Toronto, December 1, 2025 — The CIFSC continuously monitors fund categorization, category definitions and structures, and emerging trends in the investment funds industry.
Over the past few years, a new type of investment exposure has gained traction in Canada—funds that hold or track digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain-based instruments. These funds operate differently from traditional alternatives. Their underlying assets trade around the clock, use distinct valuation and custody processes, and exhibit unique volatility patterns.
To improve clarity for investors and data users, the CIFSC proposes to:
(1) Formally define Digital Assets as a component of the “Other” asset class grouping;
(2) Create a new category, Alternative Digital Assets, within the broader Alternative categories group; and
(3) Update the CIFSC classification flow chart to reflect the addition of this new category.
Following the 30-day comment period the Committee will review the comments and determine, by private vote, whether to proceed with the changes. To submit comments please use the ‘Contact’ link on the home page of CIFSC.org.
The deadline to submit comments is December 31, 2025.
