Cardano’s ADA has officially joined the Nasdaq Crypto Index, marking a significant shift from the sidelines into the institutional spotlight. This inclusion places ADA alongside industry giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum within a primary benchmark closely monitored by major investors. This development signals that regulators and asset managers are increasingly recognizing Cardano as a mature and significant blockchain token.

According to reports from TapTools and Nasdaq’s Form 8-K, the Nasdaq Crypto Index has expanded considerably, growing from five to nine assets. The updated index now features a diverse portfolio including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin, Chainlink, Uniswap, and newly added assets: Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), and Stellar (XLM). This expansion not only grants these newcomers a prominent position but also provides a broader range of options for investment funds that track this benchmark.

The integration of these new assets has notably impacted the weighting of Bitcoin and Ethereum within the index. Previously, Bitcoin constituted 85% of the index, with Ethereum holding 10%. With the inclusion of ADA, SOL, XRP, and XLM, Bitcoin’s share has adjusted to 75%, and Ethereum’s to 11%. This rebalancing allows portfolio managers to diversify risk across a wider selection of tokens, thereby reducing over-concentration in the two largest cryptocurrencies.

While the Nasdaq Crypto Index itself now encompasses all nine assets, the US-listed Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index ETF currently continues to hold only Bitcoin and Ethereum. Changes to the ETF’s holdings are contingent upon the SEC’s approval of updates to its rulebook, with such regulatory sign-off anticipated in early 2026. Until then, US investors can monitor the broader index conceptually, but their actual ETF shares will remain limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

For Cardano, its inclusion in this benchmark represents more than just recognition; it promises enhanced liquidity, improved price support, and a clearer pathway into institutional investment portfolios. Increased capital flow into and out of ADA markets is expected to narrow trading spreads and stabilize significant price fluctuations. Furthermore, trading platforms, custody services, and exchanges that facilitate ADA transactions will need to adhere to the index’s stringent criteria, which typically include requirements for steady trading volume, regulated venues, and institutional-grade storage solutions. These checkpoints are crucial for ensuring major players feel secure and comfortable when transacting ADA at scale.

Overall, Cardano’s entry into this institutional benchmark underscores a growing interest from traditional finance in the asset. However, the final crucial step for US investors, actual ETF inclusion, remains subject to regulatory approval.