BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has taken a major step forward in its crypto strategy by gaining approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Officially registered on April 1, 2025, BlackRock now joins an elite group of just 51 crypto firms authorized to operate in the UK, alongside names like Coinbase, PayPal, and Revolut.
BlackRock Strengthens Crypto Presence in Europe
This regulatory green light enables BlackRock to deepen its foothold in the European digital asset market. Its iShares Bitcoin ETP recently launched on Euronext exchanges in Paris and Amsterdam, offering institutional investors a low-cost and compliant path to Bitcoin exposure. A temporary 0.15% fee waiver (until the end of 2025) has made it even more attractive—especially compared to similar offerings that charge 0.25%.
BlackRock’s product is clearly designed for seasoned investors, aiming to deliver secure and efficient access to Bitcoin through a fully regulated structure. It’s a sign that TradFi (traditional finance) and crypto are inching closer together.
FCA’s Conservative Approach Under Scrutiny
Interestingly, BlackRock’s approval stands out against the FCA’s traditionally cautious stance. The regulator has greenlit just 9% of the nearly 90 crypto firms that applied for registration, citing poor application quality and missing compliance data. This has cast doubt on the UK government’s ambitions to become a global crypto hub under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Still, BlackRock’s success signals a potential shift in regulatory tone—or at least, a willingness to accommodate high-profile players with the resources to meet strict requirements.
A Broader Crypto Vision
Beyond the UK, BlackRock continues to expand its digital asset offerings. Its Ethereum-based tokenized fund recently surged to $2 billion in value, and the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), launched in the U.S. in early 2024, now leads the American spot Bitcoin ETF market with nearly $49 billion in assets.
According to SoSoValue, total capital inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have exceeded $95 billion over the past year, underscoring a sharp rise in institutional demand for regulated Bitcoin exposure.
Final Thought: BlackRock’s FCA approval may act as a signal to the broader market. It suggests that institutional adoption is not only growing—but accelerating, especially in jurisdictions once deemed too conservative. For investors tracking long-term shifts in market structure and institutional sentiment, this could be a moment worth noting.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
