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BlackRock is making waves once again in the crypto investment space — this time in Europe. Following the massive success of its $48 billion iShares Bitcoin Trust in the U.S., the asset management giant is now preparing to launch its first Bitcoin-related exchange-traded product (ETP) outside the United States.
The new iShares Bitcoin ETP will be listed on three major European exchanges: Xetra (Germany), Euronext Paris (France), and Euronext Amsterdam (Netherlands). BlackRock aims to position this product as a cost-effective and accessible option for both retail and institutional investors. As part of its initial rollout strategy, the company will offer a promotional fee waiver, bringing the expense ratio down to just 0.15% through the end of the year.
A Milestone Move for BlackRock and Crypto Adoption
This launch marks a significant milestone for BlackRock — its first crypto-linked investment product in international markets. According to Manuela Sperandeo, Head of iShares Product for EMEA at BlackRock, the move underscores a growing institutional appetite for Bitcoin and other crypto-related products.
Speaking to Turkish NY Radio, Sperandeo emphasized that the interest in digital assets is no longer limited to individual investors. “We are witnessing an evolution where professional investors are actively exploring crypto exposure,” she said, noting that the launch of the European ETP aligns with that shift.
Back in January 2024, BlackRock debuted its U.S.-based iShares Bitcoin Trust, which quickly became one of the most successful ETF launches in history. While Europe has long allowed crypto-related ETPs, the region’s market size remains modest, with a total valuation of approximately $13.6 billion — significantly smaller than the U.S. market.
A Competitive, Low-Cost Offering
With this launch, BlackRock is positioning its iShares Bitcoin ETP as one of the most competitively priced Bitcoin investment products in Europe. The introductory expense ratio of 0.15% places it ahead of many existing offerings.
For comparison, Europe’s largest crypto ETP — CoinShares’ $1.3 billion physically backed Bitcoin fund — will eventually charge a 0.25% fee after its own fee waiver period ends. That would bring it in line with BlackRock’s pricing — but only after BlackRock’s own promotional period concludes.
The cost-conscious approach is part of BlackRock’s broader strategy to attract long-term investors and institutional capital, especially in a region that’s still in the early stages of broad crypto adoption.
Final Thoughts
BlackRock’s latest crypto push could reshape the competitive landscape for European crypto products. With strong brand recognition, institutional credibility, and an aggressive fee strategy, the iShares Bitcoin ETP has the potential to accelerate Bitcoin adoption across Europe.
