BlackRock plans to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Europe

• BlackRock is planning to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Switzerland
• This move follows the success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin ETF
• The Bitcoin ETP could boost crypto adoption with the EU’s MiCA regulations

BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, is gearing up to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe.

The step marks another significant step in the firm’s expansion into the cryptocurrency market and is set to be registered in Switzerland.

This move follows the resounding success of BlackRock’s $58 billion US Bitcoin ETF, which by early February 2025 had gathered $57.5 billion in net assets. This alone speaks volumes about the investor appetite for such products.

CEO Larry Fink’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against currency debasement, suggesting a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as an alternative store of value.

This European venture is anticipated to attract both institutional and retail investors looking for exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of direct cryptocurrency ownership.

Switzerland is becoming a digital asset innovation in Europe

The decision to domicile the ETP in Switzerland was strategic, leveraging the country’s reputation as a hub for digital asset innovation, particularly within its “Crypto Valley” in Zug.

Switzerland’s progressive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies has made it an attractive location for BlackRock to extend its Bitcoin investment offerings beyond North American borders.

The choice of Switzerland not only aligns with BlackRock’s aim to capitalize on crypto-friendly regulations, but also positions the firm to lead in the European market.

Notably, the plans to launch an ETP in Europe comes at a time when the European Union is navigating its own regulatory path through the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which was established in 2023.

The MiCA framework aims to ensure consumer protection and market integrity, providing a stable environment for crypto investments.

Despite the European crypto market capitalizing at $17.3 billion — far less than the US’s $116.4 billion — BlackRock’s move could significantly boost the sector.

BlackRock’s entry into this market underscores the growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, a trend that has been further propelled by the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024.