On Monday, October 20 2025, BlackRock launched its Bitcoin spot-ETP on the London Stock Exchange under ticker IB1T. The timing coincided with the FCA’s removal of its longstanding ban on certain crypto-based ETPs, opening access for U.K. retail investors. This London launch marks its first U.K. listing following the regulatory easing.
How will the U.K. ETP work?
By listing IB1T on London’s exchange, BlackRock enables U.K. investors to gain Bitcoin price exposure via a regulated product. This means they don’t need to handle crypto wallets or private keys directly. This contrasts with many earlier crypto-linked funds which were futures-based or limited to institutional clients. The ETP format simplifies Bitcoin exposure via standard brokerages and is regulated under the U.K. listing regime. The product is already available on other European exchanges, and the U.K. listing broadens its reach.
Tailored for the U.K. audience
The launch takes advantage of FCA’s adjustment of rules, which allows for more retail-level participation in crypto-linked securities in the U.K. For investors, this removes a key barrier to crypto exposure in a regulated format. The introduction of IB1T helps position London as a competitive hub for regulated crypto access, aligning with institutional standards.
This U.K. listing is a major step in the mainstreaming of Bitcoin. By offering a regulated product from a trusted large-cap asset manager like BlackRock, it lowers the barrier for retail and institutional U.K. investors to include Bitcoin in portfolios. It may also set competitive pressure on other firms to launch similar products in the U.K. and Europe.