Best Bitcoin ETF in the UK to Watch for In-Depth Crypto Exposure

Between shifting FCA rules, new listings on European exchanges, and a constant flood of headlines, it’s easy to lose track of what’s available and what’s actually worth considering. That’s precisely why this guide focuses on the best Bitcoin ETF UK options, highlighting the most practical, regulated ways to get Bitcoin exposure without holding the coins yourself.

The obvious question on most people's minds is simple: Can you buy a Bitcoin ETF in UK markets at all? Until recently, strict retail bans on crypto-linked products made that difficult. While exchanges like Binance and Bybit offer direct crypto trading, they aren’t FCA-regulated. New options through approved brokers are now making Bitcoin ETFs more accessible to UK investors.

By the end of this article, you’ll know which ETF structures suit UK investors. These details can help you decide if a Bitcoin ETF complements your broader investment strategy.

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Are Bitcoin ETFs Legal in the UK?

In short, no. UK regulators currently prohibit the sale of crypto-linked exchange-traded products to retail investors. As a result, it is not possible to buy a Bitcoin ETF through UK-based brokers or platforms unless the investor qualifies as a professional.

The restriction began in January 2021 when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced a ban on selling crypto derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) to retail clients.

At the time, the regulator argued that the risks, including extreme volatility, potential market abuse, and the lack of a reliable valuation basis, outweighed any potential benefits for everyday investors. While the FCA’s ruling technically targeted ETNs rather than ETFs, it effectively prevented the launch of UK-listed Bitcoin ETFs aimed at the general public.

Momentum began shifting in June 2025 when the FCA proposed lifting that four-year restriction. Regulators described the change as a way to enhance Britain’s cryptocurrency competitiveness and bring local markets closer to their US and European counterparts.

David Geale, executive director of payments and digital finance at the FCA, said:

We want to rebalance our approach to risk, and lifting the ban would allow people to choose whether such a high-risk investment is right for them, given they could lose all their money.

In October 2025, the FCA will allow retail consumers to access certain crypto ETNs traded on regulated UK-based investment exchanges. Although the change will apply to ETNs rather than ETFs, it signals a more open regulatory approach that could eventually pave the way for Bitcoin ETFs in the UK.

📚 Read More: Crypto ETFs Explained

Top 8 Bitcoin ETF Alternatives in the UK

Even though UK residents still cannot invest in spot Bitcoin ETFs, some alternatives offer equity-based, blockchain-themed exposure to the cryptocurrency market. Understanding the recent regulatory changes and the range of product types available makes it easier to identify which funds merit attention as rules evolve and new listings appear on European and global exchanges.

iShares Blockchain Technology UCITS ETF (BLKC)

The iShares Blockchain Technology UCITS ETF (BLKC) offers a route into companies that build the backbone of cryptocurrency ecosystems. Managed by BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, it tracks the NYSE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Capped Index.

Table: BLKC crypto ETF details

The benchmark includes firms working on blockchain infrastructure, chip design for mining, and wider crypto‑focused innovation. In discussions about the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF UK, this fund often emerges as a regulated alternative for investors seeking blockchain exposure through equity markets.

Launched in September 2022 and domiciled in Ireland, BLKC's structure appeals to those looking for diversified global coverage across multiple sectors within the industry. Investors effectively hold a basket of companies shaping the future of digital finance, from hardware suppliers to software innovators.

Key benefits include:

• Broad access to blockchain-related companies, covering research, enablement, and deployment of crypto technologies.
• Indirect participation in cryptocurrency mining through firms designing and manufacturing validation chips.
• A regulated UCITS structure that fits European standards, making it easier to include in diversified portfolios.

While BLKC avoids direct Bitcoin volatility, it still carries risks tied to the underlying companies and counterparties involved in managing fund assets. That distinction matters for UK investors comparing pure‑play Bitcoin ETFs with blockchain‑themed equity products.

Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH)

The Global X Blockchain UCITS ETF focuses on companies poised to benefit from the accelerating adoption of blockchain technology worldwide. It tracks the Solactive Blockchain v2 Index, which includes digital asset miners, transaction facilitators, hardware producers, and application developers.

