The iShares Bitcoin ETP debuts on the London Stock Exchange, signaling renewed institutional confidence after the FCA’s policy shift.
BlackRock has launched its long-anticipated iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for the United Kingdom’s crypto investment landscape. The launch follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision to relax restrictions on crypto-linked investment vehicles earlier this month.
According to the listing data published Monday, the iShares Bitcoin ETP enables investors to buy fractional units of Bitcoin starting at approximately $11, offering exposure to the cryptocurrency through a regulated financial framework. Unlike direct crypto trading, the product allows retail and institutional investors to access Bitcoin’s price movements without handling the asset themselves.
“The introduction of a regulated Bitcoin ETP in London reflects the growing maturity of the market,” said a BlackRock spokesperson. “It gives investors a transparent, secure, and efficient way to gain Bitcoin exposure within the existing financial infrastructure.”
BlackRock is already a major player in the global digital asset market. Data from SoSoValue shows its U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin ETF has accumulated over $85 billion in net assets, reinforcing the company’s leadership in crypto investment products.
The FCA’s softened stance comes four years after it banned retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs), citing volatility and consumer protection concerns. In a statement, David Geale, FCA’s Executive Director of Payments and Digital Finance, said the regulator now recognizes that “the market has evolved, and investor understanding has improved.”
Under the new framework, crypto ETPs can be listed and traded on FCA-approved exchanges, provided assets are held by regulated custodians. However, the ban on crypto derivatives for retail traders remains in place as the FCA continues to monitor what it calls “high-risk instruments.”
The debut of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETP marks the UK’s most significant policy shift toward digital assets since 2021, positioning London as a competitive hub for institutional crypto finance amid growing global adoption.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.