Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has become a cornerstone of modern digital asset portfolios. As interest in decentralized finance and blockchain technology grows, more investors are exploring ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin—whether through traditional financial markets or direct ownership via crypto platforms. This guide outlines five practical methods to own Bitcoin in 2025, tailored to different investor profiles, from beginners using stock accounts to advanced users managing self-custody wallets.
Each method comes with its own advantages and trade-offs in terms of accessibility, control, cost, and regulatory oversight. Whether you're based in Taiwan or investing globally, this breakdown helps you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals and technical comfort level.
Method 1: Buy Bitcoin Spot ETFs Through a U.S. Stock Account
Ideal for: Investors who already have a U.S. brokerage account or prefer regulated, traditional market access.
A Bitcoin spot ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a financial product that directly holds physical Bitcoin and tracks its price in real time. Unlike futures-based products, spot ETFs reflect the actual market value of Bitcoin, offering investors indirect exposure without needing to manage private keys or wallets.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first Bitcoin spot ETFs on January 11, 2024, marking a historic milestone in crypto adoption. Since then, over ten such ETFs have launched, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) emerging as the largest by assets under management.
Advantages:
- Ease of use: Trade just like any stock or ETF through your existing brokerage.
- Regulatory protection: Benefit from U.S. financial regulations and investor safeguards.
- High liquidity: Buy and sell during market hours with tight spreads.
Drawbacks:
- Management fees: Ongoing expense ratios can erode long-term returns.
- No direct ownership: You don’t hold actual Bitcoin; you own shares in a trust that does.
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Method 2: Use Taiwanese Brokerage “Dual-Commissioning” to Access U.S. Bitcoin ETFs
Ideal for: Taiwanese investors with local brokerage accounts who meet professional investor criteria.
If you don’t have a U.S. stock account but want exposure to Bitcoin spot ETFs, Taiwan’s dual-commissioning service offers a workaround—though with restrictions. On September 30, 2024, Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced that only professional investors can use this service to invest in overseas Bitcoin ETFs.
Professional investors include individuals with net assets exceeding NT$30 million, institutional investors, or high-net-worth entities.
Advantages:
- Local convenience: Use your existing Taiwanese brokerage platform.
- Domestic regulatory oversight: Disputes can be handled through familiar local channels.
Drawbacks:
- Higher fees: Additional transaction and currency conversion costs apply.
- Execution delays: Orders routed internationally may experience latency.
- No real Bitcoin ownership: Like all ETFs, you’re gaining price exposure—not holding coins.
This option remains limited and inaccessible to most retail investors—for now.
Method 3: Buy Bitcoin Directly on a Cryptocurrency Exchange & Transfer to Your Wallet
Ideal for: Tech-savvy investors seeking full control over their digital assets.
For those who want true ownership of Bitcoin, buying directly on a crypto exchange and transferring to a personal wallet is the gold standard. This method gives you complete custody of your private keys—the cryptographic proof of ownership on the blockchain.
Recommended Exchanges:
- International platforms: Binance, Coinbase, OKX (global reach, high liquidity)
- Taiwan-friendly exchanges: MAX, BiTo, XREX (support TWD deposits/withdrawals)
Note: While international exchanges offer broader features, only locally compliant platforms allow seamless NT$ transactions.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Sign up & verify identity (KYC required).
- Deposit fiat currency via bank transfer.
- Purchase BTC using a TWD/BTC trading pair.
- Withdraw to your self-custody wallet (e.g., Ledger, Xverse, MetaMask).
Once transferred, your ownership is recorded on the blockchain—no third party controls your funds.
Advantages:
- Full asset control: You are your own bank.
- Access to diverse crypto assets: Invest beyond Bitcoin into ETH, SOL, and more.
- Educational value: Learn about wallets, private keys, and blockchain mechanics.
Drawbacks:
- Security responsibility: Lose your seed phrase? Your funds are gone forever.
- Steeper learning curve: New users may find the process intimidating.