Table: BKCH crypto ETF details

As the blockchain market size is forecasted to expand from $10 billion in 2022 to more than $1.4 trillion by 2030, BKCH positions itself as a thematic way to participate in that growth trajectory and often appears alongside some of the best crypto ETFs UK investors review when comparing blockchain participation.

Built for investors seeking diversified exposure to blockchain, BKCH bridges multiple segments of the digital asset ecosystem. Its portfolio spans firms that enable financial transactions, support decentralized infrastructure, and integrate blockchain into real-world services.

That breadth creates a global lens, rather than focusing on one geography or niche, and appeals to investors who value comprehensive coverage of the sector’s evolution.

Key highlights include:

• Access to companies in mining, blockchain hardware, and digital asset transactions.
• Focus on blockchain applications and integration across multiple industries.
• A benchmark tied to the Solactive Blockchain v2 Index, reviewed periodically to reflect current market dynamics.

What I like about BKCH is how it taps into blockchain’s broader potential. It’s one of the solid options for any portfolio focused on innovation.

Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ)

The Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ) is designed to capture the momentum of companies driving the cryptocurrency economy. The fund was launched on May 11, 2021, and is managed by Bitwise, one of the largest dedicated crypto-asset managers in the market.

Table: BITQ crypto ETF details

It tracks the Bitwise Crypto Innovators 30 Index, which focuses on firms building core infrastructure for digital assets, including Bitcoin miners, crypto brokerages, and blockchain service providers.

BITQ maintains a pure-play approach through its quarterly rebalanced index. At least 85% of its holdings remain in companies that generate the majority of their revenue directly from crypto-related activities.

The remainder is allocated to diversified businesses that hold crypto assets or are actively expanding into the sector. That design positions the ETF as a way to access the high-growth potential of crypto equities through a familiar, regulated investment structure.

Key highlights include:

• Pure-play exposure to companies central to the crypto ecosystem.
• An index leveraging Bitwise’s expertise in identifying industry innovators.
• A traditional ETF format without direct crypto asset custody.

If you lean toward equities, I'd say BITQ creates a manageable crypto footprint. It follows a traditional ETF structure, which fits nicely into conventional portfolios while still capturing growth in the crypto space.

VanEck Crypto and Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF (DAPP)

The VanEck Crypto and Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF (DAPP) gives investors a way to track the MVIS Global Digital Assets Equity Index. This index focuses on companies driving the digital asset space, covering everything from crypto mining operators to blockchain infrastructure developers.

Table: DAPP crypto ETF details

The fund launched in April 2021 and is domiciled in Ireland. In discussions around the best Bitcoin ETF UK, DAPP serves as an equity-based option for indirect crypto involvement within regulated European markets.

A quarterly rebalancing process keeps the holdings aligned with evolving blockchain trends. As a result, the structure helps investors capture emerging leaders without manually tracking each stock.

Key highlights include:

• Access to global digital asset companies spanning platforms, infrastructure, and mining operations.
• A UCITS‑compliant structure suited to European regulatory frameworks.
• Index reviews are conducted quarterly to maintain thematic relevance as the industry evolves.

While DAPP’s focus on a narrower group of issuers can amplify both gains and losses, it offers a targeted way for UK investors to gain equity‑based footing in blockchain innovation. Such a concentration risk is worth weighing against its potential for higher returns during market upswings.

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Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK)

The Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK) approaches blockchain investing through active management - a strategy that adapts to the rapid changes in the cryptocurrency landscape.

Table: BLOK crypto ETF details

Unlike purely passive funds, BLOK’s portfolio managers rebalance holdings as industry trends, regulations, and new technologies emerge. Since its inception in 2018, the fund has focused on companies that build, utilize, or support blockchain technology.

BLOK invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities tied to blockchain innovation. That includes firms developing crypto infrastructure, collaborating on blockchain consortiums, or offering a link to digital assets such as bitcoin ETPs.

