Bitcoin is back in the spotlight after staging a strong rebound. While the cryptocurrency remains down around 18% from its recent highs, the sharp bounce has reignited interest in digital assets — and some investors are likely to be wondering how to gain exposure without setting up a crypto wallet or trading directly on offshore exchanges.
Fortunately, there are a couple of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX that allow Australians to gain exposure to Bitcoin and the broader crypto economy with the convenience of buying shares through a brokerage account.
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BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)
The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF offers a unique way to invest indirectly into Bitcoin.
That's because it allows investors to gain exposure to the crypto sector through global companies that are building the infrastructure behind cryptocurrencies. Instead of holding digital assets directly, this ASX ETF invests in businesses at the forefront of blockchain technology, crypto exchanges, and mining operations.
Top holdings include Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN)— the largest listed crypto exchange — and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), a company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. The fund's "picks and shovels" approach offers indirect exposure to the sector while spreading risk across up to 50 companies.
For investors who believe in the long-term growth of the crypto economy but want a more diversified and traditional equity-based approach, this arguably provides a compelling option.
Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (EBTC)
EBTC is Australia's first spot Bitcoin ETF, meaning it gives investors direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin.
Global X notes that each unit of EBTC represents an entitlement to a specific amount of physical Bitcoin held in cold storage by Coinbase Custody, a regulated global crypto custodian.
As a result, this ETF offers investors an easy and secure way to gain direct access to Bitcoin through the ASX, without the hassle of managing private keys or crypto wallets. It trades in Australian dollars and is backed by actual Bitcoin — not futures contracts or derivatives — which the fund manager believes enhances its transparency and alignment with the underlying asset.
Betashares has recently launched Betashares Bitcoin ETF (ASX: QBTC), which is largely the same as EBTC.
Foolish takeaway
While Bitcoin clearly remains a highly volatile asset and recent price action is a reminder of this, ETFs like the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF and the Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF offer investors two different paths to gain exposure: one through the companies powering the ecosystem, and the other via direct holdings.
For those bullish on the long-term prospects of digital assets, these funds could be worth considering as part of a balance portfolio.
