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More UK investors are looking to gain regulated exposure to digital assets through traditional stock market instruments. While traditional US-style crypto ETFs are still not directly available for UK investors to buy on UK exchanges, crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) and notes (ETNs) have been approved for retail access by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
This guide explores the best crypto exposure funds UK investors should know about in 2026, and explains how they work, as well as their key features.
These products trade on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and can be held in investment accounts just like shares or conventional ETFs:
- iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) – Physically backed Bitcoin, trades on LSE, easy custody-free exposure.
- 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (BTCH) – Bitcoin price tracking, FCA-approved, listed on London Stock Exchange.
- 21Shares Ethereum ETP (ETHH) – Spot Ethereum exposure, physically backed, tradeable via UK brokers.
- Bitwise Bitcoin & Ethereum ETPs – Separate BTC and ETH products, designed for traditional investors.
- 21Shares BOLD ETP – Combines Bitcoin and gold, diversified, FCA-approved, LSE-listed.
1. iShares Bitcoin ETP (LSE: IB1T)
Overview: The iShares Bitcoin ETP is one of the first major products to give UK investors regulated exposure to Bitcoin’s price through a stock exchange. It’s physically backed, meaning the ETP holds real Bitcoin on behalf of investors — removing the need for you to manage wallets or private keys.
How it works: This product tracks the spot price of Bitcoin by holding Bitcoin in custody (through Coinbase). When BTC’s price moves, the value of the ETP shares reflects that change, less fees. Investors can trade IB1T on the LSE like a share or fund.
Key features:
Tracks Bitcoin’s market price indirectly
Physically backed by Bitcoin holdings
Easily traded on the London Stock Exchange
Can be held through UK brokers and tax-advantaged accounts (subject to eligibility)
No need for personal crypto custody
2. 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (BTCH on LSE)
Overview: 21Shares is a leading crypto ETP issuer with multiple digital asset products. Its Bitcoin ETP gives investors regulated exposure to Bitcoin price movements via standard investment accounts.
How it works: Like other physically backed products, the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP holds Bitcoin and mirrors its price performance. Because it trades on the LSE, you can buy and sell it during market hours.
Key features:
Tracks Bitcoin price through physical backing
Listed on the London Stock Exchange
Easily traded with standard broker accounts
Transparent pricing and daily NAV reporting
A well-established issuer in Europe
3. 21Shares Ethereum ETP ( ETHH on LSE)
Overview: For investors seeking Ethereum exposure, the 21Shares Ethereum ETP provides a regulated way to gain price exposure without owning or storing ETH yourself.
How it works: This product holds Ethereum and generally tracks its market price. Investors buy shares in the ETP, and gains (or losses) reflect movements in ETH’s price.
Key features:
Tracks Ethereum market value
Physically backed by ETH assets
Trades on the LSE like other investment funds
Great diversification option beyond Bitcoin
Suitable for long-term investors
4. Bitwise Crypto ETPs (Bitcoin & Ethereum)
Overview: Bitwise has listed multiple Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the London Stock Exchange, expanding options for UK retail exposure to major crypto assets.
How it works: Each Bitwise ETP separately holds Bitcoin or Ethereum and the price of the ETP shares reflects movements in the underlying asset, net of fees.
Key features:
Separate products for BTC and ETH
Asset-backed holdings
Designed for traditional investors wanting crypto exposure
Tradeable through UK brokers on the LSE
Helpful for diversified crypto allocation
5. 21Shares BOLD ETP (New 2026 Crypto Option)
Overview: Launched in early 2026, the 21Shares BOLD ETP adds a new flavour of crypto exposure for UK investors, and it is 21Shares’ fifth crypto product approved by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority for retail investors
How it works: BOLD combines Bitcoin and gold into a single exchange-traded product, positioning both as complementary store-of-value assets. The allocation is rebalanced monthly based on inverse historical volatility, meaning more weight is given to the less volatile asset at any time.
Key features:
Offers broader crypto exposure than single-asset funds
Designed for diversification within digital assets
Listed on LSE and accessible via brokers
Helps manage crypto volatility via diversified exposure
Conclusion
In 2026, UK investors have new regulated pathways to invest in major cryptocurrencies without owning the assets directly. Crypto ETPs and ETNs listed on the London Stock Exchange offer exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and diversified crypto strategies — all while being tradable in familiar investment accounts.
Always check product details, costs, your own risk tolerance, and consider consulting a financial adviser before investing.
