Hargreaves Lansdown offers bitcoins to retail investors

The cryptocurrency has surged past the $2,000 mark this year, and some analysts think bitcoin could continue its rise

UK fund supermarket Hargreaves Lansdown is making it easier for the masses to gain from the soaring price of bitcoin by offering an exchange-traded note to retail investors using its platform.

The two ETNs, which are listed on Nasdaq OMX and track the performance of the cryptocurrency, are now available online through Hargreaves. One of the notes is denominated in Swedish kronor and the other in euros.

Bitcoin has surged past the $2,000 mark this year, and some analysts think bitcoin could continue its rise. The bitcoin notes give Hargreaves Lansdown clients exposure to the currency without having to own the asset. Some may find that an easier process than mining bitcoins - which requires installing and running software - or by buying them from someone else.

Ryan Radloff, head of investor relations for XBT Provider, the issuer of the notes, said: "This is very exciting for any investors who have been thinking about buying bitcoin but did not want the hassle of security and regulation involved in buying bitcoin directly from exchanges.

"Now investors can quickly add bitcoin exposure to their portfolio via their brokerage account."