BlackRock Launches It’s European Bitcoin ETP Following U.S. ETF Success

BlackRock Launches It’s European Bitcoin ETP Following U.S. ETF Success

  • 25.03.2025 10:59
  • cryptonews.com
  • Keywords: dangerous, success

BlackRock has launched a Bitcoin ETP in Europe, expanding its crypto offerings after the success of its U.S. ETF. The new product features reduced fees and aims to tap into growing investor interest in digital assets.

Coinbase ProductsBLKsentiment_satisfiedCOINsentiment_neutral
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Estimated market influence

BlackRock

BlackRock

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Launched a successful Bitcoin ETP in the U.S. and expanded into Europe with another ETP.

iShares Bitcoin Trust

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Highly successful, grew to $48 billion since its debut.

Coinbase

Coinbase

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Buy

Provides custody services for the ETP's Bitcoin holdings.

CoinShares International

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Competitor with a leading physical Bitcoin ETP in Europe.

Context

Analysis of BlackRock's European Bitcoin ETP Launch

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Launch Date: March 25, 2025
  • Product Name: iShares Bitcoin ETP
  • Ticker Symbols: IB1T (Xetra/Paris), BTCN (Amsterdam)
  • Custodian: Coinbase (U.S.-based crypto exchange)
  • Expense Ratio:
    • Introductory fee waiver: 0.15% (reduced from 0.25%)
    • Post-introductory: 0.25% (matching CoinShares’ leading ETP)
  • Market Size: European crypto ETP market ~$13.6B vs. U.S. (~$48B)

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • European Crypto ETP Growth:

    • BlackRock’s entry marks the first major U.S.-based asset manager to offer a crypto-linked ETP in Europe.
    • The European market is smaller but growing, with increasing interest from both retail and institutional investors.

  • Fee Competition:

    • The introductory fee waiver positions BlackRock competitively against existing players like CoinShares.
    • Post-introductory fees align with industry standards, ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Market Leadership:

    • BlackRock’s U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust has grown to $48B since its January 2024 debut.
    • The European launch leverages this success to expand market reach.

  • Investor Sentiment:

    • Digital asset investment products saw $644M inflows last week, reversing a streak of outflows.
    • Bitcoin ETFs led the recovery with $724M inflow, while Ethereum ETFs faced $103M outflows.

Strategic Considerations

  • Institutional Demand:
    • BlackRock’s ETP is structured for both institutional and qualified retail investors via a Swiss-based SPV.
    • Institutional demand continues to drive Bitcoin ETF growth, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading inflows.

Long-Term Effects and Industry Implications

  • Tipping Point:

    • Manuela Sperandeo describes the launch as a “tipping point” for crypto adoption in Europe.
    • The move underscores growing institutional acceptance of digital assets globally.

  • Regulatory Landscape:

    • While not explicitly addressed, custody with Coinbase suggests alignment with regulatory compliance standards.

Conclusion

BlackRock’s European Bitcoin ETP launch reflects the broader shift in investor sentiment toward digital assets and highlights the growing role of institutional investors in driving market growth. The competitive fee structure and strategic positioning aim to capture a larger share of Europe’s crypto ETP market while leveraging BlackRock’s global brand and expertise.