BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) officially began trading in the UK on October 20, marking a pivotal expansion that could draw between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in inflows over time.
This launch follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) reversal of its previous ban on crypto-based exchange-traded products, opening the door for British retail investors to access regulated Bitcoin exposure for the first time.
IBIT offers entry to Bitcoin through a familiar ETF structure, eliminating the need for wallets or private keys. Priced at roughly $11 per unit—compared to Bitcoin’s spot value of around $110,000—the product democratizes participation and lowers the entry barrier for retail and institutional investors alike. BlackRock’s U.S. Bitcoin ETF, launched two years prior, has already accumulated nearly $65 billion in inflows, making IBIT’s arrival in the UK a significant step in the global expansion of Bitcoin-linked investment products.
According to FCA data, the UK crypto market represents approximately £13.3 billion across 7 million investors, a figure projected to rise 20% following the new regulatory shift. When applied to Bitcoin’s dominant 60% share of global crypto investment flows, projections suggest between $1.9 billion and $2.6 billion could flow into Bitcoin-linked vehicles, with IBIT likely capturing up to $2 billion based on its market share in the U.S.
Demographics also support the growth narrative: 50% of 18–24-year-olds and 49% of 25–34-year-olds express interest in crypto ETFs. Moreover, nearly one-third of potential investors value the ability to include Bitcoin exposure in tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs. With 95% of Bitcoin already mined and supply capped at 21 million coins, scarcity remains a core driver of long-term appreciation—one now accessible to millions of UK investors through BlackRock’s regulated gateway.
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