London Stock Exchange (LSE) is gearing up to welcome Bitcoin and Ethereum into its prestigious corridors. By the second quarter of this year, it plans to list exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for these leading cryptocurrencies, following the green light from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This approval marks a significant leap, establishing a special market segment for crypto-backed ETNs. Unlike traditional ETFs, ETNs are more like bonds, not holding the assets they track but backed by financial institutions instead. This move comes as Bitcoin and Ethereum ride high on market upswings, with Bitcoin breaking records at over $71,000 and Ethereum crossing the $4,000 mark.

However, these opportunities come with a caveat; only professional investors will have the trading floor. This decision aligns with the FCA’s stance on protecting retail consumers from the volatile crypto market by restricting access to crypto derivatives and ETNs. The LSE emphasizes the need for ETNs to be physically backed and non-leveraged, ensuring the safety and security of investments. This development not only underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies but also positions the LSE as a forward-thinking entity in the global financial arena.

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