Core Insights - A suite of eleven retail-friendly crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) debuted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on October 20, 2023, following a recent regulatory change that allows retail investors access to these products for the first time since 2021 [1][5] Group 1: Market Access - Prior to October 8, 2023, crypto ETPs in the U.K. were restricted to qualified investors, limiting access for the average retail investor [2] - The new offerings from asset managers such as WisdomTree, 21Shares, and Bitwise are now available on the LSE's main market, allowing retail investors to access them through their brokerage platforms [2][5] Group 2: Product Offerings - WisdomTree offers one ETP for Bitcoin and one for Ethereum, while 21Shares and Bitwise provide a more diversified range of products catering to both short- and long-term investors [3] - BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) also launched on the LSE, marking its entry into the U.K. crypto investment market [3] Group 3: Fee Competition - In response to the launch of retail crypto ETPs, several asset managers have reduced fees to attract investors, with promotions running until the end of the year [4] - Bitwise has set its Core Bitcoin ETP fees at 0.05% until March 31, 2026, and has suspended fees on its flagship Ethereum product "until further notice" [4][6] - A full list of ETPs and their fees includes various offerings from Bitwise, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, with fees ranging from 0.00% to 2.00% [4][6]

BlackRock’s long-awaited iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) made its debut on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Monday, allowing the United Kingdom users to be exposed to retail assets. Source: LSE The product allows retail investors to gain regulated exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset. Notably, this is made possible by the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent decision to lift its multi-year ban on crypto-based exchange-traded products. Within its first hour of trading, the physically ...

Core Insights - BlackRock launched a bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) on the London Stock Exchange, following the Financial Conduct Authority's lifting of a retail investment ban imposed in 2021 [1] - The iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) is part of a broader range of products now available to retail investors, including offerings from 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Bitwise, allowing exposure to bitcoin without direct ownership [2] - 21Shares introduced four crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs), including bitcoin and ether staking products, marking a significant development for U.K. investors who previously lacked access to regulated crypto products [3] - Bitwise launched four ETPs on the LSE, reducing management fees for its Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC1) to enhance competitiveness [4] - BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has $85.5 billion in net assets, making it the largest spot bitcoin ETF, followed by Fidelity's FBTC with $21.9 billion [5]