BlackRock has made history by listing its iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s evolving stance on crypto investments. Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision to end its long-standing ban, the move signals Britain’s return to the regulated crypto market—giving investors a secure and transparent gateway to digital assets.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP offers UK investors institutional-grade access to Bitcoin, without requiring them to hold the cryptocurrency directly. Each unit, priced around $11, mirrors Bitcoin’s market value while being managed under strict oversight and custodial safeguards.
Understanding the iShares Bitcoin ETP
This exchange-traded product allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements within a fully regulated framework. The ETP’s underlying Bitcoin is stored by licensed custodians, and trading happens through the same platforms used for regular ETFs or equities—offering simplicity and compliance in one package.
The product is already available in several European markets including Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, and Euronext Paris. With its London debut, BlackRock now extends access to the UK’s rapidly growing base of crypto-curious retail investors.
FCA’s Policy Shift: From Restriction to Regulation
The FCA’s reversal of its 2021 ban on crypto-linked securities marks a defining policy shift. For years, retail investors were blocked from purchasing crypto ETNs due to volatility and risk concerns. Now, the regulator recognizes the maturity and mainstream understanding of these products.
David Geale, Executive Director of Payments and Digital Finance at the FCA, stated that “the market has evolved significantly, with clearer structures and stronger investor protections.”
Under the new guidelines, approved exchanges can list crypto ETPs backed by trusted custodians. However, derivative-based crypto instruments remain restricted due to high leverage risks.
The FCA’s latest review also explores blockchain-based fund tokenization—an innovation aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency across traditional finance.
BlackRock’s Expanding Crypto Footprint
BlackRock is no stranger to crypto innovation. Its flagship iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) now manages over $85 billion in assets, making it the world’s largest Bitcoin ETF—surpassing Fidelity’s FBTC.
By entering the UK market, BlackRock cements its dominance in digital-asset exposure across major financial centers. Managing more than $13 trillion globally, the firm’s expansion reflects growing institutional confidence in the integration of crypto with traditional finance.
The company’s strategy bridges the gap between conventional wealth management and emerging digital opportunities—offering a compliant route for investors wary of unregulated exchanges or self-custody risks.
A Growing Ecosystem: Competitors Join the Movement
BlackRock’s entry is part of a broader surge in crypto ETPs hitting the London market. Switzerland-based 21Shares has launched four ETNs, including Bitcoin (ABTC) and Ether (AETH) staking products, alongside two “Core” variants with management fees as low as 0.10%.
WisdomTree has also rolled out its Physical Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs for UK investors, while Bitwise has introduced four products with promotional fees as low as 0.05% for six months.
This wave of listings transforms the UK into one of Europe’s most active hubs for institutional-grade crypto access.
Why the UK’s Return to Crypto Matters
The London Stock Exchange’s acceptance of Bitcoin-linked products reaffirms the UK’s position as a global financial innovator. By re-opening its markets to crypto ETPs, regulators are bridging the long-standing divide between traditional finance and decentralized assets.
The shift also sends a broader signal to global policymakers: outright bans are being replaced by structured regulation. The UK’s measured approach shows that investor safety and innovation can coexist.
While ETP holders don’t directly own Bitcoin—and thus can’t use it for payments or transfers—the model delivers transparency, liquidity, and accessibility through familiar financial systems.
Countries with restrictive policies, like India and China, may still lag behind, but the trend toward regulated crypto exposure is clearly accelerating.
Disclaimer
Voice of Crypto strives to ensure factual accuracy and timely reporting. However, cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and readers should conduct independent research before making financial decisions.