Bitcoin remains the most dominant digital asset in the world, with the largest market capitalization and widespread adoption across global financial markets. As more investors look to diversify into cryptocurrency, understanding how to gain exposure to Bitcoin is essential. This guide explores five practical ways to own Bitcoin in 2025—each tailored to different investor profiles, from traditional market participants to Web3 enthusiasts.
Whether you prefer regulated financial products or direct ownership through decentralized platforms, there’s a method that fits your risk tolerance, technical comfort, and investment goals.
1. Buy Bitcoin Spot ETFs Through a U.S. Stock Account
Best for: Investors already using U.S. brokerage accounts
A Bitcoin spot ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a regulated financial product that holds actual Bitcoin and tracks its price. It allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s performance without managing private keys or navigating crypto exchanges.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first wave of Bitcoin spot ETFs on January 11, 2024. Since then, over ten funds have launched, including offerings from major asset managers like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which quickly became the largest by assets under management.
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Advantages:
- User-friendly access: Trade Bitcoin like any stock or ETF using your existing brokerage account.
- Regulatory oversight: Benefit from U.S. financial regulations and investor protections.
- High liquidity: Buy and sell during market hours with tight spreads and strong volume.
Drawbacks:
- Management fees: Most ETFs charge an annual expense ratio, which can eat into long-term returns.
- No direct ownership: You don’t hold actual Bitcoin—only shares in a fund that owns it.
This method is ideal for conservative investors who want exposure to Bitcoin within a familiar, regulated environment.
2. Use Taiwanese Brokerage Accounts with Cross-Border委托 (Complex Commission) to Buy U.S. Bitcoin ETFs
Best for: High-net-worth individuals in Taiwan seeking indirect access
If you're based in Taiwan and don’t have a U.S. brokerage account, you may still invest in U.S.-listed Bitcoin spot ETFs via cross-border委托 (complex commission) services offered by local brokers. On September 30, 2024, Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced that professional investors could use this channel to access overseas Bitcoin ETFs.
Who qualifies as a professional investor? This includes:
- Institutional investors
- Legal entities with high net worth
- Individuals with financial assets exceeding NT$30 million (~$950,000 USD)
In short, this option is currently limited to wealthy individuals.
Advantages:
- No need for a U.S. account: Use your existing Taiwanese brokerage platform.
- Local regulatory protection: Transactions go through FSC-regulated firms, offering dispute resolution support.
Drawbacks:
- Higher transaction costs: Additional fees apply due to intermediary handling.
- Execution delays: Orders are routed internationally, leading to slower trade settlement.
- No real Bitcoin ownership: Again, you’re buying fund shares—not the underlying asset.
While convenient for accredited investors, this path isn’t accessible to the general public yet.
3. Buy Bitcoin Directly on a Cryptocurrency Exchange and Transfer to Your Wallet
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want full control
For those who believe in self-custody and decentralization, purchasing Bitcoin directly on a crypto exchange and transferring it to a personal wallet is the most authentic way to "own" Bitcoin.
Popular global exchanges include Binance, Coinbase, and OKX—though many aren't fully operational in Taiwan. Local compliant platforms such as MAX, BiTo, and XREX allow NT-dollar deposits and withdrawals, making them ideal for Taiwanese users.
Step-by-step process:
- Choose a reputable exchange and complete KYC verification.
- Deposit fiat currency (e.g., TWD) via bank transfer.
- Buy Bitcoin using a fiat-to-crypto trading pair (like TWD/BTC).
- Withdraw to your self-hosted wallet—such as Xverse (for Bitcoin), MetaMask (for Ethereum-based assets), or hardware wallets like Ledger.
Only when Bitcoin is in your personal wallet—secured by your private key—do you truly own it on the blockchain.
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Advantages:
- Full asset control: You are your own bank—no third-party custody risks.
- Access to broader crypto ecosystem: Trade not just BTC but also ETH, SOL, and thousands of other tokens.
