New Zealand's popular micro-investing platform, Sharesies, has officially launched cryptocurrency investing for Kiwi users. This marks a major milestone for everyday investors who can now buy, hold, and sell digital assets directly within the Sharesies app — thanks to a partnership with global exchange giant Kraken.
What This Means for Kiwi Investors
With Sharesies Crypto, users can invest in a select range of well-established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. More tokens will be added over time. This integration removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with crypto investing — no external wallets, private keys, or third-party exchanges are needed.
All crypto purchased via Sharesies is securely stored by Kraken Financial, a regulated U.S. crypto bank under Wyoming law. Through Sharesies Crypto Custody Limited, investors remain the beneficial owners of their holdings, ensuring that customer assets are legally separated from Sharesies' operating funds.
How to Get Involved
If you're new to Sharesies or crypto investing, getting started is easy:
- Log in or sign up at sharesies.nz
- Inside the app, go to the Crypto tab.
- Choose your preferred cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Enter an amount (minimum buy is around $5–$10 USD, depending on the coin).
- Preview your fees (transparent before each order) and confirm your purchase.
From there, you can buy or sell crypto 24/7, monitor live price changes, and view your digital portfolio alongside your shares and funds within the same dashboard.
Security and Custody
Your holdings are stored through Kraken, which uses hardware security modules, multi-layered encryption, and segregated accounts for safety. Kraken's reputation as one of the world's oldest and most security-focused crypto platforms adds trust and reassurance for Sharesies investors.
How It Compares to Easy Crypto NZ
| Feature | Sharesies Crypto | EasyCrypto.nz |
|---|---|---|
| Custody | Stored via Kraken Financial under Sharesies Crypto Custody Limited | User self-custody — you hold your own crypto wallet and keys |
| Ease of Use | Fully integrated into Sharesies app — no wallet setup needed | Requires external wallet setup or uses deposits to custodial wallets |
| Coin Offerings | Launching with BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP (more to come) | Over 160+ cryptocurrencies available for NZD purchase |
| Trading Hours | 24/7 crypto market access | 24/7 crypto exchange availability |
| Security Partner | Kraken (regulated U.S. Special Purpose Depository Institution) | Fireblocks and other secure third-party custody partners |
| Minimum Investment | $5–$10 USD equivalent | $50 NZD minimum purchase |
| Ownership Model | Beneficial owner under custodian trust | Direct wallet ownership — user controls private keys |
In short, Sharesies Crypto simplifies access for new investors wanting exposure without hands-on wallet management, while Easy Crypto remains ideal for more experienced users who prefer self-custody and broader coin choices.
Final Thoughts
Sharesies' integration with Kraken brings a new wave of accessibility and credibility to crypto investing in Aotearoa. For Kiwi investors who already use Sharesies for shares and ETFs, the ability to add Bitcoin or Ethereum alongside those assets makes wealth building just a little bit easier.
If you're ready to explore, visit sharesies.nz/crypto-register to learn more or start investing today.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and may result in loss of capital.)