BlackRock Expands Bitcoin ETF to Canada

BlackRock has introduced its iShares Bitcoin ETF to Canadian investors, providing a simplified way to gain Bitcoin exposure without direct ownership.

Trading under the ticker “IBIT,” the ETF launched on January 13 via Cboe Canada, mirroring its successful U.S. counterpart.

The ETF tracks Bitcoin’s price performance by investing in the U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, leveraging technology from Coinbase Prime for efficient custodial services. Available in both Canadian and U.S. dollar classes (IBIT and IBIT.U), the fund charges a 0.32% management fee and currently holds CAD 2 million in assets across 50,000 units.

In the U.S., the iShares Bitcoin ETF has amassed over $52.7 billion in assets since its debut a year ago, surpassing the combined value of all European Bitcoin ETFs. The Canadian launch marks BlackRock’s latest step in expanding its global footprint in the digital asset market.

BlackRock’s Head of iShares Canada, Helen Hayes, emphasized the importance of this milestone, highlighting Cboe’s role in fostering innovation in cryptocurrency investment products. With this expansion, BlackRock continues to position itself as a leader in Bitcoin-focused financial solutions.