UK investors are increasingly seeking regulated avenues to gain exposure to digital assets through conventional stock market instruments. While direct access to US-style crypto Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) remains unavailable on UK exchanges for retail investors, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has approved crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) for retail access.
This guide provides an overview of prominent crypto exposure funds available to UK investors in 2026, detailing their operational mechanisms and key characteristics.
These investment products are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and can be held within standard investment accounts, similar to shares or traditional ETFs:
- •iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) – Offers physically backed Bitcoin exposure, traded on the LSE, providing straightforward custody-free access.
- •21Shares Bitcoin ETP (BTCH) – Tracks the price of Bitcoin and is FCA-approved, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- •21Shares Ethereum ETP (ETHH) – Provides spot Ethereum exposure, is physically backed, and is tradable through UK brokers.
- •Bitwise Bitcoin & Ethereum ETPs – These are separate products for BTC and ETH, specifically designed for traditional investors.
- •21Shares BOLD ETP – A diversified product combining Bitcoin and gold, which is FCA-approved and listed on the LSE.
1. iShares Bitcoin ETP (LSE: IB1T)
The iShares Bitcoin ETP represents one of the initial major offerings allowing UK investors regulated access to Bitcoin's price movements via a stock exchange. This ETP is physically backed, meaning it holds actual Bitcoin on behalf of investors, thereby eliminating the need for personal wallet management or private key handling.
This product functions by tracking the spot price of Bitcoin through segregated custody of Bitcoin assets, typically held by a reputable custodian like Coinbase. Fluctuations in Bitcoin's price are reflected in the value of the ETP shares, after accounting for applicable fees. Investors can purchase and sell IB1T shares on the LSE in the same manner as they would trade shares or other funds.
Key Features:
- •Tracks Bitcoin's market price indirectly.
- •Physically backed by actual Bitcoin holdings.
- •Easily tradable on the London Stock Exchange.
- •Can be held within UK brokers and eligible tax-advantaged accounts.
- •Eliminates the requirement for personal cryptocurrency custody.
2. 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (BTCH on LSE)
21Shares is a prominent issuer of cryptocurrency ETPs, offering a range of digital asset investment products. Their Bitcoin ETP provides investors with regulated exposure to Bitcoin's price dynamics through conventional investment accounts.
Similar to other physically backed products, the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP holds Bitcoin assets and mirrors the cryptocurrency's price performance. Its listing on the LSE allows for buying and selling during standard market trading hours.
Key Features:
- •Tracks Bitcoin's price through physical asset backing.
- •Listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange.
- •Accessible and easily traded using standard brokerage accounts.
- •Offers transparent pricing and daily Net Asset Value (NAV) reporting.
- •Represents a well-established issuer within the European market.
3. 21Shares Ethereum ETP (ETHH on LSE)
For investors interested in gaining exposure to Ethereum, the 21Shares Ethereum ETP offers a regulated method to access price movements without the necessity of directly owning or storing ETH.
This product holds Ethereum assets and is designed to track its market price. Investors acquire shares in the ETP, and any gains or losses experienced by the investment directly correspond to the movements in ETH's price.
Key Features:
- •Tracks the market value of Ethereum.
- •Physically backed by underlying ETH assets.
- •Trades on the LSE, similar to other investment funds.
- •Serves as an excellent diversification option beyond Bitcoin.
- •Suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon.
4. Bitwise Crypto ETPs (Bitcoin & Ethereum)
Bitwise has introduced multiple Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the London Stock Exchange, thereby broadening the investment options for UK retail investors seeking exposure to these major crypto assets.
Each Bitwise ETP is structured to hold either Bitcoin or Ethereum independently, and the price of the ETP shares reflects the performance of the underlying asset, net of any associated fees.
Key Features:
- •Offers separate products for BTC and ETH.
- •Features asset-backed holdings.
- •Specifically designed for traditional investors looking to enter the crypto market.
- •Tradable through UK brokers on the LSE.
- •Aids in achieving diversified cryptocurrency allocation.
5. 21Shares BOLD ETP (New 2026 Crypto Option)
Launched in early 2026, the 21Shares BOLD ETP introduces a novel crypto exposure option for UK investors. This product marks 21Shares' fifth crypto offering to receive approval from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority for retail investor access.
The BOLD ETP merges Bitcoin and gold into a single exchange-traded product, positioning both assets as complementary stores of value. The allocation within the ETP is rebalanced monthly based on historical inverse volatility, meaning that greater weighting is assigned to the asset exhibiting lower volatility at any given time.
Key Features:
- •Provides broader crypto exposure compared to single-asset funds.
- •Designed to enhance diversification within digital assets.
- •Listed on the LSE and accessible via brokers.
- •Helps manage crypto volatility through diversified exposure.
Conclusion
In 2026, UK investors have access to new, regulated pathways for investing in prominent cryptocurrencies without the need for direct asset ownership. Crypto ETPs and ETNs listed on the London Stock Exchange provide exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and diversified crypto strategies, all of which are tradable within familiar investment account structures.
It is crucial for investors to thoroughly review product specifics, associated costs, assess their personal risk tolerance, and consider seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.