Finland introduces its first crypto ETP on Nasdaq Helsinki, launched by Virtune

Virtune, a Swedish crypto asset manager, has launched Finland’s first crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) on Nasdaq Helsinki. This move provides Finnish investors with regulated and direct access to cryptocurrency investments in euros, marking a significant development for the Nordic crypto market.

The launch, announced on January 20, introduces five distinct crypto ETPs that are fully backed and collateralized. These products, available through major Nordic brokers such as Nordnet, offer exposure to some of the most prominent cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. Additionally, one of the products tracks an altcoin index that follows 10 of the biggest altcoins. These products also come with staking rewards and benefits for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana.

Christopher Kock, the CEO of Virtune, described the launch as a “crucial milestone,” emphasizing the importance of introducing secure and regulated crypto ETPs to the Nordic markets. He expressed excitement about Virtune’s role in pioneering this initiative in Finland, offering investors a regulated pathway to participate in the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

Virtune’s launch of these crypto ETPs provides Finnish investors with an alternative investment avenue while ensuring that the products are fully regulated and transparent. Henrik Husman, president of Nasdaq Helsinki, highlighted the significance of these products in maintaining transparency within a regulated marketplace. He also expressed pride in Virtune being the first to introduce this new segment in the Finnish market.

The launch also marks the largest simultaneous crypto ETP offering in Nordic history. By introducing these products to Nasdaq Helsinki, Virtune opens the door for investors to tap into Finland’s €20.5 billion ETP market using their existing brokerage accounts. This move is expected to further integrate crypto assets into traditional financial markets, making it easier for retail investors in Finland to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without directly buying them on crypto exchanges.

The ETPs introduced by Virtune focus on providing exposure to leading cryptocurrencies, offering both price tracking and staking opportunities. Specifically, investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin, the world’s leading cryptocurrency; Ethereum, which is popular for its smart contract capabilities; XRP, Ripple’s cryptocurrency used for cross-border payments; and Solana, a high-performance blockchain known for its speed and scalability. Additionally, the altcoin index provides exposure to a variety of prominent altcoins beyond the major cryptocurrencies.

These ETPs are backed physically and fully collateralized, ensuring the security and reliability of the products.

Virtune’s crypto ETP launch not only provides new investment opportunities but also accelerates the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in the Nordic region. By allowing investors to purchase crypto products through their existing brokerage accounts, Virtune lowers the barrier to entry for retail investors who may have been hesitant to directly engage with cryptocurrency exchanges.

The launch also signals growing interest in crypto investments across traditional financial platforms, which is in line with a broader trend of increasing integration between the crypto and traditional financial sectors. As more traditional exchanges begin offering crypto products, such as ETPs, it becomes easier for investors to diversify their portfolios and explore the potential of digital assets.

In parallel with this launch, the wider crypto market continues to attract institutional interest, as evidenced by Offchain Labs hiring Ira Auerbach, former head of digital assets at Nasdaq, to lead its new venture capital arm, Tandem. This shows that the intersection of traditional finance and crypto is continuing to evolve, with major players like Nasdaq playing a key role in the growth of the industry.

Virtune’s launch of the first crypto ETPs in Finland on Nasdaq Helsinki represents a key moment for the Nordic region’s cryptocurrency market. By offering regulated, physically backed crypto products, Virtune provides Finnish investors with an accessible and secure way to invest in digital assets. The launch strengthens Finland’s position in the global crypto market, while also reinforcing the growing integration between traditional financial systems and the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies.