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The world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, expanded its cryptocurrency offerings beyond the US by launching its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe.
As institutional demand for digital assets continues to rise, the company has chosen Switzerland as the domicile for its new iShares Bitcoin ETP, which has listings in Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, according to the product listing.
BlackRock’s European Bitcoin ETP Launch
The new offering followed the launch of the asset manager’s US spot Bitcoin ETF, which has reportedly attracted over $50 billion in assets. The new ETP will now allow European investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset.
According to the firm, the latest decision to expand into Europe comes amid rising demand for institutional-grade crypto investment products. While Europe already has over 160 crypto-linked investment vehicles, its total market size of $17.3 billion remains far smaller than that of the booming US sector.
BlackRock’s European Bitcoin ETP has a competitive fee structure designed to challenge existing crypto investment products. Bloomberg reported that the product initially features a temporary fee waiver of 10 basis points, reducing its expense ratio to 0.15% until the end of 2025.
BlackRock the world’s largest asset manager, is launching a Bitcoin exchanged-traded product in Europe https://t.co/5QhkquYdfP
By comparison, Europe’s leading crypto ETP, the CoinShares Physical Bitcoin ETP, charges 0.25%, making BlackRock’s offering significantly more attractive in the short term.
Commenting about the latest move, Meryem Habibi, Chief Revenue Officer, Bitpace, the crypto payment gateway, told Finance Magnates: “BlackRock’s launch of its first Bitcoin product in Europe is a landmark development for crypto, displaying confidence in Bitcoin for mainstream investments. With a keenness to mirror success in the US, this EU exchange-traded product will provide a regulated and accessible investment vehicle for Bitcoin.”
“Investment industry confidence in crypto sends strong signals to consumers and merchants. Through this first in Europe, BlackRock is not only legitimizing the asset class but also paving the way for increased institutional and retail participation.”
Focusing on the Swiss Market
Switzerland has established itself as a hub for digital asset innovation, offering a favorable regulatory environment that has attracted major financial institutions. BlackRock has also created iShares Digital Assets AG, a Zurich-based entity focused on cryptocurrency investments, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.
As BlackRock continues to expand its presence in the digital asset space, its latest move underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in traditional finance. With its dominant position in the US market, the firm’s success in Europe could further solidify institutional Bitcoin investment as a mainstream financial strategy.
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