- Educational value: Gain hands-on experience with blockchain technology.
Drawbacks:
- Security responsibility: Lose your seed phrase or get hacked? Your funds are gone forever.
- Steeper learning curve: Newcomers may find wallets, networks, and gas fees confusing.
This method empowers users but demands discipline and knowledge.
4. Invest in 00909 ETF Through Your Taiwanese Stock Account
Best for: Local investors wanting simple, indirect exposure
Taiwan doesn’t yet have a native Bitcoin spot ETF—but 00909 (Cathay Focused Crypto Economy ETF) offers close correlation with Bitcoin’s price movements. This ETF invests in global companies tied to blockchain and digital payments, including:
- MicroStrategy (MSTR) – Holds over 400,000 BTC
- Coinbase (COIN) – Major U.S.-listed crypto exchange
- PayPal (PYPL) – Offers crypto payment services
Historical data shows a correlation of 0.981 between 00909 and Bitcoin prices—rising to 0.987 when comparing 20-day moving averages.
Advantages:
- Easy access via local brokers: No foreign accounts or complex procedures needed.
- Diversified exposure: Benefit from both Bitcoin trends and fintech growth.
- FSC-regulated environment: Greater legal recourse compared to offshore platforms.
Drawbacks:
- Indirect linkage: Performance depends on stock market dynamics, not pure BTC price.
- Management fees apply: Reduces net returns over time.
- Lower liquidity: Daily trading volume is modest compared to major U.S. ETFs.
Still, 00909 is one of the most accessible entry points for retail investors in Taiwan.
5. Buy MSTR Stock Through a U.S. Brokerage Account
Best for: Investors seeking leveraged Bitcoin exposure
MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) has become known as the “Bitcoin leverage stock.” Since 2020, the company has aggressively accumulated Bitcoin using corporate treasury funds and debt financing. As of late 2024, it held more than 400,000 BTC.
Because MSTR’s valuation closely follows Bitcoin’s price—with amplified volatility—its stock often moves about 1.5x the daily percentage change of BTC.
Advantages:
- Built-in leverage without futures risk: Gain amplified upside while avoiding margin calls or futures rollover costs.
- Simple stock purchase: No crypto wallets or exchanges required.
- High liquidity and regulation: Trade seamlessly on U.S. markets with full transparency.
Drawbacks:
- Not direct ownership: You own stock in a company that holds Bitcoin—not the asset itself.
- Operational and leverage risks: If BTC stagnates or falls long-term, MSTR’s debt strategy could backfire.
This route suits aggressive investors comfortable with equity volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy Bitcoin directly in Taiwan?
A: Yes—through local exchanges like MAX, BiTo, or XREX that support TWD deposits and withdrawals.
Q: Is owning a Bitcoin ETF the same as holding real Bitcoin?
A: No. ETFs provide price exposure but not actual ownership or control over private keys.
Q: What’s the safest way to store Bitcoin?
A: Use a hardware wallet (cold storage) like Ledger or Trezor after purchasing from a trusted exchange.
Q: Why is MSTR correlated with Bitcoin?
A: Because MicroStrategy holds massive amounts of BTC on its balance sheet—its value rises with Bitcoin.
Q: Do I need to be rich to invest in Bitcoin-related assets?
A: Not at all. Even small investments in ETFs or direct BTC purchases are possible with minimal capital.
Q: Are Taiwanese crypto exchanges safe?
A: Platforms like MAX and XREX have declared compliance with VASP guidelines, but always do your own research (DYOR).
👉 Start your journey into decentralized finance today—securely and confidently.
Bitcoin ownership no longer requires advanced technical skills or offshore accounts. From regulated ETFs to direct self-custody, multiple pathways exist for every type of investor. Choose the method that aligns with your goals: convenience, control, leverage, or regulation.
Remember: while opportunities abound, so do risks. Always conduct thorough research before investing.
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