BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETP [IB1T] has officially gone live on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), marking a significant step for UK retail investors looking for regulated exposure to Bitcoin.
Key Takeaways from the Launch
- Direct Bitcoin Exposure: The ETP is physically backed by Bitcoin and allows investors to gain exposure to the spot price of BTC without the complexity of holding or securing the asset themselves.
- Regulatory Milestone: The launch is a direct result of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) relaxing its previous rules that prevented retail investors from accessing crypto-linked products. This policy shift aligns the UK with the U.S. and European markets.
- Performance and Fees: IB1T opened trading on October 20, 2025, at $11.10 and saw a 5.54% gain on its first day. Its initial Total Expense Ratio (TER) is set at a low 0.15% annually until December 31, 2025, after which it will increase to 0.25%.
- BlackRock's Growing Dominance: This UK listing expands BlackRock's significant digital-asset portfolio, which already includes a U.S. Bitcoin ETF, an Ethereum ETP, and its tokenized fund, BUIDL. It also places BlackRock in direct competition with existing European issuers like WisdomTree and 21Shares.
- Market Context: The move comes as Bitcoin trades around $110,000, and the new institutional inflow from such products is expected to help stabilize the cryptocurrency's market trajectory.
The introduction of the iShares Bitcoin ETP underscores the increasing integration of traditional finance with blockchain-based assets within a major global financial center.
October 2025, Cryptoniteuae