Hargreaves Lansdown Joins UK Crypto Market with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETNs

Hargreaves Lansdown, one of the UK's largest retail investment platforms, has finally opened up access to Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for eligible clients. This move comes after a long period of hesitation, with the platform previously stating that it did not consider Bitcoin an asset class.

From September 3, 2026, Hargreaves Lansdown will offer nine products through its Advanced Investing service, issued by companies such as BlackRock's iShares and WisdomTree. These ETNs are designed to track the prices of Bitcoin or Ethereum without requiring investors to hold wallets or private keys.

The ongoing product charges range from zero to 0.35% per year. While this may seem low, it's essential to note that these investments are considered highly volatile and come with significant risks. Hargreaves Lansdown is emphasizing the importance of understanding these risks by implementing various safeguards and restrictions for access.

Clients must self-certify as advanced investors, complete an online appropriateness assessment, and undergo a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before accessing the notes. There are two routes to eligibility: restricted investors who intend to keep high-risk holdings below 10% of their qualifying net assets or certified high-net-worth individuals with income above £100,000 or net assets above £250,000.

This listing marks a significant step for UK retail crypto access, as Hargreaves Lansdown serves around two million clients and oversees more than £170 billion in assets. The platform's cautious approach may indicate that it is not treating Bitcoin or Ethereum as core holdings but rather offering a regulated wrapper for clients who already want exposure to these assets.