BlackRock has officially listed its iShares Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
This comes after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) decided to ease restrictions on cryptocurrency-related investment products.
the ETPticker IB1T, allows retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly trading or storing the cryptocurrency, providing a simplified entry point into the digital asset market.
The product is fully physically backed, with all bitcoins kept in a safe place Through Coinbase.
BlackRock emphasized that the ETP removes the technical challenges of holding cryptocurrency, and transfers responsibility for secure storage to the issuer.
According to the company, Coinbase uses a combination of physical security, multi-party accounts, and daily transfers to segregated cold storage wallets, ensuring institutional protection for investors.
“The iShares Bitcoin ETP benefits from years of integration between Coinbase and BlackRock, providing UK investors with a secure gateway to digital assets through traditional trading platforms,” said Jane Sloan, Head of Global Product Solutions EMEA at BlackRock.
With UK cryptocurrency ownership expected to grow to nearly four million adults over the next year, the launch is seen as timely, providing access to a regulated and familiar investment vehicle.
The ETP has a total expense ratio (TER) of 15 basis points per annum, including a temporary fee waiver until the end of 2025.
From January 1, 2026, the exchange rate will rise to 25 basis points. BlackRock Investment Institute It is recommended For investors with proper governance and risk tolerance, a 1-2% allocation to Bitcoin within multi-asset portfolios is reasonable, reflecting both the potential upside and high volatility of the asset.
Lifting the UK retail ban on ETNs and ETPs
This debut follows a regulatory shift in the UK after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted its four-year ban on retail access to cryptocurrency-related exchange-traded securities (ETNs) and ETPs. Previously, retail investors were deterred from such products due to high volatility and concerns about consumer risks.
The FCA noted that the market has matured, with institutional-level custodians and improved liquidity making these investments more suitable for regulated markets.
While the retail ban on cryptocurrency derivatives remains in place, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has signaled ongoing monitoring of high-risk investments and opened the door for tokenization initiatives in the asset management sector.
The UK launch mirrors the success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin offering. Its flagship iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) now manages more than $100 billion, attracting retail and institutional investors through traditional brokerage accounts.
In Q3 2025, BlackRock reported net inflows of US$17 billion into digital asset products, underscoring strong demand for regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies.
The post BlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETP On London Stock Exchange first appeared on Investorempires.com.
