In a landmark move for the convergence of digital and traditional assets, the 21Shares BOLD Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) began trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on January 13, 2024. This innovative financial instrument provides investors with a single, regulated security that tracks the combined performance of spot Bitcoin and physical gold.
The product's London debut follows its initial launch in Switzerland in April 2022 and represents a strategic expansion into a key European financial hub. According to data from 21Shares, the BOLD ETP posted a 122.5% gain in pound sterling terms by the end of 2023. Notably, this reported return outperformed the standalone performance of both Bitcoin and gold over the same measured period, highlighting the potential of its dual-asset, rebalanced strategy.
The listing is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing institutional access to cryptocurrency within a major, regulated market. It offers UK and international investors—including pension funds and asset managers—a familiar framework for crypto exposure without the technical complexities of direct custody. The product's structure involves professional custody of the underlying Bitcoin by 21Shares.
This development strengthens London's position as a forward-looking financial center and aligns with the broader trend of traditional finance integrating digital assets. Market experts view the successful listing and the product's historical performance as indicators of a maturing market for hybrid digital-physical asset products.