Key highlights include:

• Active management with a focus on blockchain developers, infrastructure firms, and partners.
• A strategy responsive to emerging regulations and market trends.
• Holdings include companies leveraging blockchain in both tangible and digital asset contexts.

Among the best Bitcoin ETFs in the UK, BLOK comes across as one of the more adaptive options. It’s actively managed, which helps it keep pace with rapid changes in the sector.

First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry and Digital Economy ETF (CRPT)

First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry and Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) targets companies driving innovation in cryptocurrency and the broader digital economy.

Table: CRPT crypto ETF details

Managed by SkyBridge Capital, the fund commits at least 80% of its net assets to equities and American depositary receipts (ADRs) tied to blockchain and crypto-related firms. At least half of that goes to companies generating significant revenue directly from the crypto industry, while the remainder targets digital economy businesses supporting blockchain growth.

It may also allocate up to 25% to Bitcoin ETPs, depending on broader diversification goals and shifting market conditions. Such flexibility helps diversify the fund’s digital asset holdings in response to market shifts.

CRPT’s bottom-up research targets companies driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure, crypto services, and select ETPs. The portfolio includes both US and global companies, with room for small-cap players poised to shape the industry’s next phase.

Key highlights include:

• A dual focus on crypto industry companies and digital economy firms.
• Allocation across bitcoin ETPs alongside equities supporting blockchain innovation.
• Research‑driven selection identifying high‑growth opportunities across global markets.

When researching the best crypto ETFs in the UK, I found that CRPT’s mix of blockchain and digital economy holdings is worth noting. Its broader scope could appeal to investors tracking long-term blockchain innovation.

📚 Read More: The Future of Blockchain

Invesco CoinShares Global Blockchain UCITS ETF (BCHN)

The Invesco CoinShares Global Blockchain UCITS ETF (BCHN) offers exposure to companies worldwide that participate in or are expected to benefit from blockchain technology.

Table: BCHN crypto ETF details

Tracking the CoinShares Blockchain Global Equity Index, the fund spans both developed and emerging markets, adapting quarterly to reflect the evolving nature of the blockchain ecosystem. Its methodology accounts for liquidity and UCITS constraints, offering an accessible route for investors seeking blockchain-focused equity in regulated European markets.

Constructed by CoinShares, a digital asset investment firm known for institutional crypto strategies, the index prioritizes companies whose blockchain involvement may otherwise be overlooked.

BCHN’s passive approach ensures alignment with the index’s performance, capturing potential growth in sectors closely tied to blockchain innovation, including finance, supply chain, and digital infrastructure.

Key highlights include:

• Passive strategy tracking the CoinShares Blockchain Global Equity Index.
• Global reach across developed and emerging markets.
• Regular quarterly rebalancing to reflect blockchain industry changes.

For investors researching the best crypto ETFs UK, BCHN represents a UCITS-compliant option tailored for a multi-sector blockchain equity focus.

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Differences Between Bitcoin ETFs and Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Understanding the difference between Bitcoin ETFs and spot Bitcoin ETFs is like comparing two light bulbs that look similar but run on different power sources. The key distinction lies in what they hold and how they derive their value.

Monika Calay, director of passive research strategies at Morningstar, said:

The primary difference between a spot ETF and other crypto ETFs is in the assets they hold and how they attract their value.

A spot Bitcoin ETF directly holds the cryptocurrency itself, physically storing Bitcoin so its value moves in real time with the price of Bitcoin. Investors essentially own a share of the cryptocurrency, with performance that closely tracks its market price, minus fees and costs.

Other Bitcoin ETFs gain access through instruments like futures contracts, options, or shares of companies tied to the crypto industry. These funds provide indirect involvement rather than holding the cryptocurrency itself. Compared to these structures, spot Bitcoin ETFs are generally seen as providing purer exposure to Bitcoin’s price.^[1]

Where to Buy Bitcoin ETFs in the UK

UK residents cannot purchase spot Bitcoin ETFs directly on domestic exchanges. Instead, access comes through brokers that list Bitcoin‑related ETPs on European or US markets.

Using an FCA‑regulated broker ensures compliance with local investor‑protection laws and provides Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) coverage of up to £85,000 in case the broker fails.

