25-4-2025 – Securitize, a leading platform for tokenizing real-world assets, has joined forces with the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Mantle to unveil a pioneering institutional fund, the companies announced. Dubbed the Mantle Index Four (MI4) Fund, this innovative vehicle seeks to mirror the diversified approach of a traditional index fund, granting investors access to a curated portfolio of cryptocurrencies. The fund includes prominent digital assets such as Bitcoin, valued at $94,237, Ether at $1,783, and Solana at $153.92, alongside stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, according to Securitize’s statement on April 24.
The MI4 Fund distinguishes itself by incorporating liquid staking tokens, such as Mantle’s mETH, Bybit’s bbSOL, and Ethena’s USDe, to amplify returns through onchain yield, the announcement detailed. This strategic inclusion aligns with a broader surge in appetite for cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as both retail and institutional investors seek a buffer against mounting macroeconomic turbulence. Timothy Chen, Mantle’s global head of strategy, articulated an ambitious vision for the fund, describing it as poised to become “the S&P 500 of crypto” due to its market capitalization-weighted structure.
Securitize, commanding a formidable 71% market share in real-world asset tokenization as per RWA.xyz data from April 24, is no stranger to catering to institutional demands. Its flagship affiliate, the BlackRock Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUILD), boasts net assets exceeding $2.5 billion. Meanwhile, Mantle’s ecosystem thrives, with its liquid staking product, Mantle Staked Ether (mETH), delivering an approximate 3.78% APR and a total value locked surpassing $680 million, according to DefiLlama figures from the same date.
