In 2026, a new trade strategy involving Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs) and futures is gaining traction in the market. DATs issue public shares to buy dedicated crypto assets, offering traditional investors a bridge to crypto markets. These companies aim to increase their multiple to net asset value through various treasury strategies. However, recent market volatility has impacted some DATs. The absence of comprehensive crypto futures can be attributed to former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, who classified most crypto assets as securities. With new SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stating that most crypto tokens are not securities, futures are now in focus as a gateway to broader market access.

The DAT basis trade involves buying DAT stock to gain exposure to crypto assets and staking yield, while shorting corresponding futures to hedge against price swings. When executed correctly, investors can earn a steady, market-neutral return. However, risks include potential losses if mNAVs decrease or if DATs trade at a discount to NAV. For those wary of these risks, ETFs with stable mNAVs may be a safer option. As regulated futures expand across altcoins, the long DAT, short futures trade could become a popular strategy for capturing crypto yield in a more stable manner.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: A New Wrinkle On The Basis Trade