Frequently Asked Questions
About Stratiphy
How can Stratiphy help me?
We believe it is important to conduct thorough analysis before making investment decisions. Stratiphy gives you the tools to perform this analysis systematically on the market, according to your own investment requirements. Here's what you can do with Stratiphy: Strategy creation: Build a custom investment strategy tailored to your requirements. Systematic analysis: Regularly receive investment analysis of your portfolio and the wider market based on the strategies that you create. Investment signal generation: The strategies which you have created will regularly generate investment signals. These signals are based on your input parameters, curated according to our industry knowledge, and provide you with actionable insights, helping you identify the opportunities that you are looking for. Strategy automation: You can sit back and watch Stratiphy work for you by automating your investments according to your criteria.
Who can use Stratiphy?
Stratiphy is available for UK taxpayers over the age of 18.
Who are the experts building the investment strategies?
Together we have several decades of experience building and testing systematic investing strategies in investment banking. Our expertise and proactive approach aim to manage risk and offer a personalised experience.
Are you regulated?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 976267). You can see full details here.
Is my money protected?
Your money is protected up to a limit of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Learn more about FSCS protection here. WealthKernel is our custodian and partner for brokerage services, and they are regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), no. 723719.
Do you provide financial advice?
No, we do not offer financial advice. We give you the opportunity to set up an automated investment strategy that follows your investment criteria. Your strategy will execute investments according to the parameters you set up. If you are unsure of the suitability of a particular investment, we recommend you obtain independent professional financial advice.
Investment Strategies
How do I create a strategy?
Step 1: Get the app on Android or iOS and create an account! It takes less than 1 minute. Step 2: Define your investment preferences in our strategy builder. Step 3: View the performance of the strategy you created. This is a simulated backtest that shows you how your strategy would have performed over the last 10 years.
How do my investment signals work?
Once you’ve created a strategy, your signals will start to appear within the signals tab underneath your strategy card. Our signals are easy to understand, we show the values and volume required to fit with your budget. Previous performance is no guarantee of future performance.
Which markets does Stratiphy cover?
Currently, Stratiphy offers UK stocks and ETFs. We are planning to introduce more regions in the future.
Which asset classes does Stratiphy cover?
Stratiphy offers stocks and ETFs.
Crypto ETPs
What is a crypto Exchange Traded Product (cETN)?
A crypto Exchange Traded Note (cETN) is an investment product that tracks the price of a cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Unlike owning crypto directly through a wallet, you buy and sell the ETN on a regulated stock exchange, just like shares. You don't own the underlying coins, but you gain exposure to their price movements.
What is the regulatory status of crypto ETNs now?
The FCA had previously banned retail access to crypto ETNs since 2021. They've lifted the ban because:
Regulated market infrastructure for these products had been established on UK Recognised Investment Exchanges
Product disclosures had materially improved, giving retail investors clearer information
The treatment of retail investors could be aligned with that of professional investors on a more consistent basis
This does not mean the FCA considers crypto to be a low-risk asset class. Crypto assets remain highly volatile and cETNs are only suitable if you understand and are comfortable with that risk.
Can I invest in crypto ETNs through Stratiphy?
Yes. Through our partnership with 21shares, you can now invest in crypto ETNs directly through your Stratiphy account.
Important Information
Cryptoassets are considered very high risk, speculative investments. If you are at all uncertain as to the suitability we recommend you contact a financial adviser.
Q. Which cryptocurrencies will be available? We offer cETNs that track:
21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP|CBTC|CH1199067674
21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP|ETHC| CH1209763130
Who is 21shares?
21shares is Europe's leading issuer of physically backed crypto ETNs, managing over $11 billion in assets across 50+ products. They're an established provider with a strong track record in crypto investment products.
Why has Stratiphy partnered with 21shares for crypto ETNs?
We chose 21shares because we believe they are the best in class for this type of product. As a specialist crypto ETN issuer they have more assets under management than any other dedicated provider in the sector, the longest track record of listing crypto ETNs on the London Stock Exchange, and one of the broadest product ranges available - currently over 50 products globally.
