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How to Buy Crypto ETNs in the UK (2025)
Ruby Layram
25th Nov 2025
If you’ve been watching the headlines this year, you’ll have noticed something big: crypto has finally made its way into mainstream investing in the UK. And for the first time, everyday investors can now buy crypto ETNs (exchange-traded notes) on proper stock-market platforms, no crypto exchanges required.
If you’ve ever felt curious about Bitcoin or Ethereum but didn’t fancy the faff of wallets, private keys, and exchanges that feel a bit… wild west, crypto ETNs might be the bridge you’ve been waiting for.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Crypto ETNs?
A crypto ETN is a financial product that tracks the price of a cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin or Ethereum, but is traded on a regular stock exchange just like a share or ETF.
- It mirrors the price of the underlying crypto.
- You buy and sell it through your normal investment platform.
- It’s issued and backed by a financial institution, often with the crypto held in secure custody.
- You don’t need a crypto wallet or account on a crypto exchange.
It’s a way of getting price exposure without directly holding crypto yourself.
Why Investors Are Considering Crypto ETNs in 2025
Here’s why crypto ETNs have suddenly become the hot new thing in the UK:
1. They’re regulated and exchange-listed
Crypto exchanges aren’t regulated in the same way stockbrokers are. ETNs, however, trade on regulated markets like the London Stock Exchange or European exchanges – a big comfort for cautious investors.
2. You avoid the headaches of “self-custody”
No wallets. No keys. No worrying about losing your password and flushing £10k down the drain.
The issuer handles custody on your behalf.
3. You can hold them in your brokerage account
If you already have a Stocks & Shares account, many platforms now list crypto ETNs, meaning you can buy cryptocurrency exposure the same way you buy Apple shares.
4. They give you “clean” exposure
ETNs track the crypto price directly. No staking, no lending, no messy DeFi. Just the price movement.
5. They’re easier for beginners
For anyone who wants a simple, familiar way to dip a toe into crypto without going full crypto-native, ETNs are an easy first step.
Popular Crypto ETNs Available to UK Investors (2025)
The range keeps expanding, but the main players include:
- Bitwise Physical Bitcoin ETN
- Bitwise Physical Ethereum ETN
- WisdomTree Physical Bitcoin
- CoinShares Physical Bitcoin
- CoinShares Physical Ethereum
Each offers slightly different fees and custody arrangements. Check the product factsheet before you buy.
How to Buy Crypto ETNs in the UK (Step-by-Step)
Buying a crypto ETN is actually simpler than buying crypto directly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose an investment platform that offers ETNs
Not all UK platforms list crypto ETNs yet, so check availability first.
Platforms that are gradually adding them include:
- Hargreaves Lansdown
- AJ Bell
- Interactive Investor
- Trading 212
- Freetrade (selected listings)
If you don’t see a crypto ETN in the search bar, the platform might not support it yet, or might only offer it in a General Investment Account (GIA), not an ISA.
Also see: The best investment platforms for UK investors
2. Decide which ETN to buy
Compare ETNs based on:
- Fees (total expense ratio)
- Custodian (who holds the crypto)
- Whether it’s “physically backed”
- Which exchange it’s listed on
- Liquidity (daily trading volume)
Most beginners stick to Bitcoin or Ethereum ETNs because they’re the most established.
3. Search for the ETN by name or ticker
Just type in something like:
- “Bitwise Bitcoin”
- “BTC ETN”
- “CoinShares Ethereum”
Click on the product just as you would with a stock or ETF.
4. Place your order
You can choose:
- Market order (buy now at the current price)
- Limit order (buy only if the price drops to your chosen level)
Once placed, your ETN will appear in your portfolio like any other investment.
5. Plan for volatility
Crypto moves. A lot.
Just because it’s wrapped in a neat regulated product doesn’t mean the underlying crypto is less volatile than before.
A common rule of thumb: Keep crypto exposure to a small part of your portfolio, especially when starting out.
Are Crypto ETNs Right for You?
Crypto ETNs might be worth considering if you:
- Want crypto exposure, but in a safe, regulated environment
- Don’t want the hassle of wallets or crypto exchanges
- Prefer to keep all investments in one place
- Are comfortable with price swings
- Want “beginner-friendly” crypto access
Crypto ETNs might not be right for you if you:
- Want full control over your crypto
- Plan to use DeFi or staking
- Hate volatility
- Are chasing quick gains
As always, never invest money you can’t afford to lose, especially in something as fast-moving as cryptocurrency.
Final Thoughts: A Simpler Way to Explore Crypto in 2025
Crypto ETNs give UK investors a clean, regulated, easy way to get involved in the crypto market, without diving headfirst into exchanges, wallets, or complicated tech.
If you’re curious about crypto and prefer to invest through familiar platforms, ETNs offer a “best of both worlds” option.
Just take your time, do your research, start small, and treat crypto like the high-risk, high-volatility asset it is.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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