Quick Breakdown
- BlackRock launches iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange after FCA eases crypto restrictions.
- UK regulator lifts four-year ban on crypto-linked ETNs, marking a shift toward a more open market.
- FCA supports blockchain tokenization, signaling its commitment to innovation in asset management.
BlackRock expands Bitcoin offerings to the UK market
Global asset management giant BlackRock has introduced its iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s evolving crypto investment landscape.
The launch follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent decision to loosen restrictions on crypto investment vehicles, allowing UK investors new regulated access to Bitcoin exposure.
According to the asset manager’s website on Monday, the product enables investors to purchase fractions of Bitcoin (BTC)—trading around $110,923—through units priced from approximately $11. The ETP mirrors Bitcoin’s market movements while remaining within a regulated trading framework, giving retail investors a safer path to enter the crypto market without holding digital assets directly.
FCA reverses four-year ban on crypto-linked products
The move follows a major regulatory shift in the UK. On October 9, the FCA lifted its four-year ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs), signaling a softer stance on digital asset investment products.
David Geale, FCA’s executive director of payments and digital finance, noted that since the initial restrictions, the market has matured and become better understood, paving the way for broader investor access.
Regulator encourages innovation through tokenization
Despite easing its position on ETPs and ETNs, the FCA maintained its ban on crypto derivatives for retail investors, citing their high-risk nature. The regulator, however, confirmed it would continue monitoring market developments to reassess future approaches.
BlackRock’s growing dominance in Bitcoin investment
BlackRock remains one of the most dominant issuers of Bitcoin-linked investment products. Data from SoSoValue shows its iShares Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. boasts over $85 billion in net assets, underscoring strong investor confidence in the firm’s crypto strategies.
Meanwhile, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink believes the next major transformation in global finance will come from tokenizing traditional assets such as equities, bonds, and real estate. Fink said the company views tokenization as an opportunity to bring new investors into mainstream financial products through digital means.
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