Exchange traded product issuer 21Shares and personalised wealth management platform Stratiphy have partnered to offer regulated access to cryptocurrencies and digital assets for UK investors.
This comes as the Financial Conduct Authority is expected to introduce changes to enable UK retail investors to access crypto Exchange Trade Notes (ETNs).
Through this partnership, Stratiphy users will be able to invest directly into crypto ETNs and include crypto assets within their current investment strategies on the app, alongside fiat investments, which it said will allow more personalisation and control over their portfolios.
With the FCA opening up the cryptocurrency market to retail investors, Stratiphy said its users will be able to access what has traditionally been a highly lucrative asset class.
It said the value of Bitcoin has increased 88 per cent over the past 12 months whilst Ethereum has risen 73 per cent during the same period.
Daniel Gold, CEO and founder of Stratiphy, said: “Investor demand for digital assets continues to soar as people increasingly look to diversify their portfolios and search for better long-term returns.
“Becoming 21Shares’ first UK partner ensures that we’re able to offer investors access to this asset class as soon as the FCA gives its approval for crypto ETNs.
“This is another key step in providing everyday investors with the tools needed to access the same institutional-grade investment options offered to professionals.”
The crypto exchange traded products space is growing with €26bn traded on European exchanges in 2024, an increase of more than 300 per cent compared to the previous year.
Recent research conducted by Aviva Insurance also revealed that a quarter (27 per cent) of UK adults would consider investing in cryptocurrency as part of their retirement planning as digital offerings continue to attract investors.
21Shares said it currently offers the largest suite of physically backed crypto ETPs globally, with over 50 products listed across Europe and more than $11bn in assets under management.
Gold said: “Investors across Europe have been enjoying access to crypto within a regulated framework for years now, and the UK is finally catching-up.
“The crypto market presents many exciting investment opportunities, and 21Shares is the ideal partner as we share a common vision to open up the best opportunities to everyday investors.”
Russell Barlow, CEO of 21Shares, added: “With Stratiphy’s AI powered backtesting a key feature in their wealth management offering, we feel they are the perfect partner to help inform users about the potential and benefits of investing into digital assets.
“Cryptocurrency in particular will give UK investors the chance to diversify their portfolio into what is quickly becoming a very desirable asset class for investors across the globe.”
Stratiphy was granted regulatory approval by the FCA in 2024.
sonia.rach@ft.com
