Why buy crypto?

Are you ready to catch the internet’s next big leap? Because we’re standing at a crossroad that offers investors a unique opportunity.

At 21shares, we believe crypto will change the world. And we believe everyone should have access to it.

What’s behind this belief? ‍

Investing in crypto goes beyond buying tokens. It’s also an investment into the new internet. A version of the web where the ability to send money and prove you own something is built right into the system itself.

This is a unique opportunity. By backing this space, you’re participating in three major shifts that will change how we operate both online and in the real-world. Let’s run through them:

"Automated trust": We are moving away from a world that relies on "middlemen." These include banks, brokers, and lawyers offering services like verification. Blockchain replaces red tape with maths, making every transaction faster, cheaper, and inherently more secure.
"Velocity of value": The first era of the internet focused on moving information, like emails and PDFs; this new era is about moving value. We can now send money, property titles, or stock as effortlessly as a text message – instantly and globally like an SMS.
“True digital sovereignty”: Blockchain proves you own the "original" version of a digital asset. This changes the possibilities for managing things like fine art and real estate deeds.

‍In less than twenty years, crypto has changed the global economy and how we think about money. And, as more and more people adopt crypto, it’s ushering in a new era of finance.

Crypto is still new compared to traditional currencies and financial systems. However, it has grown from a niche interest for tech-savvy people into a fast-growing global force. Now, governments and traditional financial institutions cannot afford to ignore it.

One reason it’s staying is that it provides things traditional systems can't offer. These include 24/7 operation, clear supply rules, and "programmable" money. Because crypto incorporates these features by design, traditional finance can't easily copy them.

Another reason is that no single government or bank owns or controls crypto. Blockchain networks replace central authorities with a public record of every transaction. The result is a decentralized financial system that resists censorship and shutdowns.

The evolution of Bitcoin is a good case study here. While it’s still early days for the general public, the "big money" has already started moving in. Large companies now own over 4% of all Bitcoin¹, and institutional demand is currently outpacing new supply². Governments are also starting to invest in Bitcoin for their national reserves.

With the rise of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded products (ETPs), investing in crypto is now easier than ever. And investors can access it through the platforms they already use.

But the shift is also happening behind the scenes. You might actually be using crypto technology without realizing it – as back-end support for online payments, for example.

Ultimately, we’re watching the financial system get a long-overdue software upgrade. For investors, it’s an opportunity to get involved while this new foundation is being laid.

In addition to these “disruptor” traits that crypto has, it also speaks to investors looking for potential return on investment and diversification. This is our third reason to invest in crypto: the role it can play in your portfolio. Dive deeper into that here.

This report has been prepared and issued by 21Shares AG for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Crypto asset trading involves a high degree of risk. The crypto asset market is new to many and unproven and may have the potential not to grow as expected.Currently, there is relatively small use of crypto assets in the retail and commercial marketplace in comparison to relatively large use by speculators, thus contributing to price volatility that could adversely affect an investment in crypto assets. In order to participate in the trading of crypto assets, you should be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment and be able to bear the economic risk of losing your entire investment.Nothing herein does or should be considered as an offer to buy or sell or solicitation to buy or invest in crypto assets or derivatives. This report is provided for information and research purposes only and should not be construed or presented as an offer or solicitation for any investment. The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or any offering and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to invest in any jurisdiction. The crypto assets or derivatives and/or any services contained or referred to herein may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult an independent advisor. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to your individual circumstances or otherwise constitutes a personal recommendation. Neither 21Shares AG nor any of its affiliates accept liability for loss arising from the use of the material presented or discussed herein.Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.This report may contain or refer to material that is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject 21Shares AG or any of its affiliates to any registration, affiliation, approval or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.

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