Following the successful launch of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the U.S. in January 2024, which has since grown to become the largest spot Bitcoin ETF in the world, managing over $47 billion in assets, BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world with $12 trillion in assets, recently received approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as a crypto asset firm. 

This approval, granted on March 25, 2025, allows BlackRock to offer cryptocurrency investment products in the UK, further solidifying Bitcoin’s position in mainstream finance.

BlackRock Launches iShares Bitcoin ETP in Europe

BlackRock released the iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in Europe on March 25, 2025, after receiving clearance in the UK. It was listed on the Euronext Paris and Amsterdam stock exchanges last week and provides institutional and individual investors with a safe, regulated way to learn about Bitcoin without really owning the currency. 

According to Reuters, BlackRock was one of the very first institutional investors in the US to provide exchange-traded products that track the spot price of bitcoin following clearance by the Securities and Exchange Commission in January of 2024. 

According to the official website of FCA, BlackRock is the 51st corporation to register as a crypto asset firm with them. The FCA’s registration process is renowned for being rigorous in regulatory standards, i.e., strict anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection guidelines must be followed by firms. 

Previously, the agency was criticized for granting the green light to only some 14% of all firms that have come to seek registration.

Competitive Pricing Strategy and Market Impact

BlackRock has launched a very competitive price plan to invite investors to its iShares Bitcoin ETP. As reported by DLNews, the iShares Bitcoin ETP, marketed under the ticker IB1T, launched with a 10 basis point fee waiver, reducing its expense ratio to as low as 0.15%. 

Furthermore, fees are waived for a period till 2025, making the ETP highly competitive and reasonable for investment purposes. BlackRock may gain a competitive edge from the reduced fees, especially as institutional investors look for inexpensive, regulated exposure to Bitcoin. The head of BlackRock’s Europe & Middle East iShares Product, Manuela Sperandeo, told Bloomberg,

“It reflects what really could be seen as a tipping point in the industry — the combination of established demand from retail investors with more professionals now really getting into the fold.”

Each share of IB1T is backed by actual Bitcoin held by Coinbase, providing investors with immediate access to the cryptocurrency. IBIT also functions in the same manner, providing European investors with a regulated opportunity to invest in Bitcoin without taking physical possession of it. In order to comply with European financial laws, this product is issued by a Swiss-based special-purpose corporation.

Institutional crypto adoption is expected to rise as a consequence of BlackRock’s move into the European market, especially as other financial giants explore opportunities in the digital asset segment.  As per analysts, Bitcoin ETPs and ETFs can potentially make a significant difference to the conventional financial market by creating a bridge between traditional investment portfolios and digital assets.

It’s expected that the iShares Bitcoin ETP will boost liquidity in the European cryptocurrency markets, particularly as institutional investors seek out regulated ways to engage with digital assets. Financial experts suggest that BlackRock’s strong reputation and competitive pricing will set a new standard for traditional asset managers looking to enter the cryptocurrency space.