Their deep expertise in crypto markets, combined with their physically-backed structure and institutional-grade custody arrangements, and competitive pricing structure, gives us confidence that we are offering our customers a product that is well-constructed, transparent and properly managed.
What is the difference between a crypto ETN and buying Bitcoin or Ethereum directly?
Investing into crypto via an ETN is a simpler process than buying crypto directly, as you don't need to create a wallet and maintain it. It also means you can invest through a regulated service provider, such as Stratiphy, and benefit from consumer protections and FCA oversight.
The price of an ETN is usually closely correlated to the price of the underlying cryptocurrency it is tracking, however they are not always the same and various factors may contribute to mismatches at times, or even systematically. There are costs associated with ETNs, paid to the administrator of the product for arranging it, and you can find full details of these within the Factsheet which is available for download within the app.
Please note that cETNs are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). As with all investments, the value of a cETN can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest.
Are 21shares ETNs physically-backed?
When you invest in a 21shares ETN, 21shares directly purchases the equivalent amount of Bitcoin or Ethereum and stores it securely with an institutional-grade custodian (such as Coinbase Custody or Zodia).
The cryptocurrency is held in segregated, cold-storage wallets, which means:
The assets are kept separate from 21shares' own corporate assets
The structure is designed to be bankruptcy-remote, meaning the assets are intended to be protected and ring-fenced in the event 21shares faces financial difficulties, though recovery in such a scenario would be subject to legal process.
While you don't directly own the cryptocurrency (you own the ETN as a debt instrument), the physical backing provides an additional layer of security compared to synthetic or derivative-based products.
How does a crypto ETN track the price of a cryptocurrency?
Some crypto ETNs track the price of a cryptocurrency by physically holding it. This means the issuer purchases the equivalent amount of Bitcoin, Ethereum or another cryptocurrency and holds it in secure institutional custody.
Others use an alternative approach called synthetic replication, where the issuer uses financial instruments such as swaps or derivatives to mirror the price without directly holding the underlying asset. This can introduce additional counterparty risk compared to physically-backed products.
The 21shares ETNs available on Stratiphy are physically backed. Full details of how each product works, including custody and replication method, are set out in the product's Key Information Document (KID), available to download in the app.
What drives the differences in price movements between the underlying crypto assets and the ETNs themselves?
The price of an ETN is usually closely correlated to the price of the underlying cryptocurrency it is tracking, however they are not always the same and various factors may contribute to mismatches at times, or even systematically. Since the price used is in USD it needs to be converted to GBP, and this conversion can account for a difference. There are also costs associated with ETNs, paid to the administrator of the product for arranging it, and you can find full details of these within the Factsheet which is available for download within the app.
How is the price of a crypto ETN set, and why might it not exactly match the crypto market price?
The price of a crypto ETN is determined by trading on the stock exchange where it is listed. It is designed to stay close to its Net Asset Value (NAV) – the value of the underlying cryptocurrency holdings divided by the number of ETNs in issue – but small differences can arise due to:
Normal supply and demand on the exchange
Management fees, which create a small drag on returns over time
Currency conversions between the underlying currency (USD) and reporting currency (GBP)
Trading hours – stock exchanges have fixed hours while crypto markets operate 24/7, meaning overnight price movements in the underlying crypto cannot be acted on until the exchange reopens
Can I trade my ETN at any time?
No. You can only buy or sell ETNs during the trading hours of the stock exchange on which they are listed. Crypto markets operate around the clock, so price movements can occur outside exchange hours that you cannot act on until the market reopens the following business day.
Could I lose any, or all the money I invest?
Yes. Crypto assets are highly volatile and the value of a crypto ETN can rise or fall quickly. In extreme circumstances the value could fall to zero and you could lose your entire investment. You should only invest money you can afford to lose.
How much of my portfolio should be in crypto?