For anyone exploring where to buy Bitcoin ETFs in the UK, the right platform depends on cost structure, available markets, and features geared toward long‑term investors. Below is a comparison of notable brokers offering access to Bitcoin‑related ETFs and ETPs for UK residents:

Table: Comparison of UK brokers for Bitcoin ETFs

During my research, I also noticed that a lot of investors search for the phrase “Vanguard Bitcoin ETF UK” when looking for options. Unfortunately, Vanguard does not offer any Bitcoin or blockchain‑related ETFs.

Its funds remain focused on traditional equities and bonds, which is why Vanguard is absent from the comparison above. Investors seeking a Bitcoin‑linked connection will need to use other FCA‑regulated brokers that provide access to third‑party ETFs or ETPs.

Key Points to Weigh Before Buying a Bitcoin ETF

After reviewing the main Bitcoin ETFs available to UK investors, the next step is understanding what drives their performance and risk profile. Each fund follows a different structure and may react differently to market events, so comparing them requires more than a glance at their names or tickers. Gaining this context helps form a clearer picture before deciding where to commit capital.

Bitcoin’s Inherent Volatility and Risks

Bitcoin itself is famously volatile, with prices capable of moving dramatically within hours. That same volatility flows directly into the ETFs that track it. Short‑term traders might see opportunity in these rapid moves, but long‑term investors can find the swings difficult to manage.

Price swings are not the only concern. Bitcoin’s decentralized network brings its own vulnerabilities, including the risk of security breaches, market manipulation, or rare scenarios such as a “51% attack”, where one group controls most of the mining power. Even though such events are unlikely, they remain part of the risk profile for Bitcoin ETFs.

Another issue stems from Bitcoin’s ownership structure. A relatively small number of wallets hold a large share of the total supply, and sudden transactions by these holders can jolt market prices. That concentration adds another layer of caution for anyone considering Bitcoin ETFs as part of their portfolio.

Regulatory and Technology Uncertainty

Cryptocurrency regulation continues to evolve, often unevenly across different jurisdictions. ETFs holding Bitcoin-related companies can face sudden impacts from new rules or restrictions in the regions where those companies operate, affecting their value without much warning.

At the same time, blockchain is still growing as a technology, and not every risk is fully understood yet. Hacks, thefts, and operational failures remain possible risks for firms tied to Bitcoin, and those risks can influence ETFs linked to these companies.

Liquidity can also be tricky. Since many crypto assets don’t trade on traditional stock exchanges, prices can swing fast, leaving them more vulnerable to manipulation. Deep researching where to buy Bitcoin ETF UK on reputable platforms helps reduce some of these liquidity concerns.

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Market Conditions and Operational Risks

Broader economic and geopolitical events^[2] can shape Bitcoin ETF performance as much as crypto‑specific developments. Changes in interest rates, global tensions, or even unexpected health crises can influence investor behavior and trigger sharp moves in ETF prices.

On a more technical level, operational risks are still worth keeping in mind. Bitcoin ETFs rely heavily on digital infrastructure, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. A serious breach could lead to financial loss, harm the fund’s reputation, or attract unwanted regulatory attention. Even with strong protections, no system is completely risk-free.

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Conclusions

The search for the best Bitcoin ETF in the UK often runs into the reality that spot Bitcoin ETFs remain out of reach for most retail investors. While the direct route to tracking Bitcoin’s price is not yet an option here, the alternatives covered in this article give you equity-based and blockchain-themed exposure that can still fit into a crypto-focused investment plan.

Anyone wondering how to invest in a Bitcoin ETF can begin by checking whether their stockbrokers or trading apps list products available to UK residents, even if they are not spot Bitcoin ETFs. Keeping tabs on regulatory updates and watching for new listings on crypto exchanges can also help you be ready when more choices open up.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

Scientific References

1. Krause, D.: ‘The Rise of Spot Cryptocurrency ETFs: Implications for Institutional Investors’;

2. Kunjal, D.: ‘Does Geopolitical Risk Matter for ETF Flows in Emerging Markets?’.