traditional markets, investors are looking for efficient ways to capture broad exposure to these themes without the complexity of managing dozens of individual holdings.

That’s where Decentralized Token Folios (DTFs) come in. DTFs are like ETFs, but for crypto. DTFs build on the principles of index-style investing for a 24/7, blockchain-native world, delivering broad diversification, thematic exposure, and simplified access with a level of speed, transparency, and composability that traditional products cannot match.

Data shows rising demand for index-style crypto investing

In partnership with Centiment, Reserve surveyed 1,050 U.S. digital asset investors to understand their appetite for index-style products.

68.9% already invest in traditional ETFs
85.6% would invest in crypto ETFs
85.1% would invest in a diversified cryptocurrency index, like a DTF

The numbers reveal that investors who have embraced ETFs in traditional markets are ready for what’s next: products that combine the simplicity of index investing with the unique advantages of blockchain technology.

The benefits of DTFs vs. ETFs for smarter crypto diversification

While crypto ETFs have opened doors to institutional capital, they’re still constrained by traditional finance's limitations: market hours, delayed settlement, centralized control, and opaque reporting.

DTFs offer:

Real-time transparency: See exactly what you own at any moment.
Permissionless access: Anyone can mint or redeem at any time, anywhere..
Always-on liquidity: Trade and settle instantly, around the clock.
Composability: Integrate seamlessly with DeFi protocols and onchain infrastructure.

Bringing diversified investing onchain with Reserve’s platform

Reserve is building the infrastructure to power this shift. It’s a platform that enables institutions and retail investors to design, launch, and govern decentralized index products. These aren’t just wrapped tokens; they’re sophisticated portfolio tools that combine traditional investment logic with the full capabilities of decentralized finance.

As tokenization accelerates and more real-world and digital assets move onchain, DTFs are positioned to become a foundational element of modern portfolio construction, offering efficient, transparent exposure to the next generation of investors.