BlackRock Plans Bitcoin Exchange Traded Product for European Market

Asset management giant BlackRock is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency offerings in Europe by launching a bitcoin-based exchange-traded product (ETP), according to a report from Bloomberg. The product is expected to be domiciled in Switzerland, positioning it within one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly jurisdictions.

The move follows the overwhelming success of BlackRock’s U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), which has rapidly become the largest Bitcoin investment vehicle in the world. IBIT currently manages nearly $57 billion in assets, making it the dominant BTC-based fund.

As of 11:44 a.m. ET, bitcoin was trading at $97,598.95, reflecting strong investor interest in digital assets.

Despite the growth potential, BlackRock may face regulatory and structural hurdles in the European market. James Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst, cautioned that BlackRock might struggle to replicate the strategy it used in Canada, where it navigated regulatory constraints through a workaround.

“The cheeky workaround they used in Canada might not be allowed in Europe. Possible that they might actually launch a standalone [product]. Not sure,” Seyffart posted on X.

Europe already hosts a competitive market for cryptocurrency ETPs, with over 160 existing products tracking bitcoin, ether, and other digital assets. However, the region’s total crypto ETP market size—valued at $17.3 billion—remains significantly smaller than its U.S. counterpart.

BlackRock’s IBIT fund shattered multiple records in 2024, driven by surging institutional demand for spot bitcoin ETFs. If the company successfully launches its European Bitcoin ETP, it could further solidify its position as a global leader in crypto asset management.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, investors will closely watch BlackRock’s approach to expanding in the European market, particularly in light of existing compliance frameworks and competition from other issuers.