The landscape of crypto investments in the UK has advanced significantly, granting British investors access to Bitcoin through regulated channels.
Summary
- BlackRock has introduced its iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange, trading under the ticker IB1T.
- The FCA has recently lifted its ban on crypto ETNs and expedited the licensing process for digital-asset companies.
- This launch broadens BlackRock’s global crypto presence and marks a shift in the UK’s approach to regulated Bitcoin access.
As reported by CoinDesk on October 20, BlackRock has launched its iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product on the London Stock Exchange with the ticker IB1T. This new product enables retail investors to access Bitcoin in a regulated environment without the need to hold the cryptocurrency directly, as stated on BlackRock’s iShares page.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP had been trading on European exchanges, such as Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, and Euronext Paris, since March 2025. Its introduction in London now provides UK investors access through one of the world’s premier stock exchanges.
BlackRock’s lineup of crypto products has experienced substantial growth globally, overseeing assets exceeding $13 trillion. The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is the largest spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF globally, boasting $85.5 billion in net assets this year, far outpacing rivals like Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF.
This ETP is backed by Bitcoin securely stored in cold storage, with custody managed by Coinbase. This arrangement offers a cost-effective, low-risk approach for investors interested in Bitcoin while sidestepping the complexities and potential risks of owning and storing cryptocurrency directly.
BlackRock’s entry into the market coincides with a changing regulatory environment in the UK, where authorities are paving the way for regulated crypto offerings.
UK’s FCA makes pro-crypto regulatory moves
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken significant steps recently to enable regulated crypto products. Earlier this month, the FCA ended its four-year ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for retail investors, allowing regulated UK exchanges to list crypto ETNs like Bitcoin and Ethereum for the first time since 2021.
In addition to lifting the ETN ban, the FCA has accelerated its approval process for crypto licenses. The average review time for applications has decreased from 17 months to approximately 5 months this year. The regulator has also released consultation papers proposing comprehensive rulebooks for crypto firms, aiming to align them with the oversight standards typical of traditional finance.
The FCA has also recently published consultation papers that detail plans to regulate fund tokenization via blockchain technology. These initiatives signal a broader commitment to integrating cryptoassets into mainstream financial services with coherent regulatory frameworks.
The recent regulatory enhancements have made the UK a more appealing market for cryptocurrencies, facilitating the introduction of new products like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange. The FCA’s evolving perspective and expedited licensing process are pivotal to this progress, fostering greater participation in crypto investments from both institutional and retail investors within the country.
