UK Opens Regulated Crypto ETNs to Retail Investors
The UK is entering a new era for crypto investments, and a big part of this change comes from a new partnership between 21Shares and Stratiphy. 21Shares is one of the top global companies offering crypto investment products, and Stratiphy is a smart wealth management platform powered by artificial intelligence. Together, they’re bringing new tools to everyday investors in the UK.
A major reason this matters is because the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s financial regulator, has updated its rules. For the first time, retail investors—regular people, not just professionals—can now invest in regulated crypto ETNs (Exchange-Traded Notes). These are investment products that allow users to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in a safe, regulated way.
Before now, these kinds of investments were off-limits to retail investors in the UK. But with this new change, individuals can add crypto assets to their portfolios alongside traditional assets like stocks and bonds. This makes it easier to build a diversified portfolio that includes both traditional and digital assets.
Stratiphy is leading the way as the first UK platform to offer access to 21Shares’ range of crypto ETNs. Their platform uses AI to help users test and automate their investment strategies. This means investors can experiment with different approaches, manage their risk better, and make smarter decisions without needing deep financial knowledge.
This partnership helps make crypto investing more accessible and safer for everyone. It gives retail investors tools that were previously only available to big institutions. According to Daniel Gold, CEO of Stratiphy, this move responds directly to the growing demand for digital assets and will help people take action as soon as regulatory approval is finalized.
21Shares is already a big name in crypto asset management. They manage over $11 billion across 50 different crypto products. In Europe, crypto trading has skyrocketed, with €26 billion in crypto ETP trading volume in 2024—up 300% from the year before. Now, they’re teaming up with Stratiphy to bring that momentum to the UK.
Russell Barlow, CEO of 21Shares, said that the FCA’s new rules are a huge breakthrough. They make it possible for retail investors to include crypto ETNs in tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs, giving people more ways to grow their wealth.
This update also offers a safer option for the 12% of UK adults who already own crypto directly. Instead of using risky offshore platforms, they now have regulated investment products with better protection and transparency.
In addition to helping individuals invest more safely, this change benefits the UK economy. It could bring in more trade volume, taxes, and innovation—all driven by the fast-growing crypto sector. The UK is positioning itself as a global leader in digital finance.
With regulated crypto ETNs on the way, investors can feel more confident about entering the crypto market. They’ll have access to high-quality investment tools that help them manage risk and tap into fast-growing opportunities.
This shift shows that the UK’s crypto market is maturing. As more people gain access to smart tools and safer options, demand will increase, sparking more innovation and growth in the space. Stratiphy and 21Shares are at the front of this movement, bringing advanced digital asset solutions to everyday investors.