The French online banking giant, serving over 7.2 million customers, has taken a significant step into the digital asset space by integrating cryptocurrency-backed Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) into its investment offerings. As a subsidiary of Société Générale, BoursoBank is expanding its financial portfolio through a strategic collaboration with CoinShares, a leading European digital asset investment firm, and BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager.
This move allows clients to invest in ETPs tied to major cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and XRP—directly through their standard securities accounts. No separate crypto wallet or exchange registration is required. The integration reflects growing mainstream interest in digital assets and marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain-based investments.
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Meeting Rising Demand for Digital Assets
Interest in cryptocurrencies has steadily increased across France and Europe over recent years. Surveys suggest that nearly one in ten French adults already owns some form of digital currency, signaling a shift in investor behavior. As more individuals seek portfolio diversification, regulated financial institutions are responding with structured, accessible products.
BoursoBank’s addition of crypto ETPs aligns with this trend, offering a familiar and secure pathway for investors accustomed to traditional instruments like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and private equity. By embedding these digital-asset-linked products into its existing brokerage platform, BoursoBank enhances its service range while addressing client demand for crypto integration within holistic investment strategies.
This evolution isn’t isolated—it reflects broader market dynamics where institutional players are normalizing crypto exposure. From regulatory advancements to product innovation, the financial ecosystem is increasingly accommodating digital assets as part of long-term wealth planning.
Understanding Crypto-Backed ETPs
Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) are financial instruments listed on regulated exchanges, designed to mirror the performance of an underlying asset—be it commodities, indices, or in this case, cryptocurrencies. Unlike direct crypto purchases on decentralized platforms, ETPs offer a regulated, transparent, and user-friendly alternative.
In the case of CoinShares’ physical ETPs, each product is fully backed by actual holdings of the corresponding cryptocurrency. For example, every share of the CoinShares Physical Bitcoin ETP represents ownership of real BTC stored securely by the issuer. This structure ensures price alignment with market movements while providing oversight and compliance benefits.
Investors gain exposure without managing private keys or navigating complex wallet setups—a major barrier for many newcomers to the crypto space.
Key Advantages of Crypto ETPs
1. Accessibility
Crypto ETPs trade just like stocks on major exchanges. Investors can buy and sell them through their existing brokerage accounts—no need to use specialized crypto exchanges or learn new interfaces.
2. Regulatory Oversight
These products are subject to strict financial regulations, including transparency requirements and auditing standards. This level of oversight offers greater investor protection compared to unregulated platforms where risks of fraud or insolvency are higher.
3. Simplified Management
All transactions occur within a single banking interface. Users avoid juggling multiple apps, seed phrases, or hardware wallets—streamlining the investment experience significantly.
4. Staking Integration
Some ETPs go beyond passive tracking by incorporating staking rewards. Products like the CoinShares Physical Staked Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano ETPs generate annual returns by participating in network validation processes. These returns—estimated at up to 3% for Solana—are distributed automatically, combining yield generation with stock-like simplicity.
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BoursoBank’s Crypto ETP Lineup
BoursoBank now offers six cryptocurrency ETPs, combining established names with innovative yield-bearing options:
- CoinShares Physical Bitcoin – Annual fee: 0.25%
- CoinShares Physical XRP – Annual fee: 1.50%
- CoinShares Physical Staked Ethereum – Zero management fees; ~1.25% staking yield
- CoinShares Physical Staked Solana – No fees; up to 3% staking return
- CoinShares Physical Staked Cardano – Fee-free; up to 2% staking income
- iShares Bitcoin ETP – Issued by BlackRock, offering institutional-grade exposure
This selection covers some of the most prominent blockchains today. It caters to both conservative investors interested in flagship assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as those seeking growth potential from newer ecosystems like Solana and Cardano.
The inclusion of staking-enabled ETPs is particularly strategic, allowing users to earn passive income while maintaining full regulatory compliance and ease of access.
Mainstream Adoption Accelerates
BoursoBank’s initiative arrives amid a broader wave of crypto institutionalization. In 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs—a landmark decision that paved the way for widespread retail and institutional adoption. Europe is following suit, with evolving regulations enabling traditional financial institutions to offer compliant crypto products.
By launching these ETPs, BoursoBank lowers the entry barrier for French investors who may have been hesitant due to technical complexity or security concerns. The ability to access crypto markets via a trusted banking platform fosters confidence and familiarity.
Moreover, the involvement of reputable firms like CoinShares and BlackRock reinforces the legitimacy of digital assets as viable long-term investments. While crypto markets remain volatile, the growing diversity of regulated products suggests that digital currencies are becoming a permanent feature of modern portfolios.
Who Is CoinShares?
Founded in 2013, CoinShares has emerged as a pioneer in regulated digital asset investment solutions. Headquartered in Jersey with operations in France, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S., it serves institutional clients, corporations, and individual investors.
Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (CS) and available over-the-counter in the U.S. (CNSRF), CoinShares has built its reputation on transparency, security, and innovation. Its physically backed ETPs adhere to stringent regulatory frameworks, making them suitable for integration into traditional financial platforms.
By partnering with CoinShares—and complementing it with BlackRock’s iShares offering—BoursoBank ensures its clients receive high-quality, trustworthy access to digital assets.
👉 See how leading financial platforms are integrating crypto for safer investing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an ETP?
A: An Exchange Traded Product (ETP) is a financial instrument traded on stock exchanges that tracks the value of an underlying asset—like Bitcoin or Ethereum—while being regulated and integrated into traditional brokerage accounts.
Q: Do I own actual cryptocurrency when I buy an ETP?
A: Not directly. The ETP issuer holds the real crypto assets on your behalf. You benefit from price movements and potential staking rewards without managing wallets or keys.
Q: Are crypto ETPs safe?
A: Yes—they are regulated financial products subject to transparency rules and audits. They reduce risks associated with unregulated exchanges or self-custody errors.
Q: Can I earn passive income from crypto ETPs?
A: Yes. Certain ETPs—like those for staked Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano—distribute annual staking rewards automatically to shareholders.
Q: How do fees compare between different ETPs?
A: Fees vary: CoinShares’ staked ETPs have 0% management fees but pass on custody costs indirectly; others like XRP carry higher fees (1.5%). Always review product details before investing.
Q: Is this a good way for beginners to enter crypto?
A: Absolutely. ETPs offer a simple, secure entry point using familiar brokerage tools—ideal for those new to digital assets.
This article does not constitute investment advice. Conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Capital is at risk.