BlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETP in Europe with Ultra-Low Fees

In Brief:

BlackRock unveils its first Bitcoin ETP in Europe, listed on Xetra, Euronext Paris, and Amsterdam.

The product features a 0.15% fee waiver until year-end, positioning it as one of the cheapest Bitcoin ETPs in Europe.

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BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has officially launched a Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe under the ticker IB1T on Xetra and BTCN on Euronext Amsterdam. This move follows the enormous success of its US-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which currently manages over $50.6 billion in assets.

To promote early adoption, BlackRock is waiving the product’s fees down to 0.15% until the end of 2025, making it one of the most cost-effective crypto investment vehicles in Europe.

Despite the region already hosting over 160 digital asset-tracking products, its market still trails the US in volume and efficiency. According to Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas, US spot Bitcoin ETFs control about 91% of global AUM, even though they’ve only been around for about a year.

Balchunas believes BlackRock’s presence could help reshape Europe’s fragmented crypto ETP market, though European investors tend to be more conservative compared to their American and Asian counterparts.

However, not everyone is optimistic. Critics point to the decline in on-chain Bitcoin activity, arguing that the surge in ETF and derivatives trading doesn’t reflect organic demand.

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Nonetheless, BlackRock’s entry is seen as a strategic push for institutional adoption, especially as Europe continues rolling out MiCA regulations that provide clarity for crypto products.

At press time, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $86,601, down 0.55% in 24 hours, showing a muted price reaction despite the milestone.

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