HANetf Launches Europe’s First Leveraged Crypto ETCs
Crypto investors in Europe now have new tools to play the market. HANetf launched three leveraged crypto exchange-traded commodities (ETCs) on Nasdaq Sweden. These include the 2x Long Bitcoin ETC (2LBT), the 2x Long Ethereum ETC (2LET), and the 2x Short Bitcoin ETC (2SBT). Each has a total expense ratio (TER) of 2%.
Nik Bienkowski, co-founder of HANetf, said these crypto products offer efficient, regulated ways to trade volatile assets. The new ETCs provide alternatives to more expensive tools like contracts-for-difference or spread betting.
Crypto Market Faces Volatility Amid Strategic Shifts
Crypto prices surged following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. He pledged support for blockchain innovation and designated the U.S. as the future “crypto capital of the world.” A January executive order backed digital assets, while a March initiative proposed a national crypto reserve.
Despite this, bitcoin has retreated from its all-time high of $109,000. Trump’s announcement that the government won’t buy additional bitcoin for the reserve shook investor confidence. Bitcoin has since slid toward $80,000.
Ethereum hasn’t fared much better. After reaching $4,800 in late 2021, its price is now nearing $2,000.
Regulators Warn Investors on Crypto Risks
Crypto has long been known for its volatility. In January, the Bank of England warned that crypto carries “significant risks” for individual investors. Without centralized protection or regulation, lost or stolen assets may be unrecoverable.
“With no central authority to protect you, if your crypto is stolen, there’s no one to help,” the Bank stated. The warning reflects a broader concern among global regulators about the speculative nature of crypto.
Crypto ETFs Thrive Despite Official Warnings
Regulatory pressure hasn’t stopped the growth of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or exchange-traded products (ETPs). In fact, crypto continues to attract capital from institutional and retail investors.
By the end of 2024, 218 cryptocurrency ETPs had launched globally, amassing $144.4 billion in assets, according to ETFGI. One standout is BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), which hit a record $60.8 billion in January 2025. Even after a slight pullback, it remains above $50 billion in assets.
Europe’s Crypto Investment Market Expands Rapidly
Crypto ETPs are also proliferating across Europe. As of January 2025, there were 151 crypto ETPs listed on European exchanges, totaling $19.5 billion in assets. HANetf, already managing $1.6 billion in crypto-linked ETPs, is now further cementing its presence with leveraged products.
These innovations suggest crypto demand is resilient. Whether investors are bullish or bearish, new tools allow them to manage risk more effectively.
Crypto Products Continue to Evolve
The crypto sector is growing more sophisticated. With tools like leveraged crypto ETCs and short strategies, traders can now act faster on market movements.
Though risks remain high, demand for access to crypto remains strong. As HANetf’s Bienkowski put it, “This is a natural evolution for the market.” Even amid price swings, product innovation in crypto shows no signs of slowing.