BlackRock to Launch Bitcoin ETP in the UK After October 8 as FCA Lifts Ban

Key Takeaways:The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has lifted its ban on Bitcoin-linked investment products.BlackRock is preparing to launch its iShares Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in the UK.The listing is expected to occur on or after October 8, marking a major step in institutional Bitcoin access in the UK.Asset management giant BlackRock is reportedly preparing to launch a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in the United Kingdom, following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision to lift its long-standing ban on such products for professional investors.According to a report by TechFlow on October 6, the world’s largest asset manager plans to list its iShares Bitcoin ETP on the UK market on or after October 8, pending final regulatory and listing approvals.FCA Lifts Bitcoin Investment Product BanThe move follows the FCA’s reversal of its 2021 ban that prohibited investment firms from offering crypto-linked derivatives and exchange-traded products to retail investors. While the change primarily affects professional and institutional investors, it opens the door for greater participation from UK-based financial institutions.This regulatory shift signals the UK’s growing acceptance of digital assets as investable instruments, aligning it closer to markets like the United States, where Bitcoin ETFs have already attracted billions in inflows this year.BlackRock Expands Global Bitcoin ETP AccessBlackRock’s upcoming iShares Bitcoin ETP marks the firm’s latest expansion into global Bitcoin offerings, following the success of its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the U.S., which has become one of the most traded spot Bitcoin ETFs since its debut in January 2024.The UK launch is expected to boost institutional exposure to Bitcoin, giving investors in London’s financial hub access to regulated crypto investment vehicles for the first time.Industry analysts suggest the move could further legitimize Bitcoin within traditional finance circles, paving the way for other global asset managers to follow suit.Broader Implications for the UK Crypto MarketWith the FCA now signaling a more open stance toward digital asset products, the UK is positioning itself as a competitive hub for crypto-linked financial instruments in Europe.Experts note that this change could attract new capital inflows and stimulate demand for regulated crypto exposure among hedge funds, wealth managers, and pension firms seeking portfolio diversification.At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $123,900, near its recent all-time high of $125,000, as institutional interest continues to surge ahead of the fourth quarter.