BlackRock Debuts First Bitcoin ETP on London Stock Exchange

The global asset manager BlackRock has launched its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange. This marks a new milestone for the UK financial market. 

This follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s recent decision to lift its long-standing ban on crypto-based investment products. 

BlackRock Expands Its European Footprint

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP (IBIT), began trading on October 20. This marks the company’s first Bitcoin product listing in the United Kingdom and adds to its growing presence across Europe. The launch gives investors a safe and regulated way to invest in Bitcoin (BTC) without owning it directly. It also strengthens BlackRock’s presence in Europe. 

Earlier this year, the company introduced similar Bitcoin ETPs in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, showing its steady expansion in digital assets across major markets. BlackRock’s decision to launch the iShares Bitcoin ETP in London comes as more people in the UK show interest in crypto investments. 

Experts believe the number of crypto investors in the country could reach several million by next year. The new product offers a safer and more transparent way to invest in digital assets through regulated platforms. 

Surprisingly, over 1,000 IBIT shares were exchanged in its first hour of trading on the London exchange. This shows strong early demand and growing trust in regulated crypto investment options.

BlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETP After UK Lifts Crypto Ban

BlackRock’s launch comes just after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted its four-year ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded products. This comes as the agency is planning to complete its crypto regulation rules by 2026. 

Many market experts believe this change will encourage investors to use regulated platforms instead of turning to offshore or unregulated exchanges. 

The UK is creating safer and more transparent ways for people to invest in crypto. This will help the country strengthen its position among leading global financial hubs that have already embraced digital assets.

Asset Managers Rush to London’s Crypto Market

BlackRock’s move into the UK market has encouraged other big players to take action. 21Shares has launched four crypto ETPs backed by real assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH). The company also lowered its fees to make regulated crypto investing easier for everyday people.

Bitwise followed by listing its Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC1) on the London Stock Exchange’s retail segment, with fees cut to just 0.05 percent. WisdomTree also joined in, launching its own Bitcoin and Ethereum products priced between 0.15 percent and 0.35 percent. 

These competitive products show how quickly the UK’s regulated crypto investment market is growing. Meanwhile, BlackRock remains a global leader in the digital assets sector. Its iShares Bitcoin Trust in the United States now manages over $85 billion in assets. The investment product is now the company’s most profitable fund.