What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a regulated investment product that tracks the price of Bitcoin. Instead of buying Bitcoin directly, you own shares in a fund that reflects Bitcoin's price performance.

Like traditional ETFs (e.g. SPY for the S&P 500), Bitcoin ETFs trade on stock exchanges and can be bought or sold  through a regular brokerage account. 

In January 2024, , allowing both institutional and retail investors to gain Bitcoin exposure through traditional markets. 

As of August 2025, . BlackRock’s IBIT alone holds $84.2 billion — more than Ethereum’s entire DeFi ecosystem.

For Singaporean investors, the key question is: how do I access Bitcoin ETFs legally and efficiently? 

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How It Works

The ETF issuer – usually a large financial company like VanEck or BlackRock – buys and holds actual Bitcoin with a qualified, regulated custodian. The ETF then creates shares that represent proportional ownership of that Bitcoin held by the fund. When you buy or sell those shares on the stock market, the share price moves up or down with Bitcoin’s market price.

You don’t actually hold Bitcoin yourself – the ETF provider does – but your investment mirrors Bitcoin’s performance. It’s a simple, regulated way to add Bitcoin exposure to your portfolio without needing an additional level of crypto knowledge.

Take as an example:

1. Bitcoin Acquisition: VanEck uses investor funds to buy actual Bitcoin from trusted providers.

2. Secure Custody: , a regulated custodian providing institutional-grade cold storage.

3. ETF Shares: The fund issues shares (ticker HODL), that trade like any other stock.

4. Management Fees: Investors pay the ETF provider for professional management and secure storage.

For Singaporean investors who prefer direct ownership or want to use Bitcoin within the crypto ecosystem (for staking, lending, or borrowing) Gemini makes it simple to buy and hold Bitcoin using Singapore dollars (SGD). With a quick and easy onboarding process and local payment support, you can fund your account in SGD and purchase Bitcoin instantly. 

Want more control with fewer intermediaries? in just a few minutes.

Gemini Singapore (Gemini Digital Payments Singapore, Pte. Ltd.) holds an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the MAS for a Major Payments Institution licence.

Spot vs. Futures Bitcoin ETFs

Not all Bitcoin ETFs are the same. There are two main types – spot and futures – and they behave very differently. 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs hold actual Bitcoin in custody, while futures ETFs hold contracts that bet on Bitcoin’s future price. Understanding this distinction helps investors choose the right product for their goals and risk tolerance.

Which Is Better for Singapore Investors?

Futures ETFs may suit experienced traders using advanced strategies. For most investors, however, spot Bitcoin ETFs are simpler, lower cost, and more directly reflective of Bitcoin’s market price. 

Can You Buy a Bitcoin ETF in Singapore?

Looking to buy a Bitcoin ETF in Singapore? Here's what MAS allows — and what it doesn’t.

What MAS Allows (As of 2025)

. However, Singapore investors can legally access U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs through Capital Markets Services (CMS)-licensed brokers.

Retail vs. Accredited Investors

Retail investors (general public) can buy overseas-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs via regulated brokers after passing risk assessments. They cannot purchase Bitcoin futures ETFs.

Accredited investors can access a wider range of crypto ETFs, including those with exposure to Ethereum or Solana.

Top Bitcoin ETFs Accessible to Singapore Investors

Spot U.S. Bitcoin ETFs 

August 2025 Top 5 Bitcoin Spot ETF Rankings

Data from .

For those in Singapore, choosing the best Bitcoin ETF depends on cost, liquidity, and your broker’s access.

provides a fuller understanding on what metrics to look at when comparing ETFs.

To make informed decisions on real performance data, use which shows real-time inflows, AUM, and issuer custody details.

Futures Bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin Futures ETF trading volumes from Oct 2024 to Aug 2025, sourced from The Block.

Spikes in Bitcoin future ETFs trading volume suggest that these ETFs are often used for tactical short-term plays, not long-term exposure.

How to Buy a Bitcoin ETF in Singapore

1. Choose a Regulated Broker 

Use a CMS-licensed broker that provides access to international exchanges, such as NASDAQ, NYSE, CBOE, or HKEX.

Not all brokers support every crypto ETF that Singapore investors may be interested in, so it’s best to do your research before funding your account.

Some platforms offer more favorable fees, a user-friendly experience, and wider market access, especially for buying U.S.-listed ETFs. If you plan to invest regularly, these differences can accumulate into significant costs over time.

When evaluating brokers, consider trading fees, FX spreads, and withdrawal charges, along with platform reliability and ease of mobile execution. offers a good starting point if you're reviewing your options.

2. Open and Fund Your Account

Opening an account typically involves uploading proof of ID and address. Most brokers now support Singpass-based onboarding, making the process fast and paperless.

To fund your account, use a local bank transfer (usually via FAST). SGD is automatically converted to USD during the trade process.

3. Place a Trade

Once your funds are ready, search for the ETF’s ticker symbol (e.g. IBIT, FBTC, or ARKB) and place a buy order. Most platforms offer market and limit order types.

4. Monitor Your Portfolio

Your ETF shares will be visible in your portfolio after settlement, just like any stock. You can track price movements, set alerts, and rebalance as needed.

