BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe

Expanding Bitcoin Investment Options

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is preparing to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe, according to a Bloomberg report from February 5. This expansion follows the remarkable success of its US spot Bitcoin ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has amassed over $57 billion in assets since its launch in January 2024.

Switzerland as the New Base

BlackRock’s European Bitcoin ETP will reportedly be based in Switzerland.
The company plans to start marketing the fund as early as this month.
This will be BlackRock’s first Bitcoin ETP outside North America.

BlackRock’s Dominance in ETFs

The asset management giant has approximately $4.4 trillion in assets under management across its exchange-traded products (ETPs).
IBIT is currently the most popular spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States.

Expanding Crypto Offerings Internationally

BlackRock is leveraging IBIT’s success to expand its global crypto investment products:

In January, the firm launched a new Bitcoin ETF on Cboe Canada, allowing Canadian investors to access its US Bitcoin fund.
US Bitcoin ETFs collectively saw over $35 billion in net inflows in 2024, averaging $144 million per trading day.
In November, total US Bitcoin ETF assets surpassed $100 billion for the first time.

Growing Institutional Demand for Bitcoin

Institutional investment in Bitcoin continues to rise:

Analysts at Steno Research predict Bitcoin ETFs could attract another $48 billion in net inflows in 2025.
JPMorgan has noted Bitcoin’s increasing role in investment portfolios as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks.
Sygnum Bank suggests that rising institutional demand could drive Bitcoin prices higher in 2025.