The UK regulatory authority lifts the ban on cryptocurrency ETNs for retail investors.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has lifted the ban on cryptocurrency trading note products (cETN) for retail investors, effective from October 8. The ban was issued in 2021 due to concerns about high volatility and lack of legitimate investment demand. The FCA stated that the market has developed and the product has become more popular and easier to understand.

Unlike ETFs, cETNs are not backed by underlying assets but are a debt obligation committed by the issuing organization. Investors can access cryptocurrencies through cETNs via exchanges or traditional banks. However, the FCA has not yet allowed cryptocurrency derivative products to return.

In the US, the SEC has just allowed cryptocurrency ETFs to create/redeem capital using real assets, seen as a step towards recognizing digital currency as a legal asset, although the impact on retail investors is still limited.