BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has officially launched its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in the United Kingdom. The iShares Bitcoin ETP, listed under the ticker IB1T, began trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Monday, October 20, 2025.
This development comes shortly after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted its long-standing ban on certain Bitcoin-based investment products, enabling regulated market participation. The ETP allows retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without directly holding or managing the digital asset, marking a significant step in crypto adoption in one of Europe's largest financial markets.
BlackRock's expansion into the U.K. underscores growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a mainstream financial instrument. The asset manager already oversees the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the U.S., which is one of the largest spot Bitcoin ETFs globally.
Analysts suggest this launch could encourage other global issuers to follow suit, potentially solidifying London's position as a competitive hub for digital asset investment products and opening the door to trillions in capital inflows. This move is part of a broader trend of traditional financial giants embracing digital assets, shifting Bitcoin's narrative from speculation to long-term value.
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