Stocks and Shares ISA

Definition ∞ A Stocks and Shares ISA, or Individual Savings Account, is a tax-efficient investment wrapper available in the United Kingdom that allows individuals to invest in stocks, shares, and other qualifying investments without paying capital gains tax or income tax on returns. This account provides a mechanism for personal savings growth with favorable tax treatment. It encourages long-term investment by UK residents.
Context ∞ While primarily a traditional financial product, discussions in crypto news sometimes reference Stocks and Shares ISAs when comparing tax-efficient investment strategies. Investors often seek similar tax advantages for digital asset holdings, leading to calls for regulatory clarity on how cryptocurrencies might fit into existing or new tax wrappers. The absence of direct ISA eligibility for most crypto assets highlights a current gap between traditional and digital investment vehicles.