Main Points：
- UK Regulatory Approval: BlackRock has received regulatory approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a licensed cryptocurrency business.
- Expanding ETF Offerings: With this license, BlackRock, which manages roughly $12 trillion in assets, can now operate a new Bitcoin ETF aimed at European investors from its UK base.
- Joining the Elite: As of April 1, BlackRock is the 51st crypto business registered by the FCA, joining established players such as Coinbase, PayPal, and Revolut.
- Successful ETP Launch: Prior to obtaining the FCA license, BlackRock’s new “iShares Bitcoin ETP” was listed on the Euronext markets in Paris and Amsterdam, offering both institutional and retail investors easy access to Bitcoin exposure.
1. Introduction: A New Era for BlackRock in Europe
In a significant milestone, BlackRock—the world’s largest asset manager—has been granted a cryptocurrency business license by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulatory approval confirms BlackRock’s status as a fully recognized crypto business, enabling the firm to launch and manage a Bitcoin ETF for European investors from its UK headquarters.
2. FCA Approval and Its Implications
According to the FCA website, BlackRock was registered as the 51st licensed cryptocurrency business on April 1. This marks a crucial step in BlackRock’s ongoing efforts to expand its digital asset offerings. With approximately $12 trillion in assets under management, the firm is now well-positioned to leverage its extensive resources in the burgeoning crypto market. The new license allows BlackRock to join other major players—such as Coinbase, PayPal, and Revolut—in the regulated crypto ecosystem, enhancing investor confidence and market transparency.
3. Launching the iShares Bitcoin ETP
Even before obtaining its FCA license, BlackRock made headlines with the launch of its new product, the “iShares Bitcoin ETP.” Recently listed on the Euronext markets in Paris and Amsterdam, the ETP is designed to provide both institutional and retail investors with direct exposure to Bitcoin. This strategic move follows the success of BlackRock’s US-listed physical Bitcoin ETF, which has grown to manage over $47 billion in assets, making it the largest Bitcoin ETF in the world.
4. Strengthening BlackRock’s Global Presence
The European expansion is a continuation of BlackRock’s commitment to digital asset innovation and market leadership. Following the successful debut of its US Bitcoin ETF more than a year ago, BlackRock is now set to replicate that success in Europe. The FCA license not only opens the door for a new Bitcoin ETF product but also reinforces BlackRock’s role as a key player in shaping the future of cryptocurrency investment on a global scale.
5. A Major Step Forward
BlackRock’s acquisition of the FCA crypto business license marks a pivotal moment in its digital asset strategy. By enabling the launch of a Bitcoin ETF for European investors, BlackRock is poised to further expand its footprint in the crypto market. This move, along with the successful listing of its iShares Bitcoin ETP on major European exchanges, underscores BlackRock’s commitment to innovation and its ability to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. As the firm joins the ranks of other globally recognized crypto businesses, investors can expect greater transparency and access to regulated digital asset products, reinforcing BlackRock’s leadership in the industry.
