WisdomTree Secures UK Approval for BTC and ETH ETPs
The prominent global fund manager is set to list Bitcoin and Ethereum Exchange-Traded Products on the LSE
May 22, 2024 03:42 PM
Reading time: 2 minutes, 18 seconds
TL;DR This groundbreaking milestone allows institutional investors in the U.K. to access regulated crypto investments. Trading will begin on May 28.
WisdomTree, a prominent global fund manager, has made a significant breakthrough in cryptocurrency investment.
The firm has announced that it has obtained approval from the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to list Bitcoin and Ethereum Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
This move marks a pivotal moment for institutional investors seeking exposure to the crypto market through regulated channels in the U.K.
WisdomTree's Big Win
In a recent announcement, WisdomTree unveiled its plans to introduce physically-backed Bitcoin (BTCW) and Ethereum (ETHW) ETPs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) following approval from the FCA.
WisdomTree's achievement in securing FCA approval for its crypto ETPs is a testament to its credibility and innovation. As one of the first issuers to receive such approval, the fund manager is paving the way for broader institutional adoption of crypto assets.
It also marks a significant milestone for the broader industry, let alone the fund manager. Notably, these Bitcoin and Ether ETPs are expected to be available for trading on May 28, catering initially to professional investors.
Competitive Pricing and Institutional Adoption
WisdomTree's Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs stand out for their competitive pricing. With a management expense ratio (MER) of just 0.35%, these ETPs offer institutional-grade exposure to leading cryptocurrencies at a cost-effective rate.
This MER positions them as competitively priced options for institutional-grade exposure to these leading cryptocurrencies. Alexis Marinof, Head of Europe at WisdomTree, hailed the FCA approval as a game-changer for UK-based investors. He noted that it could potentially open the floodgates for broader institutional adoption of crypto assets, painting a promising future for the industry.
"It could pave the way for broader institutional adoption of crypto assets," said Alexis Marinof.
A Legacy of Innovation
WisdomTree's pioneering journey into the cryptocurrency market began in 2019 with the introduction of the WisdomTree Physical Bitcoin ETP. This marked a significant milestone as the first traditional ETP issuer to offer such exposure to European investors, demonstrating our deep-rooted expertise and commitment to innovation.
Since its entry into the cryptocurrency market in 2019, WisdomTree has been at the forefront of innovation. It has expanded its crypto ETP lineup to include a diverse range of offerings, from single coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to diversified crypto baskets, providing investors with a wide array of investment options.
Broad European Reach
In addition, with its ETPs already listed on several European exchanges, including Deutsche Börse Xetra, SIX Swiss Exchange, and Euronext Paris and Amsterdam, WisdomTree has been instrumental in democratizing crypto investment across the continent.
The availability of these ETPs in multiple European countries underscores WisdomTree's unwavering commitment to providing accessible and regulated avenues for crypto investment. We strive to cater to investors across the continent, ensuring that no one is left behind in this exciting financial revolution.