
BlackRock Expands iShares Bitcoin ETF to Canada Following U.S. Success
In a significant move, BlackRock has announced the launch of its iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) in Canada, following the massive success it achieved in the United States. The Canadian version of the ETF is expected to provide investors with a cost-effective and efficient way to invest in Bitcoin without directly managing a Bitcoin investment.
The Canadian market now becomes the second jurisdiction where BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is available, after achieving an impressive $52 billion in assets under management (AUM) in the United States. This substantial growth underscores the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a mainstream asset class and the growing demand for diversified investment options.
Helen Hayes, Head of iShares Canada at BlackRock, highlighted that investors can access this ETF through various channels, including discount brokerage platforms and full-service dealers nationwide. The launch is seen as a significant milestone in the growth of the Canadian crypto market, as it now joins other major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, which have also ventured into the Bitcoin ETF space.
The iShares Bitcoin ETF has become one of seven cryptocurrency ETF products listed on the Canadian market, a testament to the growing acceptance of digital assets by traditional financial institutions. This move can be seen as an endorsement of the potential benefits that these products bring to investors.
The significant milestone achieved by BlackRock’s IBIT ETF in the US could potentially pave the way for the introduction of more diversified crypto ETF products. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been known for its cautious approach, particularly when it comes to altcoin-based ETFs. However, with potential changes in regulatory leadership, industry experts believe that 2025 may see a shift towards approving applications for Solana and XRP ETFs.
In conclusion, BlackRock’s move to expand the IBIT ETF to Canada is seen as a significant development, which further solidifies Bitcoin’s position as a mainstream asset.
Source: cryptonewsland.com