Asset management giant BlackRock has launched its first bitcoin product in Europe: a physically backed bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP).

The iShares Bitcoin ETP started trading Tuesday on Germany’s Xetra exchange and Euronext exchanges in Paris and Amsterdam. The ETP will trade under the ticker IB1T on Xetra and Euronext Paris and as BTCN on Euronext Amsterdam.

The new product comes after BlackRock debuted a bitcoin ETF in the U.S. last year. The U.S. ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), has attracted over $50 billion in assets and has become the largest spot bitcoin ETF globally. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has voiced scepticism of bitcoin but appears to have warmed up to bitcoin…

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BlackRock, a global asset management giant, has unveiled its latest offering in Europe: a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP). Following the success of its US-listed Bitcoin ETF, which has already accumulated $50.6 billion in assets, BlackRock aims to replicate this achievement on the European market. The new iShares Bitcoin ETP will trade on major platforms like Xetra and Euronext Paris under the ticker IB1T, with an additional listing on Euronext Amsterdam as BTCN. To attract investors, BlackRock has implemented a temporary fee waiver, reducing the expense ratio to 0.15% until year-end.

This move marks BlackRock’s first crypto-linked ETP outside North America, signaling a strategic expansion amidst growing retail and professional investor interest in digital assets. According to Manuela Sperandeo, head of iShares Product for Europe and the Middle East at BlackRock, the decision reflects a significant market shift and aims to capitalize on increasing momentum within the sector.

While Europe already hosts over 160 crypto ETPs, the market remains smaller than the US, where such products dominate global market share due to competitive costs and high liquidity. Analysts suggest that BlackRock’s entry could stimulate substantial growth in Europe, though investor risk tolerance in the region typically differs from that in the US and Asia.

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Standard Chartered has reshaped the tech investment landscape by introducing the “Mag 7B” index substituting Tesla with Bitcoin resulting in enhanced returns and reduced volatility. The revised index reflects the growing institutional appeal of Bitcoin as it aligns more closely with tech giants than traditional financial hedges.

Bitcoin’s inclusion in the “Mag 7B” index not only outperformed the original tech-heavy Mag 7 index by approximately 5% since December 2017 but also showcased lower volatility every year. This dual benefit of higher returns and stability emphasizes Bitcoin’s potential as both a tech asset and a strategic investment component.

Amid broader market fluctuations and recent political shifts Bitcoin’s comparable trading patterns to major tech stocks like Nvidia suggest its maturing role in investor portfolios. With expectations of increased institutional investment and a positive market outlook the integration of Bitcoin into major indices like Mag 7B heralds a transformative era for tech investments and digital assets.

Arizona’s House Rules Committee has advanced two pivotal digital asset reserve bills signaling a potential breakthrough for cryptocurrency support at the state level. The bills poised for a full House vote could establish reserves comprising assets from criminal seizures and public funds.

With a Republican majority in the House the bills have a solid chance of passing. Yet Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs known for her high veto rate in 2024 could pose a significant obstacle. Both the Strategic Digital Assets Reserve Bill and the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act focus on prudent fiscal management and fostering state-level investment in Bitcoin.

The proposed legislation underscores Arizona’s commitment to integrating digital assets into its financial strategy. It allows strategic investments and secure storage options aiming to enhance financial returns while mitigating risks. This move could position Arizona as a leader in state-backed cryptocurrency initiatives if successful.