365Crypto
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.
