BlackRock has officially introduced its iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency investment in the United Kingdom. Trading under the ticker symbol IB1T, this product provides UK-based investors with regulated exposure to Bitcoin without requiring them to directly purchase or store the digital asset.
This move follows a broader shift in the UK’s regulatory landscape, where the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made significant strides to accommodate digital assets. Notably, the FCA recently lifted a four-year ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for retail investors, enabling regulated exchanges in the UK to list crypto investment products like Bitcoin and Ethereum ETNs for the first time since 2021.
Prior to its launch in London, the iShares Bitcoin ETP had already been trading on several major European platforms, including Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, and Euronext Paris since March 2025. Its expansion to the London market represents an effort to make institutional-grade Bitcoin investments more accessible to British investors through familiar and regulated channels.
The product is backed by actual Bitcoin held in cold storage, with Coinbase serving as the custodian. This structure offers investors a safer and more convenient way to gain exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency, bypassing the technical and security challenges that come with self-custody.
BlackRock’s foray into Bitcoin investment products continues to strengthen its position in the global crypto market. With over $13 trillion in assets under management, BlackRock’s crypto division has already made a significant impact. The company’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), available in the U.S., has become the largest spot Bitcoin ETF globally, boasting $85.5 billion in assets under management—far exceeding its nearest competitors, including Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF.
The FCA’s recent moves are part of a broader initiative to integrate cryptocurrency into the UK’s mainstream financial system. In addition to reversing the ETN ban, the regulator has accelerated the crypto licensing process, reducing the average time for application reviews from 17 months to just 5 months. It has also issued consultation papers proposing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital asset firms, bringing oversight practices in line with those used in traditional finance.
Moreover, the FCA is exploring the regulation of fund tokenisation using blockchain technology. This could enable fund managers to issue tokenised shares of investment funds, enhancing transparency, liquidity, and settlement speed. Such innovations underscore the regulator’s intent to modernize the financial ecosystem by embracing blockchain-based solutions.
The launch of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP in London is not just a milestone for the firm, but also a reflection of the UK’s transformation into a more crypto-friendly jurisdiction. As regulation becomes clearer and more supportive, institutional investors are expected to increase their exposure to digital assets, and retail investors will benefit from greater access to regulated crypto investment vehicles.
This development also signals a shift in public sentiment and regulatory acceptance. For years, UK regulators maintained a cautious stance toward crypto, citing concerns over market volatility and investor protection. The FCA’s latest actions indicate a willingness to reconsider that position, provided adequate safeguards are in place.
The timing of BlackRock’s move is strategic. As Bitcoin continues to gain legitimacy as a store of value and a hedge against inflation, demand for secure and regulated investment products is growing. By offering an ETP listed on one of the world’s most respected exchanges, BlackRock is tapping into this demand while providing a trusted alternative to unregulated crypto platforms.
For investors, the key advantage of the iShares Bitcoin ETP lies in its simplicity. It eliminates the need for digital wallets, private keys, or complex trading interfaces. Instead, investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin through their existing brokerage accounts, just as they would with stocks or traditional ETFs.
Financial advisors and portfolio managers may also find this product appealing. With the ETP trading on the London Stock Exchange, it can be seamlessly integrated into diversified portfolios and retirement accounts, helping investors gain Bitcoin exposure without deviating from established investment frameworks.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP also aligns with growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. As pension funds, hedge funds, and asset managers increasingly view Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, regulated products like IB1T offer a bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem.
Looking ahead, BlackRock’s success in London could inspire other asset managers to launch similar products in the UK. The combination of regulatory clarity, institutional infrastructure, and investor appetite sets the stage for a more mature and competitive crypto investment market.
Furthermore, the broader impact of such products could be profound. As more capital flows into regulated Bitcoin ETPs, market liquidity and price stability may improve. This, in turn, could reduce volatility and make Bitcoin a more viable asset for a wide range of investors.
In summary, the launch of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange represents a major step forward for both the company and the UK’s crypto investment landscape. It reflects increasing regulatory support, rising investor demand, and a growing belief that digital assets belong within the structure of traditional financial markets. As the industry matures, such developments are likely to reshape how individuals and institutions engage with cryptocurrency.