BlackRock Aims to List Bitcoin ETF in UK Before FCA Ban Ends.

BlackRock is preparing to list a bitcoin ETF in the UK, with plans to launch the iShares Bitcoin ETP before October 8, when a ban on retail investment in crypto funds will end. The move comes as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has given the green light for the fund, which will allow retail investors to buy and sell the fund.

BlackRock is gearing up to list its iShares Bitcoin ETF in the UK, aiming to capitalize on a crucial rule change set to take effect on October 8. The move comes as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has given the green light for the fund, which will enable retail investors to buy and sell the Bitcoin ETF on FCA-regulated exchanges Exclusive: BlackRock gears up to list bitcoin ETF in UK^[1].

The investment giant is believed to be looking to list its iShares Bitcoin ETP on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) soon. This follows the FCA’s decision to allow a far wider range of investors to buy cryptocurrency exchange traded notes (ETNs). From October 8, retail investors will once again be allowed to buy these products in the UK, putting the country in line with other major European markets where there is already wider access to crypto ETNs Exclusive: BlackRock gears up to list bitcoin ETF in UK^[1].

The launch of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF is expected to boost the UK's crypto market. Digital asset specialists are betting that the FCA’s decision to reverse its long-standing ban on crypto ETNs for retail investors will open the door for a new wave of demand. The move marks a significant shift from the regulator’s previous stance, which deemed the products ill-suited for retail investors Digital asset firms hope for UK crypto boom as FCA's retail ...^[3].

In addition to BlackRock's initiative, South African investment firm Altvest Capital Ltd. has unveiled plans to raise $210 million to buy Bitcoin. This marks a bold shift in strategy as Altvest rebrands to Africa Bitcoin Corp. The firm will hold BTC as a treasury reserve asset, similar to cash or gold, positioning itself as the first listed company in Africa to adopt Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset South Africa’s Altvest to Raise $210M for Bitcoin Treasury, Rebrand as Africa Bitcoin Corp^[2].

These developments highlight the growing interest and adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset by both institutional and retail investors. As the UK and other major markets open their doors to crypto ETNs, investors can expect to see increased liquidity and accessibility in the Bitcoin market.

References:
Exclusive: BlackRock gears up to list bitcoin ETF in UK^[1] https://citywire.com/new-model-adviser/news/exclusive-blackrock-gears-up-to-list-bitcoin-etf-in-uk/a2473611
South Africa’s Altvest to Raise $210M for Bitcoin Treasury, Rebrand as Africa Bitcoin Corp^[2] https://cryptonews.com/news/south-africas-altvest-to-raise-210m-for-bitcoin-treasury-rebrand-as-africa-bitcoin-corp/
Digital asset firms hope for UK crypto boom as FCA's retail ...^[3] http://uk.citywire.com/new-model-adviser/news/digital-asset-firms-hope-for-uk-crypto-boom-as-fcas-retail-ban-ends/a2473112