Unlocking the potential of crypto investments with CoinShares

As you embark on your journey into the world of cryptocurrency investment, the path ahead is full of opportunities. Throughout this Beginner’s Guide, we’ve covered the fundamentals of crypto investment, reasons to believe in digital assets for the long run, the intricacies of crypto ETPs and ETFs, and the keys to building a resilient portfolio. Now that you’re ready to dive into crypto, it’s time to reflect on everything you’ve learned, from the advantages of exchange traded products for digital assets as part of a diversification strategy, all the way to choosing the right CoinShares product for you, whether that’s through an ETP or through an equity ETF.

A pioneer in digital asset investment

CoinShares is the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, delivering a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading, and securities to corporations, financial institutions, and individual investors.

Focusing on crypto since 2013, CoinShares has a decade-long track record of bringing innovative, best-in-class products to market. In 2015, CoinShares created the world’s first Bitcoin ETP through XBT Provider, followed by the first Ether ETP in 2017.

CoinShares by the numbers

• Founded: 2013

• First Bitcoin ETP: 2015 (Europe’s first regulated crypto ETP)

• Assets Under Management: Over $7 billion, as of 31 December 2025

• European Market Share: 32% of total regional AUM

• Global Standing: Among the top four digital asset managers worldwide, alongside BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale

• Listed: Publicly traded on Nasdaq (ticker: CSHR)

Selecting the right crypto exposure

When it comes to selecting the right crypto exposure for your investment journey, whether through an ETP or an equity ETF, there are as many possibilities as there are strategic objectives and risk appetites for your portfolio. Whether you’re drawn to direct exposure through individual assets or indexes, or indirect exposure through the shares of crypto-adjacent companies, there’s a world of opportunity waiting for you. From investing directly in single assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, to the diversification offered by crypto index ETPs, to gaining thematic exposure through an equity ETF, the choice is yours to make.

And hey, while crypto investment can become very tempting at times, remind yourself that there’s no need to go all in. Just a 5% allocation to Bitcoin and/or different crypto exposure in your portfolio can already make a significant impact.

CoinShares: guiding your investment journey with a comprehensive offering

Amidst the various options available in the crypto ETP and equity ETF space, CoinShares stands as a beacon of trust and reliability, offering a comprehensive suite of products designed to meet the diverse needs of investors. With a legacy of excellence spanning over a decade in Europe and growing activities in the US, CoinShares has earned a reputation for innovation, transparency, and investor-centricity, making it the preferred choice for discerning investors seeking regulated exposure to digital assets.

CoinShares’ product range comprises three main families: CoinShares Digital Securities (CSDS) in continental Europe, CoinShares XBT Provider for the Nordics, and CoinShares Equity ETFs (UCITS ICAV). Each family offers distinct advantages tailored to meet investor needs.

CoinShares Digital Securities (CSDS): building strong foundations

CoinShares Physical ETPs, introduced in 2021, represent a paradigm shift in crypto investing by offering 100% physically backed products. These ETPs, listed across Europe, provide investors with direct exposure to cryptocurrencies while ensuring asset segregation and investor protection. With innovative features such as built-in staking rewards, management fees reduced to 0.00% p.a. and diversified offerings, CoinShares Digital Securities cater to the evolving needs of European investors seeking secure and transparent crypto investments.

CoinShares XBT Provider: Nordic’s premier crypto ETP

CoinShares XBT Provider, launched in Sweden, is the pioneering platform behind the world’s first bitcoin ETP: Bitcoin Tracker One (2015). It was followed by Ether Tracker One (2017) and has grown into a diversified platform, with both physical and synthetic crypto ETPs listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, serving Swedish investors. In 2025, CoinShares XBT Provider also expanded its product offering with seven new physically-backed ETPs.

These products are widely used by Swedish retail and institutional investors. Since inception, they have attracted over $2 billion in capital inflows (as of July 2026).

CoinShares Equity ETFs: indirect exposure to crypto

CoinShares Equity ETFs offer a different way to access the digital asset economy. Rather than tracking a cryptocurrency directly, they invest in the shares of publicly listed companies whose businesses are tied to crypto, giving investors indirect, thematic exposure alongside their broader equity holdings.

The first product in this range is the CoinShares Bitcoin Mining UCITS ETF, which tracks the CoinShares Bitcoin Mining Index,¹ an index owned by CoinShares and administered and calculated by Solactive AG. The index tracks a portfolio of publicly listed Bitcoin mining companies, scored across factors including hashrate, Bitcoin mining margin, financial resilience, environmental efficiency and governance, with weights assigned proportionally to the square of each company’s composite score. The index is rebalanced quarterly, and its methodology is reviewed at least annually,² so investors should always check the latest index guideline on Solactive’s website for the current rules.

Access CoinShares ETPs and ETFs through your broker

To gain exposure through the products listed above, simply search using the product name or its unique ISIN to integrate these investment solutions into your portfolio. The minimum investment may vary depending on your broker’s policy, but it is generally around one share of the chosen ETP or ETF.

Considerations for investors navigating the crypto landscape

As you navigate the intricate terrain of crypto investment, equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions is paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the world of crypto, understanding the nuances of ETPs and equity ETFs, and the key considerations for portfolio construction, will empower you on your investment journey. When selecting a product, investors must consider various factors, including structure, fees, and regulatory compliance. CoinShares’ ETPs and ETFs prioritise transparency, investor protection, and regulatory adherence, ensuring that investors can confidently participate in the crypto market while mitigating risks. With a comprehensive product range, backed by years of expertise and a dedication to investor protection, CoinShares stands as a trusted partner for investors navigating the dynamic landscape of digital asset investments.

Explore CoinShares’ diverse range of ETPs and ETFs and discover how you can unlock the potential of crypto investments with Europe’s leading alternative asset manager.

Any doubts or remaining questions? Don’t hesitate to consult the other articles of this Beginner’s Guide. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your crypto investment journey.

Key risks

As with any investment, there are risks involved when investing in CoinShares’ crypto ETPs and equity ETFs.

• Volatility: crypto prices are highly volatile, and this volatility flows through to the price of crypto ETPs and, indirectly, to the shares held by crypto-adjacent equity ETFs.

• Structure: CoinShares’ crypto ETPs are generally structured as debt securities, not equities. CoinShares Equity ETFs, by contrast, are structured as funds holding equities and do not directly hold or track the price of any cryptocurrency.

• Company and market risk: because equity ETFs invest in operating companies, their returns also depend on company specific factors and broader equity market conditions, and may diverge from the price of the underlying cryptocurrency.

• No guarantees: past performance is not indicative of future returns.

• Risk of capital loss : ETPs involve a risk of capital loss and the capital invested is not guaranteed.

Investors should seek professional advice to evaluate whether a crypto allocation aligns with their goals and objectives.

Please refer to the Prospectus before making any investment decision, as well as the Key Information Document, available free of charge from CoinShares and on coinshares.com.

Sources

1. Solactive AG, “CoinShares Bitcoin Mining Index NTR”, index page (ISIN DE000SL0T758),

2. Solactive AG, “CoinShares Bitcoin Mining Index” guideline, 29 April 2026