This depends on your individual circumstances, but many financial experts recommend:
Limiting crypto exposure to 5-10% of your total portfolio maximum
Only investing money you can afford to lose
Treating it as a long-term investment (5+ years)
Ensuring you have a diversified portfolio across different asset classes
What happens if 21shares, the issuer of the ETN, were to become insolvent?
The 21shares ETNs available on Stratiphy are structured to be bankruptcy-remote. This means the underlying cryptocurrency is held separately from 21shares' own corporate assets by an independent institutional custodian, and is intended to be ring-fenced in the event of issuer insolvency.
In practice this means that if 21shares were to become insolvent, the underlying crypto assets should not form part of the general insolvency estate available to creditors. There would however be a formal recovery process, and the timing and outcome of that process cannot be guaranteed.
It is important to note that crypto ETNs are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), so there is no government-backed compensation available in the way there would be for a bank deposit or certain other regulated investments.
In summary, physical backing and bankruptcy-remote structuring provide meaningful protections compared to unsecured or synthetic products, but they do not eliminate risk entirely.
How volatile are Bitcoin and Ethereum, and what does that mean for my investment?
Both are highly volatile – daily price swings of 5–10% (or more) are common. That means your investment value can change rapidly, both up and down.
What are the main risks I should be aware of before investing?
Key risks include:
High volatility and potential for total loss.
No compensation if things go wrong.
Prices of the underlying may move when exchanges are closed.(i.e. The ETP could start trading with a sharp upward or downward movement; you might also not capitalise on big price swings outside trading hours).
Dependence on the issuer's financial health.
Regulatory changes that may affect crypto markets.
What fees are involved in investing in a crypto ETN?
There are two types of cost to be aware of:
Stratiphy trading costs - details of any costs associated with buying and selling ETNs on the Stratiphy platform can be found on our pricing page. There is no trading cost when investing through a Stratiphy strategy.
Issuer costs - 21shares charges an ongoing fee for administering the ETN and maintaining the physical custody of the underlying cryptocurrency. This is expressed as an annual percentage and is reflected in the ETN price rather than charged separately. Full details are set out in the Key Information Document (KID) for each product, available to download in the app.
Does a crypto ETN pay dividends or income?
Most crypto ETNs do not pay dividends or income in the traditional sense. However, some ETNs offer a staking feature.
Staking involves the ETN issuer participating in the validation process of a proof-of-stake blockchain (such as Ethereum) using the underlying cryptocurrency held in custody. In return, the ETN receives additional cryptocurrency - similar in concept to earning interest or a dividend, though it is not the same thing in a legal or tax sense.
This staking reward is typically added back into the ETN rather than paid out as cash to investors. The practical effect is that a staking ETN tends to deliver slightly higher returns over time compared to a non-staking equivalent tracking the same asset.
One trade-off to be aware of is that staking requires a portion of the underlying cryptocurrency to be temporarily locked in the validation process. This can result in a small degree of reduced liquidity at certain times.
Full details of whether a specific ETN includes staking, and how it works for that product, are set out in the relevant Key Information Document (KID), available to download in the app.
Could the ETN be suspended or delisted, and what would happen to my investment?
Yes, in certain circumstances trading in an ETN can be temporarily suspended – for example during significant market disruption or if the exchange or issuer needs to take protective action. During a suspension you would be unable to buy or sell until trading resumes.
In the event of a permanent delisting, the issuer would typically redeem all outstanding ETNs at the prevailing market value at that time. Depending on the price of the underlying cryptocurrency at the point of redemption, this could result in a gain or a loss on your original investment.
How do I sell my crypto ETN if I want to cash out?
You can sell your ETN through the Stratiphy app during stock exchange trading hours, in the same way you would sell any other investment on the platform. The price you receive will reflect the market price of the ETN at the time your order is executed, which may differ slightly from the price you see when you place the order depending on market conditions at that moment.
Can I hold crypto ETNs in an ISA?
