Financial behemoth BlackRock has officially entered Europe’s cryptocurrency arena. On March 25, 2025, the world’s largest asset manager launched its iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) on multiple European exchanges. No surprise there. After the runaway success of their US Bitcoin ETF, Europe was the logical next step.
BlackRock storms Europe’s crypto scene with its Bitcoin ETP—the inevitable next chapter after conquering the US market.
The product is physically backed by Bitcoin, with Coinbase handling custody duties. Smart move. BlackRock isn’t messing around with the management fee either—0.25%, dropping to 0.15% until the end of 2025. They’re clearly gunning for market share in Europe’s $13.6 billion crypto ETP landscape.
Europe’s crypto market might seem puny compared to America’s $105 billion behemoth, but BlackRock sees potential. Big potential. They’re aiming to double their European customer base from 9 million to 19 million. Already controlling 42.6% of Europe’s ETP market, they’re not exactly starting from scratch.
The timing isn’t accidental. The EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets regulations have finally created a framework that big players can work with. Clear rules mean less risk. BlackRock hates unnecessary risk.
Competition is fierce, though. CoinShares and 21Shares dominate the European crypto ETP space. CoinShares’ Physical Bitcoin ETP alone manages $1.3 billion. But none have BlackRock’s reputation or marketing muscle.
Investors are salivating. About 75% of asset professionals expressed interest in Bitcoin ETP investment within two years. It’s Bitcoin without the digital wallet headaches. With the current value of ten Bitcoins worth approximately $969,108, institutional-grade custody becomes increasingly important for large-scale investors. Traditional brokerage account. Familiar interface. Easy.
The impact could be seismic. When a $10 trillion asset manager embraces Bitcoin, people notice. The Bitcoin ETP is available under different ticker names depending on the exchange – IB1T for Xetra and Euronext Paris, while BTCN is used for Euronext Amsterdam. Institutional investors who’ve been Bitcoin-curious but hesitant now have their permission slip. Retail investors get a trusted name. Bitcoin gets legitimacy.
The line between traditional finance and digital assets just got blurrier. BlackRock’s move signals mainstream acceptance is accelerating. European investors now have a familiar on-ramp to the crypto highway. The Bitcoin train is leaving the station. All aboard?
