Key Notes
- BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP, physically backed by BTC and custodied via Coinbase, is now available to UK investors.
- 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Bitwise launch their BTC and ETH ETPs, with low management fees.
- Retail investors can now access these products through UK-regulated brokers and accounts such as ISAs and SIPPs.
Top global asset managers like BlackRock, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Bitwise have opened access to Bitcoin
BTC
$111,081
24h volatility:
2.5%
Market cap:
$2.21 T
Vol. 24h:
$58.79 B
and Ethereum
ETH
$3,975
24h volatility:
0.1%
Market cap:
$480.32 B
Vol. 24h:
$33.86 B
exchange-traded products that are available to UK retail investors.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF will be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with its shares physically backed by BTC and held via Coinbase. This innovative financial product enables UK investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin while benefiting from robust custodial services and regulatory oversight.
The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF has already been a massive success in the US, becoming the fastest ETF in history to approach $100 billion AUM within just 18 months of launch.
Speaking on the development, Jane Sloan, EMEA head of global product solutions at BlackRock, noted that this new offering is built on institutional-grade infrastructure. She emphasized how it allows investors to gain Bitcoin exposure confidently, backed by strong custody measures and regulatory frameworks.
This launch coincided with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifting its four-year ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs). This shift opens the market to a larger investor base and paves the way for other asset managers.
21Shares, Bitwise, and WisdomTree Join the ETP Race
On October 20, 21Shares announced the listing of two physically backed products for Bitcoin and Ethereum on the LSE. These products not only offer traditional investment vehicles but also include a staking component for their Ethereum ETPs. Investors can benefit from a reduced management fee of 0.1% for selected offerings, making them attractive for retail investors.
In tandem with its UK offerings, 21Shares is also advocating for a spot Dogecoin ETF approval in the US, adding to their growing portfolio.
WisdomTree has also made strides by listing its physically backed Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs alongside competitive management fees of 0.15% and 0.35% respectively. This follows their earlier institutional offerings in the UK, expanding their influence in the crypto market.
The asset manager Bitwise has now plans to list its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs on the LSE, offering a significantly reduced management fee of 0.05% on its Core Bitcoin ETP for an introductory period of six months.
In a notable 2021 policy shift, the FCA had previously banned the sale, marketing, and distribution of crypto derivatives and ETNs to retail investors. With these recent developments, retail investors can now access these products through UK-regulated brokers and investment platforms, such as standard brokerage accounts, ISAs, and SIPPs. This aligns the UK’s regulatory landscape more closely with markets like the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, and the EU.
However, it’s essential to note that the prohibition on retail access to broader crypto derivatives remains in effect, limiting the scope of investment for retail participants.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and has a robust understanding of financial markets. His interest in economics and finance inspires a keen focus on emerging Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency markets. Bhushan is committed to continuous learning and enjoys sharing knowledge with others. In his free time, he reads thriller novels and explores his culinary skills.
