Hargreaves Lansdowne, the largest retail investment platform in the UK, is urging caution for those considering putting their money into cryptocurrencies. The company states that Bitcoin cannot be regarded as an asset class and does not possess characteristics suitable for inclusion in portfolios designed for either growth or income.
This warning comes just after the UK lifted its longstanding ban on retail investors purchasing crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) on October 8. ETNs allow traders to gain exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin through regulated exchanges by investing in debt instruments tied to those tokens.

Despite relaxed rules surrounding crypto ETNs, Hargreaves Lansdowne maintains its position that cryptocurrencies should remain outside traditional investment portfolios. The firm says that its investment view does not support Bitcoin or other digital tokens as reliable components for income or growth strategies.
In an environment of evolving regulations, the guidance from major trading platforms like Hargreaves Lansdowne serves as a crucial reminder for investors to evaluate risks and maintain prudence when considering cryptocurrency investments.