This article covers what ABTC is, how it works, how it compares to the Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC), where it's listed, and what fees to expect — everything a first-time investor needs to know.This article covers what ABTC is, how it works, how it compares to the Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC), where it's listed, and what fees to expect — everything a first-time investor needs to know.
Learn/Cryptocurrency Knowledge/Hot Concepts/21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC): ISIN, TER, Core ETP Comparison, and Exchange Access
21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC): ISIN, TER, Core ETP Comparison, and Exchange Access
Key Takeaways
This article covers what ABTC is, how it works, how it compares to the Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC), where it's listed, and what fees to expect — everything a first-time investor needs to know.
If you've been looking for a regulated, exchange-traded way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without holding the asset yourself, the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP is one of the most established products in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- The 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ticker: ABTC, ISIN: CH0454664001) launched on February 25, 2019, and carries the longest track record of any physically backed Bitcoin ETP on the market.
- ABTC is 100% physically backed by Bitcoin held in cold storage, and investors access it through a standard brokerage account — no crypto wallet needed.
- The product's total expense ratio (TER) is 1.49% per annum, automatically deducted from fund assets.
- The 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC, ISIN: CH1199067674) is a lower-cost alternative with a standard TER of 0.21%, temporarily reduced to 0.10% for 12 months starting October 2025.
- ABTC is listed across multiple major European exchanges, including the SIX Swiss Exchange, Deutsche Börse Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, and Borsa Italiana.
- Investors who prefer direct spot market exposure can track the live Bitcoin price on MEXC.
What Is the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC)?
The 21Shares Bitcoin ETP — ticker symbol ABTC — is an exchange-traded product issued by 21Shares AG, a Zurich-based firm that pioneered regulated cryptocurrency investment products in Europe.
Launched on February 25, 2019, ABTC carries the longest track record of any physically backed Bitcoin ETP on the market, according to 21Shares.
Its ISIN is CH0454664001, and it is domiciled in Switzerland under a debt security legal structure.
The product is designed to track the performance of Bitcoin (BTC) in a simple, regulated, and transparent way — no crypto wallet required.
It is UCITS eligible, AIF eligible, and Sharia compliant, making it accessible to a wide range of investor types across Europe.
How the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP Works: Price, NAV, and AUM
ABTC is 100% physically backed, which means every share issued corresponds directly to actual Bitcoin held in custody — not a derivative or synthetic instrument.
The underlying Bitcoin is stored in cold storage by institutional-grade custodians, providing a level of security that individual investors would find difficult to replicate on their own.
The ETP's price moves in line with the Bitcoin spot market, and its Net Asset Value (NAV) is calculated daily in US dollars.
Investors buy and sell ABTC shares through a standard brokerage account, the same way they would trade a stock or ETF — no crypto exchange account or private key management needed.
The product's TER (total expense ratio) is 1.49% per annum, and this cost is automatically deducted from the fund's assets — investors do not pay it separately.
21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC) vs. Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC): TER and Fee Comparison
21Shares offers two physically backed Bitcoin ETPs on European markets — ABTC and CBTC — and understanding the difference helps investors choose the right product for their situation.
ABTC: The Established Track Record
ABTC launched in February 2019, giving it over six years of performance history — the longest of any physical Bitcoin ETP on the market.
It carries a TER of 1.49% per annum and, as of May 2026, holds over $658 million in AUM, providing deep liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads that institutional investors tend to value.
Its custodians include Coinbase Custody and Zodia Custody, and it is listed across the widest range of exchanges within the 21Shares product suite.
CBTC: The Low-Cost Alternative
The 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC) — ISIN CH1199067674 — launched on June 29, 2022, with a deliberate focus on cost efficiency.
As of October 2025, 21Shares temporarily reduced CBTC's management fee from 0.21% to 0.10% per annum for a scheduled period of 12 months, making it one of the lowest-cost physically backed Bitcoin ETPs available in Europe during that window.
CBTC uses Copper as its primary custodian at launch, and has accumulated significant AUM since its June 2022 debut.
For cost-conscious investors with a long-term holding horizon, CBTC's lower fee structure represents meaningful savings compared to ABTC over time.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | ABTC | CBTC |
Full Name | 21Shares Bitcoin ETP | 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP |
Ticker | ABTC | CBTC |
ISIN | CH0454664001 | CH1199067674 |
Launch Date | Feb 25, 2019 | Jun 29, 2022 |
TER | 1.49% p.a. | 0.10% p.a. (temporary fee waiver; standard rate 0.21%) |
Custodian | Coinbase | Copper |
Replication | Physical | Physical |
AUM (May 2026) | ~$658M | ~€405M |
Where Is the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP Listed? SIX, Xetra, and Borsa Italiana
ABTC is listed across multiple major European stock exchanges, allowing investors in different countries to access it through their local brokers.
The primary listing is on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker ABTC, where it first debuted in February 2019.
It also trades on Deutsche Börse Xetra (ticker: 2BTC), Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, and Borsa Italiana, giving European retail and institutional investors broad access through their existing brokerage accounts.
The product is available in multiple currencies across these venues, including USD, EUR, and CHF, depending on the exchange.
FAQ
Q: What is the ISIN of the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC)?
The ISIN of the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP is CH0454664001.
Q: What is the TER of the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP?
ABTC carries a total expense ratio (TER) of 1.49% per annum, deducted automatically from fund assets.
Q: What is the difference between ABTC and CBTC?
ABTC is the original flagship product with a 1.49% TER, while CBTC carries a standard TER of 0.21%, temporarily reduced to 0.10% per annum for 12 months starting October 2025.
Q: Is the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP physically backed?
Yes — ABTC is 100% physically backed by Bitcoin held in cold storage by institutional-grade custodians.
Q: How is the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP price (Kurs) determined?
The ETP's price tracks the Bitcoin spot market and is reflected in its daily NAV calculation in US dollars.
Q: Is there a short Bitcoin ETP from 21Shares?
Yes — 21Shares also offers the 21Shares Short Bitcoin ETP (SBTC), which provides inverse exposure to Bitcoin's daily price movement.
Q: Does the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP offer a physical delivery option (Auslieferungsoption)?
According to the official 21Shares factsheet, ABTC is structured as a debt security and does not currently offer a physical Bitcoin delivery option to retail investors.
Q: What about taxes (Steuern) on the 21Shares Bitcoin ETP?
Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction — investors should consult a qualified local tax advisor for guidance specific to their country of residence.
Conclusion
The 21Shares Bitcoin ETP (ABTC) remains one of the most established physically backed Bitcoin investment products available in Europe, with a six-year track record and broad exchange availability.
Whether you prioritize ABTC's deep liquidity and history or CBTC's currently reduced management fee, both products offer regulated Bitcoin exposure through traditional brokerage infrastructure.
For investors who prefer direct spot market access, you can track the live Bitcoin price on MEXC.
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