Institutional Investors Gain Protected Returns with Debut of Regulated Bitcoin Staking ETP

Valour, which is part of

Inc., has introduced the first-ever physically-backed Staking Exchange Traded Product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), representing a major step forward in merging conventional financial systems with decentralized digital currencies. Named "1Valour Bitcoin Physical Staking," this product aims to give professional and institutional investors a reliable and straightforward means to gain Bitcoin exposure while earning a return. The ETP provides an annual staking yield of 1.4%, placing it among the most attractive rates available for regulated, exchange-listed Bitcoin investment products. This yield is reflected in the ETP’s net asset value (NAV) at the close of every trading session.

Identified by ISIN GB00BRBV3124, the ETP is entirely backed by real Bitcoin that is securely stored in institutional-grade cold wallets managed by Copper. Every share of the ETP is supported one-to-one with actual Bitcoin, offering direct access to the asset while reducing risks tied to hot wallets and cyber threats. Multi-party computation (MPC) technology adds another layer of protection by dividing the private key into encrypted segments, which are then stored at different secure sites. This setup ensures that no single party has the complete key, minimizing the threat of hacking or unauthorized use.

The ETP has been designed with a focus on clarity and ease of use. Daily disclosures of the product’s net asset value, Bitcoin holdings, and indicative pricing provide complete transparency about the underlying assets, and the absence of leverage avoids unnecessary complexity. Such openness is especially valued by institutions, which often require comprehensive reporting and adherence to strict regulatory requirements. The ETP is offered in both GBP and EUR, making it accessible to a wider range of European investors.

The debut of Valour’s Bitcoin Staking ETP highlights a growing movement within the

investment sector. With more than 85 ETPs available on major exchanges in Europe—including the London Stock Exchange, Börse Frankfurt, and SIX Swiss Exchange—Valour has established itself as a prominent provider of regulated digital asset investment vehicles. The breadth of Valour’s offerings demonstrates its dedication to connecting between established financial markets and the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). This ETP exemplifies Valour’s innovative approach while maintaining compliance with regulations, which is vital for earning the confidence of institutional investors.

This product is also in line with the shifting regulatory environment in the UK and throughout Europe. In January 2025, the UK government introduced the Staking Order, clarifying that certain crypto-asset staking activities do not fall under the classification of collective investment schemes (CIS). This clarification has eliminated a major barrier for providers of staking services, promoting further innovation in the industry. The Staking Order allows staking operations to function outside the more stringent CIS regulatory regime, which is typically reserved for the management of investment funds. As a result, the regulatory landscape is now more supportive of products like Valour’s ETP.

For institutional investors, the ETP presents a number of benefits. It addresses both the yield and security challenges that have previously limited large-scale investments in Bitcoin. The 1.4% annual staking return is especially appealing in an environment where traditional fixed-income investments yield less. Additionally, the ETP’s structure enables investors to earn returns without the need to directly manage or safeguard Bitcoin themselves, lowering the operational and technical hurdles to participation. This feature is particularly useful for institutions that may not have the capability or know-how to handle direct cryptocurrency staking or custody.

Looking to the future, Valour’s Bitcoin Staking ETP could pave the way for the creation of similar digital asset products. Its success might inspire the introduction of ETPs based on other cryptocurrencies, further expanding the market. As digital assets secure a stronger presence in traditional financial systems, regulated and yield-generating offerings like this ETP are set to play a pivotal role in drawing institutional capital and encouraging wider market adoption. With its innovative leadership and the regulatory backing of the UK government, Valour is well positioned at the forefront of the digital asset investment industry.