France's leading online bank, serving over 7.2 million clients, now offers ETPs (Exchange Traded Products) backed by cryptocurrencies. BoursoBank, a subsidiary of Société Générale, expands its portfolio by partnering with CoinShares, Europe’s digital asset investment specialist, and BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. Clients can access ETPs for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and XRP directly via their standard securities account, without a dedicated crypto wallet. This move confirms growing interest in digital assets.
A Logical Evolution to Meet Demand
Cryptocurrencies have increasingly captured public interest in recent years. Studies show rising digital asset ownership in France, with surveys estimating nearly 1 in 10 French citizens holds Bitcoin or other cryptos. This trend is reflected in the proliferation of specialized platforms, regulated crypto-linked products, and new investment avenues.
BoursoBank caters to this demand by providing a traditional gateway to crypto assets. Dominating the online brokerage space, it attracts investors familiar with diverse financial products (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, etc.). By offering crypto ETPs, the bank diversifies its portfolio, meeting client expectations to integrate digital currencies into broader investment strategies.
Are ETPs Suitable for Crypto Investments?
ETPs are exchange-traded financial instruments designed to track the performance of an underlying asset (commodities, indices, or crypto). For crypto-backed ETPs, the issuer holds the actual tokens (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), ensuring price alignment with the market while offering a regulated, standardized framework.
Key Investor Benefits of ETPs
1. Accessibility
ETPs trade like stocks, bought/sold via standard securities accounts—ideal for investors wary of managing private keys or crypto wallets.
2. Regulatory Oversight
ETPs comply with transparency norms, offering greater investor protection vs. unregulated platforms.
3. Simplicity
All transactions occur within a single banking interface, eliminating the need for separate crypto exchanges or hardware wallets.
4. Staking Potential
Certain CoinShares ETPs incorporate staking, allowing holders to earn annual rewards by participating in network security (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Cardano).
BoursoBank’s Diverse ETP Offerings
The bank lists 6 crypto ETPs, including five from CoinShares Physical and one BlackRock product:
- CoinShares Physical Bitcoin (0.25% annual fee),
- CoinShares Physical XRP (1.50% annual fee),
- CoinShares Physical Staked Ethereum (0.00% fee, ~1.25% staking reward),
- CoinShares Physical Staked Solana (0.00% fee, up to 3% staking reward),
- CoinShares Physical Staked Cardano (0.00% fee, up to 2% staking reward),
- iShares Bitcoin ETP by BlackRock.
This selection spans leading blockchains, offering options for both blue-chip crypto investors and those seeking staking rewards from newer networks.
Crypto Market Democratization Underway
BoursoBank’s ETP launch coincides with broader crypto adoption beyond niche circles. In the U.S., 2024’s approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC has expanded institutional and retail access. Europe’s evolving regulations similarly foster crypto-linked products in traditional finance.
By integrating ETPs, BoursoBank lowers barriers for French investors hesitant about crypto’s technical complexities. ETPs bridge familiarity gaps through traditional brokerage platforms, gradually normalizing digital assets in portfolio management alongside stocks and ETFs.
Industry observers view these developments as steps toward mainstreaming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens. Despite market volatility, involvement from established banks and asset managers reinforces cryptocurrencies’ permanence beyond niche exchanges.
Who Is CoinShares?
A pioneer in digital asset management, CoinShares was founded in 2013 and provides asset management and trading services to institutions and individuals. Headquartered in Jersey, it operates across France, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S.
Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (CS) and OTCQX (CNSRF), CoinShares built its reputation by developing transparent, regulated financial products. BoursoBank’s partnership with CoinShares leverages decades of expertise and innovation in crypto finance.
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FAQ Section
Q: Can I trade crypto ETPs without a crypto wallet?
A: Yes! BoursoBank’s ETPs are traded via standard securities accounts, eliminating the need for separate wallets.
Q: How do staking rewards work with ETPs?
A: Certain ETPs automatically stake underlying tokens (e.g., ETH, SOL), distributing rewards as annual yields.
Q: Are ETPs safer than buying crypto directly?
A: ETPs offer regulated exposure, reducing risks associated with unregulated exchanges or private key management.