BlackRock has officially launched its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe, marking a significant milestone in institutional adoption of cryptocurrency across the continent. The ETP, called the iShares Bitcoin ETP, debuted today and is now live for trading on exchanges in Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.
The move comes amid surging interest in Bitcoin following its record-breaking start to 2025, with the asset having peaked over $100,000 earlier this year before pulling back to the current level of $88,090. By offering a regulated, exchange-listed vehicle, BlackRock is aiming to provide investors with an easier path to Bitcoin exposure while maintaining the security and compliance investors demand.
“This is not just about giving access,” said a BlackRock spokesperson. “It’s about making Bitcoin investment infrastructure more legitimate and scalable across the EU.”
The iShares Bitcoin ETP is fully backed by Bitcoin reserves, providing one-to-one exposure to BTC without the need for self-custody or crypto wallets. Analysts are calling the launch a major catalyst for further Bitcoin adoption among institutional investors who were previously sidelined due to regulatory hurdles or operational concerns.
With Europe stepping into the Bitcoin ETF landscape, this move may pressure U.S. competitors to innovate even further. It also aligns with increasing investor confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and hedge against inflation — particularly in the face of uncertain global markets.