UK Regulators Approve BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETP: A New Era for Crypto Finance

This Article Was First Published on Deythere.

Leading asset manager BlackRock just launched its iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), a notable moment for the UK crypto market, and reinforcing the focus on Bitcoin ETP UK. The product allows UK retail investors to get regulated exposure to Bitcoin through traditional brokerage channel,s not direct crypto exchanges.

Based on reports, this follows the FCA lifting its 4-year ban on retail access to certain crypto-linked ETPs. This is a sign of evolving regulation in the UK and a new chapter in digital asset investment.

Launch Details and Notable Features

iShares Bitcoin ETP is listed on the LSE on October 20, 2025. According to sources, the product was listed at around $11 and rose 5.5% on its first day. The product is physically backed by Bitcoin held in custody by regulated platforms, so investors get exposure to Bitcoin’s spot price without self-custody.

BlackRock has an initial total expense ratio (TER) of 0.15% per annum until December 2025 and 0.25% going forward. The launch of this product in the UK with the ticker IB1T brings Bitcoin ETP UK into the mainstream.

Regulatory Shift Unlocking UK Access

The product is a result of a big regulatory shift by the UK’s FCA. This month, the FCA lifted its ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and similar products, saying the market for these instruments has matured and is now “better understood”.

Sources claim this regulatory change cleared the way for products like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP.

The product is structured to comply with UK regulations and is listed on the London Stock Exchange so investors can use familiar brokerage platforms to get exposure to Bitcoin.

BlackRock’s Expansion

For UK investors, the iShares Bitcoin ETP means an easier, regulated way to get access to Bitcoin without the complexity of wallets, private keys, or crypto-exchange counterparty risk. The traditional brokerage ecosystem can now offer Bitcoin through a regulated product.

Sources suggest BlackRock expects the UK’s crypto investor base to be 4 million within the next year, meaning this Bitcoin ETP UK has big potential.

As noted, “Built on institutional grade infrastructure … [it] allows UK investors to get exposure to Bitcoin with the confidence of robust custody and regulatory oversight.”

BlackRock’s UK ETP is part of a global rollout of crypto-linked investment products. Earlier in 2025, BlackRock launched its iShares Bitcoin ETP across Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands) and already manages a U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF with over $85 billion in assets.

The UK listing solidifies the firm’s presence in Europe’s regulated crypto investment market and shows that traditional finance is bringing digital assets into mainstream portfolios. For the Bitcoin ETP UK story, this is the proof of regulatory frameworks and institutional readiness in the UK.

Conclusion

The launch of the iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange is a big moment for the Bitcoin ETP UK access story. With regulatory restrictions lifted and a cost-effective, physically backed product available to UK investors, Bitcoin is in a new phase in the UK market.

The intersection of traditional finance, regulatory frameworks and digital asset innovation is now clear and the success of this will be a measure of how widely crypto gets into investment portfolios in the UK.

Glossary

Bitcoin ETP: An exchange-traded product that gives investors exposure to Bitcoin’s price via a regulated securities wrapper.

TER (Total Expense Ratio): The annual fee charged by a fund or ETP for managing and operating the product.

Spot-backed: A product where the underlying asset (here Bitcoin) is actually held to back the shares issued.

Retail access: The ability of individual (non-institutional) investors to buy the product.

Brokerage platform: A financial services platform through which investors buy and sell securities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin ETP UK

How is the product backed and structured?

The ETP is physically backed by Bitcoin held in regulated custody (for example via Coinbase). It tracks Bitcoin’s spot price and is listed on the LSE for regulated access.

What are the fees?

0.15% TER until 31 Dec 2025, 0.25% from 1 Jan 2026

Who can buy?

UK retail investors can buy through brokerage platforms now that the FCA has lifted the ban.

Why is this important?

UK investors can now buy a regulated, spot-backed Bitcoin product on the LSE.