BlackRock introduces iShares Bitcoin ETF with $48B forecast

Asset management firm BlackRock has officially launched its iShares Bitcoin ETF on Cboe Canada, allowing Canadian investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) through traditional brokerage accounts.

The ETF, which trades under the ticker symbol IBIT, is designed to invest primarily in BlackRock's U.S. spot Bitcoin fund, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).

“The launch of the iShares Bitcoin ETF in Canada underscores BlackRock’s commitment to innovation and providing clients access to an expanding world of investments,” stated Helen Hayes, BlackRock’s head of iShares Canada.

The fund aims to reflect the performance of Bitcoin's price before accounting for expenses and liabilities.

It also offers a U.S. dollar-denominated version under the ticker IBIT.U.

BlackRock's U.S. IBIT ETF has gained significant traction since its launch in January 2024, accumulating over $37 billion in net inflows.

Overall, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs have seen more than $35 billion in net inflows for the year, averaging roughly $144 million daily.

Steno Research analysts project that Bitcoin ETFs could attract an estimated $48 billion in net inflows during 2025 as institutional interest continues to rise.

Investment bank JPMorgan highlighted that Bitcoin is becoming a crucial component of investor portfolios as they seek protection against geopolitical risks and inflation.

Rob Marrocco, Global Head of ETF Listings at Cboe, remarked on the growing demand for crypto exposure through exchange-listed products.

“Cboe has a history of bringing many first-of-their-kind products to market... Investors increasingly seek crypto exposure through exchange-listed wrappers,” he noted.

The introduction of the iShares Bitcoin ETF adds to the growing list of Bitcoin ETFs available on Canadian exchanges and reflects a broader trend towards mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency investments among Canadian investors.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $94,795.73.