BlackRock Expands Bitcoin ETF to Europe, Signaling Institutional Crypto Adoption

LONDON — BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, is set to launch a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in Europe, marking a major expansion of its crypto investment offerings. The iShares Bitcoin ETP will debut on Xetra, Euronext Paris, and Euronext Amsterdam on Tuesday, March 26, under the tickers IB1T (Paris & Xetra) and BTCN (Amsterdam).

The move follows the overwhelming success of BlackRock’s U.S.-based iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has accumulated over $48 billion in assets under management (AUM) since its launch in January 2024 — becoming the fastest-growing ETF in market history.

Europe has long been a hub for crypto investment products, yet its $13.6 billion market for crypto-linked ETPs remains relatively small compared to the U.S. BlackRock’s entrance is expected to reshape the competitive landscape, attracting both institutional and retail investors.

Manuela Sperandeo, Head of iShares (Europe & Middle East), emphasized the growing institutional interest in digital assets:

“This marks a tipping point for the industry. Established demand from retail investors, combined with the entry of institutional capital, is transforming the digital asset space.”

• Institutional-Grade Custody: The fund’s physical Bitcoin holdings will be secured by Coinbase Global Inc., a leading U.S. crypto exchange.
• Competitive Fees: The ETP will launch with a temporary 0.15% expense ratio, among the lowest in Europe, before rising to 0.25% in 2025.
• Regulatory Compliance: The product will be issued by a Swiss-domiciled special purpose vehicle, aligning with European regulatory standards.

With its reputation as the largest asset manager globally ($10 trillion AUM), BlackRock’s entrance into Europe’s Bitcoin ETP market will likely intensify competition. The firm’s pricing strategy undercuts competitors such as CoinShares’ $1.3 billion Bitcoin ETP (0.25% fee), positioning IB1T/BTCN as a premier choice for institutional investors.

BlackRock’s aggressive expansion into digital assets signals a growing acceptance of Bitcoin as an institutional asset class. The move follows the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy.

As institutional capital flows into regulated Bitcoin investment vehicles, the market could see increased price stability, enhanced liquidity, and broader adoption of cryptocurrency assets.