Vontobel launches a certificate on Ether, offering investors simple and transparent access to this cryptocurrency

Like Bitcoin, probably the best-known cryptocurrency, Ether is also based on blockchain technology. Unlike Bitcoin, however, Ether is not a pure cryptocurrency but the payment token (i.e. the "currency") within the Ethereum network. This network in turn is a distributed system in the field of financial technology. With a market capitalization of currently more than USD 18 billion, ether is the second most important cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. Investors are therefore very interested in diversification opportunities in the cryptocurrencies asset class.

Vontobel is now launching the first open-end certificate on Ether. It enables a linear participation in price gains and losses on Ether in US dollars without a maturity limit.

Following the successful launch of the first Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash certificates as well as mini-futures on Bitcoin in Switzerland and Germany, the listing of the Ether participation certificate is a further milestone. The Ether certificate is an interesting alternative to a direct investment in the cryptocurrency and brings investors some important benefits: The certificate is exchange-tradable, i.e. investors can take advantage of the trading hours, market-making quality requirements, liquidity, and settlement of regulated exchanges. Investors do not have to operate on unregulated cryptoexchanges with non-transparent settlement processes and worry about the digital safekeeping of their private wallet. Vontobel assumes these processes and services as the issuer of the certificate. However, investors must take Vontobel's issuer risk and the market risk (price risk) of the underlying asset – Ether – in US dollars into account. There is no currency hedging against the US dollar. As a bond, the certificate is not subject to any deposit protection.

"With the new Ether certificate, investors have for the first time the opportunity to make simple and transparent investments in Ether without a maturity limit. As one of the leading providers of structured products, Vontobel is once again demonstrating its technological leadership and innovative strength by adding another cryptocurrency to its existing range of crypto certificates. Vontobel thus offers investors enhanced investment opportunities and diversification opportunities," said Roger Studer, Head of Vontobel Investment Banking.

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