Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s Crypto ETNs a safer way to invest in Bitcoin?
Hargreaves Lansdown now offers access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through ETNs. But these crypto products cannot be held within a Stocks and Shares ISA account.
For a long time, it wasn’t possible to invest in Bitcoin and other crypto assets with Hargreaves Lansdown. However, things changed in September 2026, when the firm launched a range of crypto-focused exchange-traded notes (ETNs).
In this review, we’ll take a look at the firm’s crypto offering. We’ll also explore the advantages and disadvantages of using the platform to invest in digital assets.
Hargreaves Lansdown Cryptocurrency Investing Expert Review & Rating: Updated 09/09/2026
Account: Hargraves Lansdown Cryptocurrency ETNs
Description: Hargreaves Lansdown offers access to a range of crypto exchange-traded notes (crypto ETNs). These are regulated stock market-listed investments that track cryptocurrency prices. With these products, you can get exposure to crypto prices without holding any crypto-assets directly yourself and without having to worry about things like crypto wallets and passkeys. And you can trade them just like regular stocks. The launch of Hargreaves Lansdown's crypto ETNs is a positive development. At last, UK investors can access crypto assets through the platform. However, at this stage, the offering is rather limited. And getting set-up to trade is a slow, cumbersome process.
What crypto products does Hargreaves Lansdown offer?
At present, there are a range of crypto ETNs that have ongoing charges on offer including:
- 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC) – 0.10%
- 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP (ETHC) – 0.10%
- Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC3) – 0.05%
- Coinshares Bitcoin ETP (BITP) – 0.15%
- Coinshares Ethereum Staking ETP (ETHP) – 0.00%
- Invesco Physical Bitcoin (BTIP) – 0.10%
- iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) – 0.15%
- Wisdomtree Physical Bitcoin (WXBT) – 0.15%
- Wisdomtree Physical Ethereum (WETP) – 0.35%
Of the crypto funds on HL, the iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) is the most well-known. Managed by BlackRock, it is the largest Bitcoin fund in the world.
How do Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs work?
Crypto ETNs are debt securities issued by financial institutions. Issuers use investors’ capital to buy and hold crypto-assets on behalf of the investors. With these products, you don’t own the crypto-assets yourself directly. Instead, you own a product that is designed to track the price of certain crypto assets.
Can you hold Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs in a Stocks and Shares ISA? Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs cannot be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA. They can either be held in a regular Fund and Share Account or a SIPP.
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETN fees With Hargreaves Lansdown, there are a range of fees to be aware of:
- Annual account charge to hold Crypto ETNs in a Fund and Share Account or SIPP – 0.35% (capped at £12.50 per month).
- Dealing charges – these range between £3.95 and £6.95 per deal, depending on dealing frequency.
- Crypto ETNs fund management charges – these range from 0.00 to 0.35%.
Who can invest in Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are available only to certain types of investors:
- Certified high-net-worth individuals with an annual income above £100,000 or net assets above £250,000 (excluding your home, your pension, and any rights under qualifying contracts of insurance).
- Restricted investors who intend to invest less than 10% of their net assets (excluding their home, pension, and any rights under qualifying contracts of insurance).
Note that before you can invest in a crypto ETN, you’ll need to pass an appropriateness assessment confirming you have enough knowledge and experience.
How to trade crypto ETNs with Hargreaves Lansdown
Trading crypto ETNs with Hargreaves Lansdown is a rather cumbersome process. First, you must self-certify as an advanced investor. Then, you must complete a suitability questionnaire. Once this is completed, you then need to wait 24 hours to be able to see the range of products on offer. Finally, you have to review the investment criteria before you can trade. Obviously, these steps are designed to protect investors. However, compared to other crypto platforms, getting set up to trade was slow.
Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s Crypto ETNs protected by the FSCS?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Meanwhile, the Financial Ombudsman Service does not cover poor investment performance.
Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs risky?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are high-risk investments. With these products, you should be prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Platform and app Hargreaves Lansdown’s platform and app are well designed and easy to use. However, they do have their flaws. For example, on the desktop platform, US stock prices are displayed in pence. That’s not ideal.
Research and value added
Hargreaves Lansdown does offer research on its website. However, there is minimal research dedicated to crypto-assets.
Customer service
Hargreaves Lansdown’s customer service is generally solid, however, it’s not what it used to be. For example, during the week, phone support is only available between 8am and 5pm now.
Pros
- You can invest in crypto-assets via a regulated structure
- Don’t need a crypto wallet or private keys
- You can hold the products in a regular brokerage account or SIPP
Cons
- Gaining access is a cumbersome process
- The products cannot be held within a Stocks and Shares ISA
- You don’t own the crypto-assets directly
- Pricing (4)
- Market Access (3)
- App & Platform (5)
- Customer Service (4)
- Research & Analysis (2)
Overall
3.6
Based in London, Edward is a distinguished investment writer with an extensive client portfolio comprising a diverse array of prominent financial services firms across the globe. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in private wealth management and institutional asset management, both in the UK and Australia, he possesses a profound understanding of the finance industry.
Before establishing himself as a writer, Edward earned a Commerce degree from the prestigious University of Melbourne. Complementing his academic background, he holds the esteemed Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and is a proud holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification.
Widely recognised as a sought-after investment expert, Edward’s insightful perspectives and analyses have been featured on sites such as BlackRock, Credit Suisse, WisdomTree, Motley Fool, eToro, and CMC Markets, among others.
