BlackRock has officially launched its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone for crypto adoption in one of Europe’s largest financial markets. The iShares Bitcoin ETP, listed under the ticker IB1T, began trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Monday.
The launch comes shortly after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted its long-standing ban on certain Bitcoin-based investment products, paving the way for regulated market participation. The move allows retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements without having to hold or manage the digital asset directly.
BlackRock’s expansion into the U.K. crypto market 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., one of the largest spot Bitcoin ETFs globally.
By offering a familiar, regulated vehicle for exposure, the IB1T ETP could help bridge traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem in Britain. Analysts suggest the launch may also encourage other global issuers to follow suit, solidifying London’s position as a competitive hub for digital asset investment products.