Australian investors are increasingly looking for regulated, exchange-listed ways to gain exposure to digital assets without directly managing wallets, private keys, or on-chain security. Crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have emerged as one of the most accessible solutions, allowing investors to buy and sell crypto exposure through the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) using traditional brokerage accounts.
Australia’s crypto ETF landscape has matured quite a bit, and investors can now choose between spot Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum-focused funds, and diversified crypto portfolios, each offering different risk profiles and investment objectives.
What Is a Crypto ETF?
A crypto ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of one or more cryptocurrencies or crypto-related assets. Instead of purchasing Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, investors buy ETF units that represent exposure to the underlying asset. These ETFs trade on public stock exchanges, settle like shares, and can typically be held in standard investment accounts.
In Australia, crypto ETFs are structured to hold actual digital assets (spot ETFs) rather than derivatives, meaning the fund directly owns and custodies the cryptocurrency on behalf of investors.
This guide explores the best crypto ETFs available in Australia:
- •BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP) – Invests in global crypto-related companies, not holding cryptocurrencies directly.
- •21Shares Bitcoin ETF (EBTC) – Spot Bitcoin exposure, physically backed, ASX-listed for investors.
- •21Shares Ethereum ETF (EETH) – Direct Ethereum exposure, secure custody, tracks ETH market price.
- •Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ) – Physical Bitcoin holdings, institutional custody, mirrors Bitcoin price movements.
- •Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF (ETHI) – Spot Ethereum ETF, ASX-listed, avoids direct blockchain management.
BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP)
The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF provides indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency market by investing in companies that operate within the global crypto and blockchain ecosystem. Rather than holding Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, CRYP focuses on businesses that benefit from the growth of digital assets, including crypto exchanges, mining companies, and blockchain infrastructure providers.
Because the fund tracks equities instead of crypto prices, its performance can differ significantly from the price movements of Bitcoin and Ethereum. This structure introduces traditional stock market risks alongside crypto-sector exposure.
Key features of CRYP:
- •Invests in global crypto and blockchain-related companies
- •Does not hold cryptocurrencies directly
- •Includes exchanges, miners, hardware firms, and blockchain service providers
- •Traded on the ASX like a traditional equity ETF
- •Performance influenced by equity markets as well as crypto adoption
CRYP may suit investors who believe in the long-term growth of the crypto industry but prefer equity-based exposure rather than holding digital assets.
21Shares Bitcoin ETF (EBTC)
The 21Shares Bitcoin ETF is designed to closely track the spot price of Bitcoin. Each unit of the ETF is backed by real Bitcoin held in institutional-grade cold storage, making it one of the most direct ways for Australian investors to gain Bitcoin exposure through the ASX.
The ETF does not use leverage or derivatives, which helps reduce structural complexity and tracking signals. Its price movements generally mirror Bitcoin’s performance, minus fees.
Key features of EBTC:
- •Direct exposure to Bitcoin’s spot price
- •Physically backed by real Bitcoin
- •No leverage or derivative instruments
- •Secure institutional custody
- •ASX-listed and accessible via standard brokerages
EBTC is often used by investors seeking a simple, regulated alternative to owning Bitcoin directly.
21Shares Ethereum ETF (EETH)
The 21Shares Ethereum ETF offers spot exposure to Ethereum, the blockchain powering smart contracts, decentralized finance, and tokenized assets. The fund holds physical ETH in secure custody, allowing investors to track Ethereum’s market price without managing wallets or interacting with blockchain infrastructure.
Ethereum’s investment case is tied not only to price speculation but also to network usage, developer activity, and protocol upgrades.
Key features of EETH:
- •Tracks the spot price of Ethereum
- •Physically backed by ETH
- •Exposure to DeFi, NFTs, and smart contract adoption
- •No direct staking rewards included
- •ASX-listed for regulated access
EETH may appeal to investors who want exposure to blockchain utility and innovation, rather than Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative alone.
Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ)
BTCQ is another spot Bitcoin ETF available to Australian investors, offering direct exposure to Bitcoin through physical holdings. The ETF is backed by Bitcoin held with institutional custodians and is designed to closely follow Bitcoin’s market price.
The partnership between Global X and 21Shares combines ETF management experience with crypto-native infrastructure.
Key features of BTCQ:
- •Physically backed Bitcoin ETF
- •Tracks Bitcoin’s spot price
- •Institutional-grade custody solutions
- •ASX-listed with daily liquidity
- •No leverage or derivatives
BTCQ is often compared with EBTC by investors evaluating fees, liquidity, and issuer structure when choosing a Bitcoin ETF.
Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF (ETHI)
The Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF provides spot Ethereum exposure through a regulated ETF structure. Like other physical Ethereum ETFs, it holds real ETH on behalf of investors and reflects Ethereum’s market movements.
ETHI allows investors to gain Ethereum exposure while avoiding the operational risks of self-custody or direct DeFi participation.
Key features of ETHI:
- •Spot Ethereum price tracking
- •Physically backed by ETH
- •Secure custody arrangements
- •ASX-listed and broker-accessible
- •Designed for long-term Ethereum exposure
ETHI may suit investors seeking clean Ethereum price exposure as part of a diversified digital asset portfolio.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s crypto ETF market in 2026 offers investors a range of regulated, transparent options for accessing digital assets. From direct Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure to broader crypto industry investments, each ETF serves a different strategy and risk profile.