UK’s First Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs Begin Trading on the London Stock Exchange

The sixth-largest stock exchange in the world has officially begun trading Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded notes (ETNs).

According to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), today marks the launch of ETH and BTC ETN trading.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of Crypto ETNs on the London Stock Exchange, effective 28 May 2024, welcoming products from WisdomTreeEU and 21Shares.”

ETNs are a type of exchange-traded product (ETP) and are distinct from exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in that ETNs are debt-carrying vehicles tracking an index, and not backed by underlying assets.

However, according to one of the approved ETP creators, WisdomTree, its two products, WisdomTree Physical Bitcoin (BTCW) and WisdomTree Physical Ethereum (ETHW), will be 100% backed ETPs.

“WisdomTree is amongst the first issuers to have its prospectus relating to crypto ETPs approved by the FCA and its 100% physically backed Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs, WisdomTree Physical Bitcoin and WisdomTree Physical Ethereum, will be listed on the LSE at the earliest date possible which is expected to be on Tuesday May 28th. At the time of listing, these ETPs will only be available to professional investors.”

According to a press release, 21Shares’ four crypto-asset ETNs will also be fully backed ETPs.

“21Shares, the world’s largest issuer of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of four physically backed crypto-asset exchange-traded notes (ETNs) on London Stock Exchange – available for professional investors. Each ETN is listed in both GBP and USD. This launch marks 21Shares official entrance into the UK market.”

All six ETN products began trading on the LSE today.

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