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Method 4: Invest in Taiwan’s 00909 ETF for Indirect Bitcoin Exposure
Ideal for: Local investors wanting simple, regulated access via the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
While Taiwan doesn’t yet have a native Bitcoin spot ETF, the 00909 ETF (Cathay Global Digital Payment Services ETF) provides strong correlation with Bitcoin’s price movements—up to 0.987 correlation when comparing 20-day moving averages.
This fund invests in global companies at the forefront of blockchain and digital payments, including:
- MicroStrategy (MSTR) – Major corporate Bitcoin holder
- Coinbase (COIN) – Leading U.S.-listed crypto exchange
- PayPal (PYPL) – Fintech giant enabling crypto transactions
Advantages:
- Easy access: Buy through any Taiwanese brokerage.
- Diversified risk: Exposure not just to Bitcoin but to fintech innovation.
- Local regulation: Protected under Taiwan FSC oversight.
Drawbacks:
- Indirect linkage: Performance depends on stock market dynamics and company fundamentals.
- Lower liquidity: Daily trading volume is modest compared to U.S. ETFs.
- Management fees apply: Reduces net returns over time.
Still, for conservative investors hesitant about crypto volatility, 00909 offers a balanced entry point.
Method 5: Buy MSTR Stock for Leveraged Bitcoin Exposure
Ideal for: U.S. investors seeking amplified returns tied to Bitcoin’s price.
MicroStrategy (MSTR) has become known as the “leveraged Bitcoin stock.” Since 2020, the company has aggressively purchased Bitcoin using corporate capital and convertible debt financing. As of late 2024, it holds over 400,000 BTC, making it one of the largest public holders.
MSTR’s stock price correlates closely with Bitcoin—around 0.985—but often moves with approximately 1.5x leverage due to its debt-funded strategy.
Advantages:
- Built-in leverage without derivatives: Gain amplified exposure without using futures or margin.
- No crypto custody needed: Trade like any U.S. stock.
- Regulated and liquid: High trading volume and SEC compliance.
Drawbacks:
- Operational risk: MSTR is still a company subject to financial and market risks.
- Leverage cuts both ways: Downside volatility increases during bear markets.
This method suits those bullish on Bitcoin who accept added equity risk for potentially higher rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy Bitcoin directly on the Taiwan Stock Exchange?
A: No, there is currently no Bitcoin spot ETF listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. However, funds like 00909 offer indirect exposure through blockchain-related stocks.
Q: Is it safe to buy Bitcoin on international exchanges?
A: Yes, reputable platforms like OKX, Binance, and Coinbase implement robust security measures including cold storage, two-factor authentication, and regular audits.
Q: What’s the safest way to store Bitcoin?
A: For long-term holding, use a hardware wallet (cold wallet) like Ledger or Trezor. Avoid leaving large amounts on exchanges.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes when I buy Bitcoin?
A: Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction. In most countries, buying Bitcoin isn’t taxed, but selling or trading it may trigger capital gains taxes.
Q: Can I lose my Bitcoin forever?
A: Yes—if you lose your private key or recovery phrase and don’t have backups, your funds cannot be recovered.
Q: Which method gives true ownership of Bitcoin?
A: Only purchasing BTC on an exchange and withdrawing it to a self-managed wallet provides full ownership verified on the blockchain.
Final Thoughts
Owning Bitcoin in 2025 doesn’t require being a tech expert—but it does require understanding your options. From regulated ETFs accessible through stock accounts to direct ownership via crypto wallets, each path serves different needs:
- Prefer simplicity and regulation? Go with spot ETFs or MSTR.
- Want indirect exposure from Taiwan? Choose 00909 ETF.
- Seek full control and long-term sovereignty? Use a trusted exchange and move BTC to your own wallet.
Regardless of your choice, always conduct thorough research (DYOR) and consider security as your top priority.
👉 Start your journey toward true digital ownership now—securely and confidently.