Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s largest retail investment platform, has begun listing Bitcoin and Ether exchange traded notes (ETNs) for its roughly 2 million clients.

 

The listing, which comprises nine crypto ETNs from major issuers, including BlackRock’s iShares, WisdomTree, 21Shares, Invesco, CoinShares, and Bitwise, comes shortly after the Financial Conduct Authority lifted its four year ban on UK investors buying crypto ETNs in October 2025.

 

Eligible clients will now be able to buy, hold, and sell regulated Bitcoin and Ether exchange traded notes (ETNs), which track the prices of Bitcoin and Ether. Since the crypto ETNs only directly track the prices of the underlying cryptocurrencies, clients do not own the underlying assets.

 

Regarding the launch, Doug Abbott, Hargreaves Lansdown’s chief product officer, told the Financial Times, “We want clients to … understand what they are investing in,” adding that there would be the “right level of friction” involved in the buying process, given that highly volatile cryptocurrencies are not suitable for everyone.

 

According to Abbott, the launch of the ETNs followed consistent inquiries about the products from its sophisticated user base. The firm also said that the necessary security measures were already in place to ensure that the platform was safe and ready to support the ETNs.

 

About Hargreaves Lansdown

 

Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s largest direct to consumer retail investment platform, allowing private investors to save, invest, and manage their pensions. Through its app and platform, Hargreaves offers a wide range of products, including Stocks and Shares ISAs, SIPPs (self invested personal pensions), Fund and Share dealing accounts, cash savings, and ETFs.

 

Although Hargreaves had long held a cautious and skeptical view of cryptocurrencies and had frequently downplayed the economic relevance and potential of Bitcoin, it has had to adjust its position, particularly amid the rapid mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. This shift is evident in the launch of its crypto ETN offering.