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Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs debut on London Stock Exchange

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has granted approval for Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products (ETPs) to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This approval marks a milestone in the integration of digital assets into traditional financial markets, providing investors with regulated and secure avenues for cryptocurrency exposure.

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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has granted approval for Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products (ETPs) to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This approval marks a milestone in the integration of digital assets into traditional financial markets, providing investors with regulated and secure avenues for cryptocurrency exposure.

The newly approved ETPs will be managed by 21Shares and CoinShares, two prominent firms in the cryptocurrency investment space. These products will enable investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum without directly holding the underlying assets, thereby mitigating some of the risks associated with cryptocurrency custody.

Hany Rashwan, CEO of 21Shares, expressed enthusiasm about the approval, stating, “This is a significant step forward in our mission to make cryptocurrency investments accessible to a broader audience. Listing on the London Stock Exchange, one of the world’s leading financial markets, underscores the growing acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance.”

The ETPs are designed to track the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing institutional and retail investors with a regulated product that offers direct exposure to these leading cryptocurrencies. This development is expected to attract a new wave of investors who have been hesitant to enter the crypto market due to concerns about regulatory oversight and security.

CoinShares’ Chief Strategy Officer, Meltem Demirors, highlighted the importance of this move for the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies. “The FCA’s approval is a testament to the maturity and credibility of the cryptocurrency market. It paves the way for further innovation and integration of digital assets into the global financial ecosystem,” she said.

The introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the LSE is anticipated to enhance market liquidity and provide a more straightforward investment vehicle for those looking to diversify their portfolios with digital assets. Additionally, this move aligns with the FCA’s broader efforts to establish a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, ensuring investor protection and market integrity.

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Tether USDT stablecoin seen on Bolivian store price tags

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Retailers across Bolivia are now quoting prices in Tether’s USDT stablecoin for everyday goods like chocolates, sunglasses, and snacks, according to Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino.

The shift reflects growing reliance on stable digital currency as Bolivians seek protection against volatility in the boliviano, with USDT providing a more predictable value for both consumers and merchants.

Ardoino highlighted that using digital dollars at the point of sale offers practical advantages for everyday shoppers, and analysts suggest this could serve as a model for other countries facing currency instability.

This development builds on earlier steps toward crypto integration in Bolivia—most notably, the launch of USDT custody services by Banco Bisa in October 2024, under the oversight of the country’s financial regulator.

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Metaplanet shares jump after $5.4B plan to buy Bitcoin

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Tokyo-based Metaplanet has unveiled plans to significantly boost its Bitcoin reserves, targeting the acquisition of 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026—up from its previous goal of 21,000 BTC. The announcement, shared via X on June 6, follows a recent purchase increasing its holdings to 8,888 BTC and signals a bold move to expand its crypto presence .

The firm intends to buy at least an additional 91,112 BTC over the next 18 months. CEO Simon Gerovich emphasized that this accelerated acquisition is a deliberate response to global financial shifts, including geopolitical tensions, excessive sovereign debt, and growing doubts over traditional safe-haven assets like bonds and gold.

To fund this plan, Metaplanet will issue up to 555 million new shares via stock acquisition rights, supplementing its existing 210 million-share program. The issuance is expected to raise around ¥770.3 billion (approximately $5.32 billion) at an initial strike price of ¥1,388 per share.

Looking ahead, the company aims to hold over 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027—roughly 1% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply cap. This ambitious growth trajectory cements Metaplanet’s status as Asia’s leading corporate Bitcoin holder—a strategy that echoes the approach taken by U.S. firm MicroStrategy.

As Metaplanet positions itself for further expansion, its aggressive accumulation strategy and large-scale capital raising mark a transformative shift in how non-financial firms are using corporate treasury to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies.

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Coinbase says it’s tackling frozen accounts in ‘major issue’

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Coinbase announced it has cut back on unnecessary account freezes by 82%, following extensive user complaints about prolonged access limitations. CEO Brian Armstrong acknowledged this issue on June 6 via a post on X, describing account freezes as “a major issue” that had been tolerated for “longer than is acceptable.” He confirmed the problem is now being prioritized and urged affected users to contact Coinbase Support.

The improvement follows sustained frustration among users who reported being locked out of their accounts—sometimes for weeks or months—without clear explanations or timely support. Armstrong credited the swift progress to the recent hiring of product expert Dor Levi, whose team revamped Coinbase’s machine learning systems to minimize false positives in fraud detection.

Despite reducing “false positives,” both Armstrong and Levi cautioned that certain freezes will still occur in cases involving legal requirements or fraud prevention. Levi admitted the current level of support still “doesn’t meet [his] own bar” and pledged to continue refining the process. Meanwhile, user sentiment remains divided, as many continue to report lingering issues and slow customer service.

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