BlackRock debuts Bitcoin ETP in London after UK regulator lifts crypto restrictions
BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager with over $10 trillion in assets under management, has launched a Bitcoin-linked exchange-traded product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange.
The move follows a landmark policy shift by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which recently relaxed its four-year ban on crypto-linked investment vehicles.
According to the Financial Times, the iShares Bitcoin ETP is structured as a Bitcoin-backed security that mirrors the price of the cryptocurrency while trading within a regulated framework. The product allows UK-based investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning or storing the asset. Each unit of the ETP is priced at approximately $11, enabling fractional Bitcoin ownership through traditional brokerage accounts.
The launch marks a significant step in integrating digital assets into the mainstream financial ecosystem, giving retail and institutional investors a more secure and accessible pathway to Bitcoin exposure.
FCA lifts four-year ban on crypto investment products
The ETP’s debut comes just weeks after the FCA’s October 9 decision to lift its 2019 ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs). Under the updated policy, investors can now access Bitcoin and other crypto-linked securities through FCA-approved UK exchanges.
David Geale, the FCA’s executive director of payments and digital finance, said the regulator’s stance evolved as “crypto markets matured, products became more mainstream, and investors better understood their risks.” The regulator clarified, however, that the retail ban on crypto derivatives—such as futures and options—remains in place for now.
The FCA also highlighted the role of regulated custodians in securely holding the underlying assets of these ETPs and ETNs.
BlackRock strengthens its global crypto presence
BlackRock is already a major player in Bitcoin-linked products. Its U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin ETF has amassed over $85 billion in net assets, making it one of the most successful crypto investment funds globally.
The UK listing strengthens BlackRock’s footprint in Europe’s rapidly evolving digital-asset market, which is benefiting from a more open regulatory stance. Industry analysts say the FCA’s move could pave the way for broader adoption of blockchain-based financial instruments, including tokenized funds.
Looking ahead, the combination of regulatory clarity and institutional-grade products may signal a new phase of maturity for the UK’s crypto market, bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
In an earlier report, we noted that Coinbase and Robinhood face outages after AWS data center failure.
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