Breaking: BlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETP For UK Investors

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BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with over $13 trillion in assets, has officially launched its iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange on October 20, 2025

The new product, trading under the ticker IB1T, gives UK retail investors their first-ever opportunity to gain direct exposure to Bitcoin through a regulated exchange-listed fund.

BlackRock Brings Bitcoin to UK Investors

Unlike derivative-based products, the iShares Bitcoin ETP directly tracks Bitcoin’s spot price, giving investors a simple and transparent way to invest in the world’s largest cryptocurrency, without having to buy or store it themselves.

According to BlackRock, the iShares Bitcoin ETP is 100% physically backed by Bitcoin held in custody through Coinbase, ensuring security via multiparty computation and cold storage systems. 

The product’s introduction represents not only a regulatory milestone but also the rising institutional embrace of digital assets.​

Strong Regulatory Support from the UK FCA

The launch comes shortly after the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted its restrictions on crypto-linked ETPs. For the first time since 2021, UK retail investors can now legally access regulated Bitcoin products.

By taking this step, the UK joins other European markets like Germany and France, which have already embraced Bitcoin ETPs, signaling a more open stance toward digital asset innovation.

Institutional Momentum and UK Market Growth

Globally, BlackRock’s crypto arm has seen huge success with its U.S.-based iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which holds over $85.5 billion in assets. With the UK launch, the firm aims to tap into rising demand from both retail and institutional investors amid renewed optimism in the crypto market.

Recent research cited by BlackRock projects a 21% rise in UK adults investing in crypto for the first time within the next 12 months, positioning the UK as Europe’s third-fastest-growing crypto market.​

As of now, Bitcoin is trading around $110,900, ​reflecting a jump of 3.3% seen in the last 24 hours with a market cap hitting $2.21 trillion.