Institutions Adopt ‘Long DATs, Short Futures’ Strategy in Crypto

The trade strategy of ‘Long DATs, Short Futures’ is gaining traction as institutions seek to lessen direct crypto risk exposure.

Institutional investors utilize Digital Asset Treasury companies for spot exposure and hedge with short futures strategies across major tokens.

Digital Asset Treasuries Gain Traction with Institutions

The ‘Long DATs, Short Futures’ trade emerges as institutions seek less direct exposure to crypto risk. Institutional players leverage Digital Asset Treasury companies for spot exposure and hedge using short futures strategies across major tokens.

CoinFund leads the charge, with Chris Perkins advocating for Wall Street’s adoption of the strategy. Regulated futures proliferation is expanding possibilities for these trades with emerging altcoin contracts.

Hedge Funds Bet on CME ETH Futures Drop

Hedge funds have amassed substantial short positions in CME ETH futures, underlining market confidence. The strategy’s success depends on regulated futures’ growth and market sentiment shifts.

Experts anticipate limited profit opportunities in the short term, with current future bases suppressed at 3-4%. However, prior surges in ETF inflows following basis increases suggest potential for gains in favorable conditions.

MicroStrategy’s Model: A Benchmark for Futures Success

Historical use of the bitcoin ETF/futures basis trade provides precedent, with MicroStrategy’s performance as a key model. Similar conditions previously saw liquidity impacts from major withdrawals.

According to Chris Perkins, “Markets are always hunting for the next big trade. In 2026, I believe the trade will be a new wrinkle on the traditional basis trades where investors go long Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs), and short futures.” He anticipates increased Wall Street interest as futures expand, leading to more mature strategies beyond BTC/ETH involvement.