Yes. One of the advantages of investing in crypto ETNs through Stratiphy is that you can hold them within an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA), giving you the following tax benefits:
Any gains are free from Capital Gains Tax
No tax on any income generated within the ISA wrapper
You can contribute up to £20,000 per tax year across all your ISAs combined
Please note that following a regulatory change in April 2026, crypto ETNs can no longer be purchased within a Stocks and Shares ISA. They are only available within the Stratiphy IFISA. If you held crypto ETNs in a Stratiphy Stocks and Shares ISA before that date, your existing holdings are not affected, but any new purchases must be made through the IFISA.
If you do not yet have a Stratiphy IFISA, you can open one in the app in minutes.
Where can I find the official risk disclosures and Key Information Document?
We provide links to each product's Key Information Document (KID) in the app, along with our own risk disclosure.
Why do I need to complete a knowledge and appropriateness assessment before investing in crypto ETNs?
Crypto ETNs are classified by the FCA as complex, high-risk investments. Before you can invest, FCA rules require Stratiphy to check that you understand the key features and risks of the product – this is known as an appropriateness assessment.
The assessment is not a pass or fail test in the traditional sense. It is designed to make sure you have enough knowledge and experience to make an informed decision about whether this type of investment is right for you.
If the assessment indicates that crypto ETNs may not be appropriate for your level of knowledge or experience, we will let you know. You may still be able to proceed, but we want to make sure you are doing so with a clear understanding of what you are investing in and the risks involved.
The assessment only takes a few minutes to complete and you will only need to do it once.
Why do I have to wait 24 hours before I can make my first investment?
This is to give you time to consider the risks. The cooling-off period only applies the first time you try to invest.
Can I still invest if the appropriateness assessment suggests crypto ETNs may not be suitable for me?
If your responses suggest that crypto ETNs may not be appropriate for your current level of knowledge or experience, Stratiphy will alert you to this before you proceed. This is a regulatory requirement designed to protect you.
You will have the opportunity to review the risks and, if you choose, to continue with your investment on an informed basis. However, if after multiple attempts the assessment consistently indicates that this product may not be appropriate for you, we may not be able to allow you to proceed.
In that case we would encourage you to make use of Strativersity, our built-in financial education hub, to build your knowledge before attempting the assessment again.
Where can I learn more about crypto investing?
Check the FCA's crypto basics: https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics
What UK tax applies to crypto ETNs? Are they treated differently from shares?
Crypto ETNs are generally treated as capital assets for UK tax purposes, meaning any profit you make when you sell is potentially subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This is broadly similar to the tax treatment of shares and funds.
Crypto ETNs held within a Stratiphy Innovative Finance ISA are sheltered from CGT in the same way as other ISA investments, which is one of the key benefits of investing through an ISA wrapper.
Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and the rules may change. Stratiphy does not provide tax advice and we recommend speaking to a qualified tax adviser if you are unsure how these investments will be treated in your specific situation.
Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA)
What is the Stratiphy Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA)?
The Stratiphy IFISA is a tax-efficient investment account that allows eligible UK investors to hold crypto ETNs within an ISA wrapper.
Investing through an IFISA means any gains and income generated are free from Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax, in the same way as a Stocks and Shares ISA or Cash ISA. You can contribute up to £20,000 per tax year across all your ISAs combined.
Following a regulatory change in April 2026, crypto ETNs can only be purchased within an IFISA - they are no longer available for new purchase within a Stocks and Shares ISA. The Stratiphy IFISA is therefore the home for all crypto ETN investing on our platform.
Opening a Stratiphy IFISA takes minutes and can be done entirely within the app.
How is the Stratiphy IFISA different from a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Both are ISAs, so both offer the same core tax benefits — no Capital Gains Tax and no Income Tax on gains and income generated within the wrapper. The difference is in what each account can hold.
A Stocks and Shares ISA holds traditional investments such as shares, funds, bonds and ETFs. On Stratiphy, your Stocks and Shares ISA is where you invest in conventional asset classes.