If you're investing for the long haul, tracking performance of the best Bitcoin ETF options (like IBIT or FBTC) can help you stay aligned with your financial goals.

Pros and Cons of Bitcoin ETFs

Pros

Bitcoin ETFs can be a better choice than directly buying and holding spot Bitcoin in several specific situations, particularly for investors prioritizing ease, compliance, and integration into traditional financial systems.

Below are the key scenarios where Bitcoin ETFs have clear advantages:

• Simple, Regulated Access to Bitcoin
  Buy and sell Bitcoin exposure like a stock – no wallets, private keys, or crypto exchanges. ETFs are regulated, making them safer and more familiar for traditional investors.

• Easy Portfolio Integration
  ETFs fit naturally into existing portfolios, whether in robo-advisors, retirement accounts, or brokerage platforms. Manage them alongside stocks and bonds with no extra setup.

• Institutional-Grade Security
  Your Bitcoin is held by trusted custodians like Gemini or Coinbase, with oversight from major asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity. This reduces risks from hacks or self-custody errors.

• Beginner-Friendly Exposure 

  Perfect for crypto-curious investors – no technical knowledge required. ETFs lower the barrier to entry while still giving exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements.

Cons

While Bitcoin ETFs offer convenient, regulated exposure, they aren’t without tradeoffs. For investors who value direct ownership or control, lower fees, or broader crypto utility, ETFs may fall short. Plus, more intermediaries mean higher fees and increased counterparty risk. 

Below are the key limitations to consider before investing:

• Must Go Through a Regulated Broker
  You can't buy Bitcoin ETFs directly from the fund issuer. You’ll need a brokerage account licensed by MAS that offers access to U.S. markets (like NASDAQ or NYSE). This adds an extra layer to your setup. For investors used to the instant nature of crypto exchanges, this can feel slow and restrictive.

• Limited Control, No Ownership
  When you buy a Bitcoin ETF, you can't send your BTC to a personal wallet, or use it for on-chain activities like staking, lending, or transferring to DeFi protocols.

• Higher Fees and Intermediary Layers
  Singapore investors should be mindful of the multiple types of fees when buying Bitcoin ETFs – expense ratios, brokerage trading fees, and forex conversion costs. For reference, platforms like Gemini charge a one-time transaction fee for buying Bitcoin.

• Slower Market Exposure
  ETF trades only execute during regular market hours (e.g. U.S. stock market timings). If Bitcoin moves sharply over the weekend or outside hours, you can’t react in real time. This delay could matter for active traders or those looking to time entries. Crypto exchanges, on the other hand, operate 24/7.

Are Bitcoin ETFs Taxable in Singapore?

In Singapore, there is generally no capital gains tax on individuals. This means that profits from buying and selling Bitcoin ETFs are not taxable for most retail investors.

Likewise, the same principle applies to direct crypto assets – capital gains are not taxed unless you're operating in the crypto space as a business.

Singapore’s tax neutrality is not the global norm. In some countries like the U.S., selling Bitcoin directly typically triggers capital gains tax. However, Bitcoin ETFs may come with a tax deferral or even an exemption.

It’s why ETFs are often preferred in jurisdictions with capital gains taxes. In Singapore, the decision is less about tax strategy and more about control, cost, and convenience.

For official guidance, refer to . Or explore our complete guide to .

Next Steps

1. Decide whether investing in a Bitcoin ETF suits your goals compared to holding Bitcoin directly.

When considering fees, traders might find ETFs to be a more attractive option, while HODLers may prefer investing in actual Bitcoin. Do you value owning your crypto? Do you want to spend your Bitcoin? If that’s the case, an ETF likely won’t need your needs. 

2. Select a U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETF that aligns with your investment strategy.

Review ETF performance history, management fees, and underlying Bitcoin exposure.

3. Choose a MAS-regulated broker that provides access to overseas markets to purchase shares of your chosen ETF.

Examples of MAS-regulated brokers that offer U.S. market access include MooMoo, Saxo, eToro, and Interactive Brokers. 

For investors in Singapore, knowing how to legally access a Bitcoin ETF means clean, compliant exposure and lets you allocate with confidence.

If you’re ready to gain exposure to Bitcoin ETFs, start by choosing a regulated broker. Prefer flexibility and actual BTC you can move? Learn with secure custody and local compliance.

FAQs

Can I buy a Bitcoin ETF in Singapore right now?

Yes, but not on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). You can invest in U.S. Bitcoin ETFs through MAS-regulated brokers that offer access to international markets like NASDAQ or NYSE.

Are Bitcoin ETFs a good investment?

Bitcoin ETFs are ideal if you want price exposure without managing wallets, private keys, or crypto exchange accounts. They're not for active crypto users but they make Bitcoin accessible to anyone with a brokerage account. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more in fees for that convenience.

What’s the difference between buying Bitcoin on Gemini and buying an ETF?

Buying on Gemini means you own real Bitcoin – you can send, sell, or use it however you like. A Bitcoin ETF gives you price exposure only. You can’t move or use Bitcoin itself.

Are spot Bitcoin ETFs safer than direct crypto?

Spot Bitcoin ETFs are generally safer for beginners but provide less control for advanced cryptocurrency holders. They eliminate self-custody risks, such as losing your wallet, but introduce counterparty risks from brokers and issuers.