GET EXPOSURE TO CRYPTO-ASSETS

Learn more about investing in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

Image of a curved building
Image of a curved building

EXPLORE CRYPTO INSIGHTS

With 25 million crypto investors across Europe and crypto being the third most popular investment product, digital assets are increasingly becoming a significant part of the investment landscape.1 Discover the latest cryptocurrency insights with iShares.

Capital at risk: Do not invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Cryptoasset risk: Cryptoasset platforms may be at risk of being hacked or exploited and may involve significant risks due to a compromise of private keys, which may result in losses. Market disruption and government intervention can make digital assets illegal.

WHAT IS A BITCOIN?

Cryptocurrency is becoming increasing widely adopted with Bitcoin being the first digital asset to gain widespread global adoption.2 Bitcoin is a digital currency not regulated by central banks or governments, that can be transferred from one person to another anywhere in the world. These transactions are recorded on a secure digital database called the blockchain, and once recorded cannot be changed.

Video 03:08

WHAT IS BITCOIN?

Bitcoin is the world’s most recognised and widely adopted cryptocurrency, and many investors want to learn more. Watch to learn the basics of Bitcoin, how it works and understand it's significance in our world today.

We've all heard about Bitcoin. But what exactly is Bitcoin?

 

Let's start at the beginning. Around 100,000 years ago.

 

Throughout history, we've used all kinds of objects to help make transactions and store value, from seashells to shiny metals to paper notes. That's because the value isn't just in the object itself, it's in how much we agree the object represents. So, the object can be many things, even, as it turns out, a string of digital code.

 

The internet changed everything. It connected the world, changing how we communicate, work, shop and manage finances. It also opened the door to a new kind of currency and asset. Enter Bitcoin, a digital currency not governed by banks or governments, but by its global community of users. And that provided new potential benefits.

 

Bitcoin exchanges happen person-to-person, anywhere in the world, in near real time and for near zero transaction costs. Saving money, time and opening financial opportunity to those without access to a banking system.

 

Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million bitcoins. This hard coded rule controls supply, purchasing power and helps avoid the potential misuse of printing more and more currency, which can contribute towards inflation.

 

All transactions take place on a digital ledger called the blockchain. It's a digital platform to move value, where everyone can see every transaction.

 

Bitcoin is no longer seen as the radical idea it was 15 years ago. Over 500 million people around the world now use cryptocurrency, with over 50% holding or investing in Bitcoin, making it the most popular cryptocurrency by far. Some use Bitcoin to transfer value across borders and for purchases. Some see Bitcoin as an investment given its limited supply and uniqueness relative to other financial assets. And for those in certain countries, its value goes far deeper, potentially offering greater financial autonomy by serving as an alternative to local currencies.

 

Bitcoin is an emerging global monetary alternative. Time will tell how far adoption will go, but next time you see a seashell or shiny metal, think about how humans’ idea of 'money' has evolved throughout history.

 

To learn more about bitcoin as part of a portfolio visit: iShares.com/bitcoin

 

Risk Warnings

 

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

 

The price of bitcoin fluctuates daily and the value of bitcoin is driven by various factors including market liquidity. Cryptoassets can be subject to high pricing volatility and substantial fluctuations.

 

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product or strategy.

 

Changes in the rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to diminish or increase. Fluctuation may be particularly marked in the case of a higher volatility fund and the value of an investment may fall suddenly and substantially. Levels and basis of taxation may change from time to time and depend on personal individual circumstances.

 

Regulatory Information

 

In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is issued by BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL, Tel: +44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 00796793. For your protection, calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.

 

Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

 

This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.

 

© 2025 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners

UNDERSTANDING BITCOIN

Bitcoin is the world’s leading and most widely adopted cryptocurrency and the first digital asset to gain widespread global adoption.2 Bitcoin is a digital currency not regulated by central banks or governments, that can be transferred from one person to another anywhere in the world. These transactions are recorded on a secure digital database called the blockchain, and once recorded cannot be changed.

There is no physical form of bitcoin; it is solely a digital currency.

INVESTING IN CRYPTO

A cryptocurrency exchange-traded product (ETP) is an investment vehicle that provides exposure to the price of a cryptocurrency by investing directly in digital assets such as bitcoin. These ETPs can offer ease of stock trading, low costs, possible tax simplicity, and liquidity.

1 Source: BlackRock People & Money/YouGov Plc. All figures, unless stated otherwise, are from YouGov Plc. Sample size: 36,730 adults across Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK (any references to Europe in this report refer to these 14 markets). Fieldwork was undertaken between 15th March - 10th May 2024. ​The survey was carried out online. Figures given an even weighting to produce an ‘average’ value. All calculations conducted by BlackRock. 2022 data refers to the previous 'Next wave of ETF investors' survey conducted by YouGov Plc between 12 August 2022 and 8 February 2023. Population figures are based on United Nations 2024 and 2022 Revisions of World Population Prospects report (18+ adults). The content and assumptions in this report are based on data derived directly from these surveys.​
2 Source: CoinGecko, as of Dec. 31, 2024. Based on bitcoin’s market cap of $1.8T, which accounts for greater than 50% of the total market cap of all cryptoassets (excluding stablecoins and wrapped assets).

Important Information:

The ETP securities are not guaranteed. The value of the ETP securities may go down as well as up and you may lose some or all of your investment.

Investors who are not APs should be aware that they will not take delivery of any bitcoin as a result of buying or selling the ETP securities in the secondary market.

The ETP is intended for retail investors (i) with specific knowledge and/or experience of investing in similar products and with a solid understanding of the significant risks associated with cryptoassets including its associated volatility; (ii) seek a product offering exposure to the performance of the underlying asset(s); and (iii) that have the ability to bear losses up to the amount they have invested in the ETP. The ETP will not be suitable for retail investors that are unable to sustain a significant or complete loss of their investment.

Please refer to the prospectus, available on www.ishares.com, for more information on the ETP securities and the Issuer prior to investing.