Global asset management giant BlackRock has launched a bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe, expanding its crypto investment offerings beyond North America. The move follows the resounding success of its U.S. spot bitcoin ETF, which has become the largest of its kind in the American market.
The new iShares Bitcoin ETP began trading on Tuesday, debuting under the ticker symbol “IB1T” on Euronext Paris and Xetra, and under “BTCN” on Euronext Amsterdam.
According to BlackRock’s iShares division, the product is physically backed by bitcoin held in cold storage by Coinbase Custody International Ltd., providing secure, institutional-grade asset protection.
First Crypto ETP Launch Outside North America
As reported by Bloomberg, this marks BlackRock’s first crypto-backed ETP listing in Europe, and more broadly, its first outside of North America. The launch signals BlackRock’s increasing confidence in the global demand for regulated bitcoin investment products.
The move comes on the heels of strong performance by BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust in the U.S., which has seen $39.8 billion in cumulative net inflows and currently manages over $50.6 billion in net assets, making it the largest U.S. spot bitcoin ETF to date.
Momentum Continues for U.S. Bitcoin ETFs
The European ETP launch coincides with a continued wave of positive momentum for U.S.-based spot bitcoin ETFs. According to SoSoValue, U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs have recorded seven consecutive days of net inflows, signaling strong investor confidence.
On Monday alone, U.S. bitcoin ETFs attracted $84 million in net inflows, with a total trading volume nearing $2 billion. This follows a broader trend of increasing institutional and retail demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles.
BlackRock’s Global Bitcoin Strategy Takes Shape
With the European launch of IB1T and BTCN, BlackRock is further positioning itself as a global leader in bitcoin investment products, leveraging its iShares brand to offer exposure to digital assets through regulated, exchange-listed vehicles.
The expansion into Europe aligns with a broader institutional trend of bridging traditional finance and digital assets, as demand for transparent, regulated access to bitcoin continues to rise.
As BlackRock’s global bitcoin strategy unfolds, the firm is likely to explore further listings and offerings in other jurisdictions — reinforcing its commitment to making bitcoin accessible to investors worldwide through traditional financial infrastructure.
