Important points
- The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF will debut on the ASX in mid-November 2025, expanding its global reach.
- The ETF mirrors the $90 billion US fund and provides Australians with regulated Bitcoin exposure.
- This launch is in line with Australia’s latest digital asset regulations, which will provide greater protection and access for investors.
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is reportedly preparing to bring its popular iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) to Australia, marking another major step in its global digital asset strategy.
The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF will be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in mid-November 2025, offering local investors an easy and regulated way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning the assets.
The Australian debut of the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF comes on the heels of IBIT’s remarkable success in the US, making it one of the most successful ETF launches in history. Since its U.S. debut in January 2024, the fund has grown rapidly, with assets under management exceeding $90 billion.
BlackRock said the new launch expands its global Bitcoin investment strategy into the Asia-Pacific region, joining other markets where Bitcoin ETFs are already available, including the US, Germany and Switzerland.
BlackRock recently expanded its Bitcoin ETF offering with the launch of similar products on the London Stock Exchange and the Swiss Stock Exchange.
The ASX-listed iShares Bitcoin ETF has a management fee of 0.39% and ‘wraps’ the existing US-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT). This means that it reflects the performance of US funds while allowing trading on local exchanges in the US.
BlackRock Australia director of institutional client business Tamara Stutz said the move demonstrated BlackRock’s continued commitment to innovation.
“The introduction of IBIT in Australia highlights BlackRock’s continued commitment to innovation and reflects growing interest from institutional investors seeking efficient and convenient access to Bitcoin as a potential diversifier within multi-asset portfolios.” she said.
Steve Eade, Head of Global Product Solutions at BlackRock Australia, echoed this sentiment and emphasized accessibility. “By making IBIT available on the ASX, we are focused on expanding access and democratizing investment opportunities for more Australians.” he said.
ETFs provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin through traditional stock exchanges, eliminating the need for offshore accounts or digital wallets.
Rather than buying Bitcoin directly, investors buy ETF shares that track the price of Bitcoin. This structure simplifies access for both individuals and organizations while maintaining a high level of regulation and transparency.
The announcement comes as Australia tightens digital asset regulations. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recently updated its guidance to reclassify most digital assets as financial instruments.
Under the new rules, service providers offering Bitcoin exposure will need to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) by June 2026.
Although Bitcoin itself is not classified as a financial product, ASIC’s framework ensures that funds and platforms offering Bitcoin exposure, such as BlackRock’s IBIT, operate under strict regulatory oversight. This is expected to improve investor protection and market transparency.