FCA Lifts Ban as 21Shares, Bitwise and WisdomTree Debut Crypto ETPs in London

TLDR

• FCA clears path for retail crypto ETPs as major firms list on LSE.
• 21Shares debuts low-fee Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs with staking.
• Bitwise offers ultra-low 0.05% fees to attract UK retail investors.
• WisdomTree expands access with physically backed crypto products.
• LSE listings mark a new era for regulated retail crypto exposure.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has lifted its ban on retail access to crypto ETPs, enabling broader participation. Following the decision, 21Shares, Bitwise, and WisdomTree launched Bitcoin and Ethereum products on the London Stock Exchange. This marks a significant shift in the UK crypto asset space, allowing standard brokerage access to regulated digital asset exposure.

21Shares Launches Four Crypto ETPs with Focus on Low Fees and Staking

21Shares has launched four crypto ETPs on the London Stock Exchange, offering exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum. The firm introduced two “Core” products with reduced fees of 0.1%, alongside its physically backed offerings. Notably, the Ethereum ETP includes a staking feature, providing passive yield within a regulated structure.

21Shares offered these products only to professional participants, capturing major turnover on the LSE. With the FCA’s approval, the company now extends access to the retail segment using standard investment platforms. The firm aims to build on this momentum by enhancing its crypto ETP suite in the UK.

These launches reflect 21Shares’ strategy to expand crypto ETP adoption under formal regulatory oversight. The company aligns with the FCA’s phased approach to digital assets, combining innovation with protection. Retail clients can now integrate these products into ISAs and SIPPs for diversified exposure.

Bitwise Expands Reach with Four Crypto ETPs and Temporary Fee Cuts

Bitwise introduced four crypto ETPs, evenly split between Bitcoin and Ethereum, following the FCA’s clearance for retail access. The firm launched its Core Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs with an introductory fee of 0.05% for six months. These products offer UK market participants secure access without directly holding underlying crypto assets.

Bitwise stated that the LSE listing opens Europe’s largest investment hub to its regulated offerings. The company seeks to replicate its broader European growth by leveraging the UK’s expanding crypto-friendly policy. Bitwise’s structure emphasizes cost-efficiency and accessibility within regulated markets.

The expansion underlines Bitwise’s goal of normalizing crypto ETPs through transparent, exchange-based structures. With simplified access and competitive pricing, it positions itself among key providers in the UK. The move follows its institutional products in Europe and targets broader public participation.

WisdomTree Broadens Market with Physically Backed Crypto ETPs

WisdomTree launched its Bitcoin and Ethereum crypto ETPs on the LSE, maintaining fees at 0.15% and 0.35% respectively. These physically backed products were previously limited to professional accounts under UK regulation. The updated framework now permits general access through FCA-compliant investment platforms.

The products reflect WisdomTree’s ongoing commitment to bridging traditional finance with digital assets in regulated environments. Its Ethereum and Bitcoin offerings are now available through common UK platforms. The company emphasized transparency and access as core components of its UK strategy.

WisdomTree’s launch adds depth to the crypto ETP landscape by delivering robust options to the newly included retail sector. It supports the FCA’s roadmap aimed at building a secure and scalable digital asset framework. The LSE listing enhances the visibility of crypto ETPs under credible regulatory structures.

 

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