How to invest in Cryptocurrencies using ETFs/ETNs

How do I invest in Crypto ETFs/ETNs?

Cryptocurrencies are independent of conventional, governmental currency systems such as the Euro or the Dollar. Popular cryptocurrencies are, for example, Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash and Ripple. For cryptocurrencies, the right to ownership is controlled through the possession of computer-generated keys. Payments are cryptographically legitimised and processed via a network of computers with equal rights – without the need for a bank. The administration is based on a decentralised, synchronised accounting system, the so-called blockchain.

The exchange rate of a cryptocurrency to conventional currencies follows the principle of pricing on a stock exchange. New crypto-coins are created by solving cryptographic challenges, which require high amounts of energy and computer capacity. This process is called mining. For some cryptocurrencies, the maximum number of coins is limited. This applies to Bitcoin, for example.

Many investors have started to use cryptocurrencies as a digital asset rather than a payment method. Investors can participate in the returns of a cryptocurrency via Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). Most ETNs hold large parts of the invested assets in physical coins as collateral. In most European countries, there are no crypto ETFs due to the legal framework defined by the UCITS guidelines. The regulations do not allow to launch a UCITS fund with only one component.

Some crypto ETNs track a basket of different currencies and thus offer the possibility to invest in several cryptocurrencies with one single product.

Another particularity are products that include staking rewards. Adding new blocks to a proof-of-stake blockchain requires existing holders to 'stake' their coins. In return for staking, they are provided with staking rewards. In the case of crypto ETNs, these staking rewards can be shared with investors both in terms of a reduced management fee (possibly as low as 0%) and/or an increasing coin entitlement. Note that staking is only possible for cryptocurrencies that use a proof-of-stake mechanism to create new units. While Bitcoin is currently not one of them, Ether is, since it switched to a proof-of-stake mechanism in September 2022.

Blockchain ETFs provide an opportunity to invest in the fast-growing crypto market via ETFs, though. The indices tracked by such ETFs are composed of companies that deal with infrastructure, processes and technologies related to the blockchain technology.

In this investment guide, you will find all physically-backed ETNs that allow you to invest in a cryptocurrency.
 

Performance of cryptocurrencies in comparison

Source: justETF Research; As of: 14-01-2025

When choosing a Crypto ETF or ETN one should consider several other factors in addition to the methodology of the underlying index and performance of an ETF. For better comparison, you will find a list of all Crypto ETFs/ETNs with details on size, cost, age, income, domicile and replication method ranked by fund size.

Compare all Crypto ETFs/ETNs in detail
Compare all Crypto ETFs/ETNs in a chart

Source: justETF.com; As of 14-01-2025

Return comparison of all Crypto ETFs/ETNs

The table shows the returns of all Crypto ETFs/ETNs in comparison. All return figures are including dividends as of month end. Besides the return the reference date on which you conduct the comparison is important. In order to find the best ETFs, you can also perform a chart comparison.

• Cumulative
• Calendar year

Source: justETF.com; As of 31-12-2024; Calculations in EUR including dividends