The introduction of spot cryptocurrency ETFs offers a new and easy way for investors to gain exposure to digital currencies.

For much of crypto’s existence, those interested in purchasing digital assets would have to do so through cryptocurrency exchanges. But now, that’s starting to change.

If you’ve been hesitant to dive into crypto due to what can sometimes be a daunting and technical task when navigating cryptocurrency exchanges, now might be the perfect time to explore the new spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available to investors.

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What are spot ETFs?

A spot ETF is a financial instrument that allows investors to gain exposure to the price movements of an underlying asset – in this case, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC 2.21%) and Ethereum (ETH 3.33%) — without directly owning the asset. These ETFs are traded on traditional stock exchanges, and their value is directly linked to the current (or spot) price of the cryptocurrency.

One of the main differences between owning a spot ETF and owning the actual cryptocurrency is the responsibility of custody. When you own cryptocurrency, you need to manage its storage and security, which involves using digital wallets and understanding private keys. With spot ETFs, the responsibility of custody falls on the fund manager, making it easier for investors to gain exposure to the asset without worrying about the complexities of secure storage.

In many ways, you can think of spot ETFs as gold ETFs. When people buy a gold ETF, they don’t actually receive gold coins or bars. Instead, they own shares that track the price movement of gold.

Another important distinction is trading hours. Cryptocurrencies can be traded 24/7, while spot ETFs are subject to the stock exchange’s trading hours. This means that you can only trade ETFs during market hours. These limited hours can lead to potentially missing out on significant price movements that occur outside of the market’s designated trading hours.

Options available today

Currently, the only options for investors looking for spot cryptocurrency ETFs are Bitcoin and Ethereum. These two cryptocurrencies stand out due to their significant value and established track records, positioning them as attractive options for integration into the stock market via ETFs. Bitcoin, often referred to as digital gold, was the first cryptocurrency (created in 2009) and the first to gain approval for a spot ETF. With nearly seven months of trading now under its belt, the approval of the 11th Spot Bitcoin ETFs was touted as one of the most successful ETF launches in history.

More recently, nine Ethereum spot ETFs have gained approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin trading on July 23. As the second most valuable cryptocurrency and the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) economy, Ethereum was the next best candidate for a spot ETF launch.

While limited to two cryptocurrencies, as investors become more comfortable with digital currencies and ETFs continue to prove popular, we can expect to see more cryptocurrencies gaining ground as ETFs. The early stages of this expansion are already visible, with applications for Solana Spot ETFs starting to come in.

How to buy an ETF outright

Buying a spot ETF involves several steps and considerations, just like any other ETF investment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Start by researching the available Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Compare their fees, assets under management (AUM), and performance. ETFs with lower fees and higher AUM are generally more attractive, as they may offer better liquidity and lower costs.
• To buy ETFs, you need a brokerage account. If you don’t already have one, choose a brokerage that offers a wide range of ETFs, low fees, and a user-friendly platform.
• If you’re new to the brokerage, you’ll need to provide personal information and fund your account with money from your bank. Most brokerages offer multiple funding methods, including ACH transfers, wire transfers, and check deposits.
• Once your account is funded, use your broker’s search function to find the Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF you’ve decided to invest in. ETFs are usually identified by their ticker symbols, so knowing them can make your search easier.
• Decide how many shares of the ETF you want to buy. You can place a market order, which buys the ETF at the current market price, or a limit order, which sets a maximum price you are willing to pay. Review your order carefully before submitting it.
• Once you’ve purchased the ETF, monitor its performance and keep an eye on any news or developments related to cryptocurrencies and the ETF itself. Regularly reviewing your investment ensures that it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

An evolving landscape

The introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency investing. These financial instruments offer a simpler and more accessible way to gain exposure to digital currencies without dealing with the complexities of cryptocurrency exchanges and direct ownership.

By following the steps to purchase these ETFs through a brokerage account, investors can seamlessly integrate digital currencies into their investment strategies. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, the availability and acceptance of spot ETFs is likely to expand, providing even more opportunities for investors to participate in this dynamic asset class.

RJ Fulton has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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