Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs Available to UK Users via Blackrock, 21Shares, and Others

Core Insights - Major global asset managers, including BlackRock, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Bitwise, have launched Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products (ETPs) for UK retail investors [1][2] - BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF is set to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), backed by physical Bitcoin held via Coinbase, and has achieved rapid success in the US market [1][2] - The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently lifted a four-year ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs), facilitating this market expansion [2][7] Company Developments - BlackRock's EMEA head emphasized the institutional-grade infrastructure that provides UK investors with secure access to Bitcoin [2] - 21Shares has introduced two physically backed ETPs for Bitcoin and Ethereum on the LSE, featuring a staking component for Ethereum and a competitive management fee of 0.1% for select offerings [4][5] - WisdomTree has also launched its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the LSE, with management fees of 0.15% and 0.35% respectively, following its previous institutional offerings [5] Market Dynamics - The recent policy changes have broadened the investor base for crypto products in the UK, with multiple asset managers entering the market [3][7] - Bitwise plans to list its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the LSE, offering a reduced management fee of 0.05% for its Core Bitcoin ETP for an initial six months [6] - The regulatory update aligns the UK's framework more closely with other markets like the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, and the EU, although restrictions on broader crypto derivatives for retail investors remain [7]