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- Valour secures FCA approval to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum staking ETPs to UK retail investors.
- New LSE-listed crypto ETPs provide physically backed exposure with staking rewards included.
- FCA reforms expand retail crypto access as institutional issuers continue growing product lines.
Valour, the UK subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, has secured approval from the Financial Conduct Authority to offer cryptocurrency exchange-traded products on the London Stock Exchange. The decision broadens the reach beyond professional investors and paves the way for increased retail involvement in regulated digital asset products.
The approval covers two new offerings. These include the 1Valour Bitcoin Physical Staking ETP and the 1Valour Ethereum Physical Staking ETP. Both products began trading on the LSE on January 26, 2026.
Each ETP provides physically collateralized exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum. They also incorporate staking rewards into their net asset value. This structure allows retail investors to earn yield through standard brokerage accounts without managing digital wallets.
Leadership Reaction to FCA Approval
Johan Wattenstrom, Chairman and CEO of DeFi Technologies, called the approval a major step for the company. He said the UK’s financial position made the development important for the firm’s long-term plans.
This decision comes after the change in the regulations in October 2025. This change lifted the ban that had previously prevented retail investors from accessing crypto exchange-traded notes since 2021. New regulations allow only Bitcoin and Ether ETPs that are physically backed and held by regulated custodians with cold storage facilities.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not apply to them. There are therefore issuer and market risks for investors under the new regulations. The FCA has also announced that the Innovative Finance ISA category will include crypto ETFs starting in April 2026.
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Valour had previously listed the same products on the LSE for professional investors. There was no retail access prior to this approval. The company had previously launched a physically backed Bitcoin staking ETP. This was described as the first of its kind in the market.
Valour Expands Globally Amid Shifting Market Conditions
Valour has expanded outside the UK as well. In December, the firm introduced a Solana-linked exchange-traded product in Brazil. That move extended its global footprint during a phase of growing issuer competition.
The current market environment for crypto ETPs remains mixed. CoinShares reported more than $1.7 billion in outflows last week. This reversed strong inflows from the week before. The shift reflected weaker expectations for interest-rate cuts and soft price performance.
James Butterfill, Head of Research at CoinShares, said the latest withdrawals showed declining confidence in digital assets as an inflation hedge. He added that sentiment had weakened across several regions.
Despite the outflows, major asset managers continue to expand their products. Firms such as BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale are adding more crypto ETFs. Their activity suggests continued institutional interest in long-term digital asset exposure.
UK regulators are increasing oversight of the industry. Ripple recently secured FCA approval to operate as an Electronic Money Institution. A full crypto regulatory framework is expected by October 2027.
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