The IFISA is specifically designed for crypto ETN investments. Following the April 2026 regulatory change, crypto ETNs can no longer be purchased within a Stocks and Shares ISA and must be held within an IFISA instead.
You can hold both a Stocks and Shares ISA and an IFISA with Stratiphy at the same time. Both count towards your £20,000 annual ISA allowance, which is shared across all your ISAs in any given tax year.
What can I hold in the Stratiphy IFISA?
The Stratiphy IFISA is designed to hold crypto ETNs available on the platform only, these are currently the 21Shares Bitcoin and Ethereum ETNs.
You cannot hold other shares, funds or other exchange-traded products within the IFISA. If you want to invest in those assets, these are available through your Stratiphy Stocks and Shares ISA, or General Investment Account instead.
We are continuously looking to expand the range of products we make available in all our accounts, and changes will be communicated via our standard channels, such as our community page and website.
Do I own the cryptocurrency directly?
No. When you invest in a crypto ETN, you own the listed product, not the underlying coins directly.
The product is designed to provide exposure to price movements in the relevant cryptoasset.
Why would I use an IFISA?
Potential benefits may include:
Holding eligible investments within an ISA wrapper
Simpler administration compared with direct crypto ownership
Access through an FCA-authorised investment platform
No UK tax on gains or income generated within the ISA, subject to current tax rules
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.
How much can I contribute?
You can subscribe up to the annual ISA allowance set by HMRC across all your ISAs combined.
For the current tax year, this is typically £20,000 unless HMRC changes the allowance.
If you contribute to more than one ISA type, the total across all ISAs must remain within your allowance.
Can I have both a Stocks & Shares ISA and an IFISA?
Yes, subject to ISA rules.
You can split your annual ISA allowance across different ISA types, including a Stocks & Shares ISA and an IFISA, provided your total subscriptions remain within the annual limit.
Can I transfer an existing ISA to Stratiphy IFISA?
In many cases, yes. Transfer eligibility depends on the type of ISA, provider processes and current HMRC rules.
Please check the Stratiphy app or support team for current transfer options.
Is this regulated?
Stratiphy is FCA-authorised. The investments themselves remain high-risk market products.
Being available through a regulated platform does not remove investment risk.
Is my money protected by FSCS?
FSCS protection may apply in limited circumstances relating to claims against authorised firms.
It does not protect against:
falls in the value of investments
crypto market losses
normal investment risk
Please review the relevant product and custody disclosures.
Where can I learn more?
Please review:
Product Key Information Documents in the app
Stratiphy risk disclosures
Account & Pricing
Can I use Stratiphy if I am not a UK resident?
If you are not a UK resident, you can still create investment strategies with Stratiphy, and view the trading signals and strategy analysis.
How can I deactivate auto-renewal or cancel a subscription?
You can go to the account page in the Stratiphy app to manage your subscription and billing settings. You will have the option to cancel your subscription, and update your card details. If you cancel your subscription, it will still be valid until the end of the month which you paid for. Alternatively, you can cancel using the links below: App Store Subscriptions (Apple iOS) Google Play Subscriptions (Android)
How do I change my payment details?
You can change your billing details in the account section of your Stratiphy app. For more support please go to the account section of the Stratiphy app and ask us through the contact us button.
How do I change my email address?
It is currently not possible to change your login method or email address associated with your account. If you want to use a different login, please create a new account. For more support please go to the account section of the Stratiphy app and raise a support ticket through the contact us button.
How can I contact you?
To get help with your Stratiphy account, please go to the account section of the Stratiphy app and raise a support ticket through the contact us button. Alternatively, send us an email to support@stratiphy.io.
How can I delete my account?
To delete your account, please get in touch with hello@stratiphy.io, and we will perform this action on your behalf.
How can I request that my data is deleted?
To request for your data to be deleted, please get in touch with hello@stratiphy.io, and we will perform this action on your behalf.
Contact us
You can email us directly at hello@stratiphy.io