HANetf, a white-label exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider, has launched Europe’s first leveraged crypto exchange-traded commodities (ETCs), alongside a short bitcoin strategy. These new products offer traders a more cost-effective way to bet on volatile crypto assets, providing tools that are less expensive than spread betting or contracts-for-difference.
The new offerings, which include the 2x Long Bitcoin ETC (2LBT), 2x Long Ethereum ETC (2LET), and 2x Short Bitcoin ETC (2SBT), are now listed on the Nasdaq Sweden exchange. Each of these products carries a total expense ratio (TER) of 2%, making them more affordable compared to other market options.
A Natural Evolution for Crypto Products
Nik Bienkowski, co-founder and co-chief executive of HANetf, described the launch of these leveraged and short products as a “natural evolution” for the cryptocurrency market. He emphasized that whether investors are bullish or bearish on Bitcoin or Ethereum, these ETCs provide a transparent, regulated, and efficient way to navigate the volatile movements of the crypto market.
“With the rise of crypto assets, traders need the flexibility to take advantage of both upward and downward movements in the market,” Bienkowski said. “These products provide a simpler, regulated alternative to more complex trading strategies.”
HANetf’s Crypto ETPs and Market Growth
HANetf has been a significant player in the cryptocurrency exchange-traded product (ETP) space. The company currently offers nine cryptocurrency ETPs, which have collectively amassed more than $1.6 billion in assets. These products have become an essential part of HANetf’s revenue generation strategy, tapping into the growing demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles.
In addition to the leveraged and short products, HANetf continues to expand its range, offering multiple options for investors looking to diversify their exposure to the crypto market.
The Fall of Bitcoin’s Strategic Reserve
Despite the optimism surrounding cryptocurrency, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have faced some setbacks in recent months. Bitcoin reached an all-time high above $109,000 in January, but since then, its price has retreated toward the $80,000 range. The price dip followed President Trump’s announcement on March 6, where he revealed that the U.S. government would not purchase additional Bitcoin for a strategic reserve.
Ethereum has also experienced a decline, dropping from its peak of over $4,800 in November 2021 to around $2,000, according to CoinDesk data.
These price fluctuations highlight the volatility of the crypto market and underscore the risks associated with investing in digital assets. Despite these setbacks, HANetf’s new leveraged products provide investors with the tools to potentially profit from both upward and downward market movements.
Regulatory Concerns About Crypto
The volatility of cryptocurrencies has raised alarms among financial regulators. In January, the Bank of England issued a stark warning, cautioning that cryptocurrencies carry “significant risks” for investors. Without the protection of traditional financial institutions or central authorities, the risk of losing funds due to theft or mismanagement remains high.
“Unlike traditional assets, if your ‘money’ is stolen or mishandled, no one is responsible for helping you get it back,” the Bank of England warned, urging caution when investing in crypto assets.
Despite these warnings, investor interest in cryptocurrencies and crypto-based investment products has continued to grow.
Crypto ETFs Continue to Proliferate
Although regulators have issued several warnings, they have not dampened investor enthusiasm or stopped asset managers from launching new cryptocurrency-related investment products. By the end of 2024, a total of 218 cryptocurrency ETPs had been launched globally, amassing a combined value of $144.4 billion, according to ETFGI data.
In particular, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), launched in January 2024, shattered fundraising records for a new ETF product. Its assets soared to $60.8 billion by January 2025, though it has since retreated to $50.1 billion.
Europe has also witnessed a rapid proliferation of crypto-related products. As of the end of January 2025, there were 151 European-listed crypto ETPs, with a combined asset base of $19.5 billion. This reflects the growing appetite among investors for regulated, accessible ways to engage with the cryptocurrency market.
Conclusion
HANetf’s launch of Europe’s first leveraged and short crypto ETCs marks a significant step forward in providing new tools for traders and investors. These products offer a regulated, cost-effective way to navigate the volatile cryptocurrency market. However, as Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to face price fluctuations and regulatory scrutiny, investors should be aware of the risks inherent in the crypto space. While market interest in cryptocurrency investment products is strong, it remains essential for investors to proceed with caution, taking into account both the short-term volatility and the long-term potential of these assets.
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