Key Takeaways
- BlackRock Bitcoin ETF to debut on the ASX in mid-November 2025, expanding its global reach.
- The ETF will mirror the $90B U.S. fund, giving Australians regulated bitcoin exposure.
- Launch aligns with Australia’s updated digital asset rules, boosting investor protection and access.
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is reportedly getting ready to bring its popular iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) to Australia, marking another major step in the firm’s global digital asset strategy.
BlackRock bitcoin ETF will be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in mid-November 2025, offering local investors a simple and regulated way to gain exposure to bitcoin without directly owning the asset.
The debut of BlackRock Bitcoin ETF in Australia comes after IBIT’s remarkable success in the United States, where it has become one of the most successful ETF launches in history. Since its U.S. debut in January 2024, the fund has grown rapidly, amassing more than $90 billion in assets under management.
BlackRock said the new launch will extend the company’s global bitcoin investment strategy into the Asia-Pacific region, joining other markets such as the United States, Germany, and Switzerland, where bitcoin ETFs are already available.
BlackRock has recently expanded its bitcoin ETF offerings by launching similar products on the London Stock Exchange and the Swiss SIX Exchange.
The ASX-listed iShares Bitcoin ETF will carry a management fee of 0.39% and will “wrap” the existing U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT). This means it will mirror the performance of the U.S. fund while allowing trade on the country’s local exchange.
According to Tamara Stats, Director of Institutional Client Business at BlackRock Australasia, the move demonstrates BlackRock’s continued commitment to innovation.
“The introduction of IBIT in Australia highlights BlackRock’s ongoing efforts to innovate and reflects the growing interest from institutional investors seeking efficient, convenient access to Bitcoin as a potential diversifier within their multi-asset portfolios,” she said.
Steve Ead, Head of Global Product Solutions at BlackRock Australasia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing accessibility. “By making IBIT available on the ASX, we’re focused on broadening access and democratizing investment opportunities for more Australians,” he said.
The ETF gives investors exposure to bitcoin through a traditional stock exchange, removing the need for offshore accounts or digital wallets.
Instead of buying bitcoin directly, investors purchase ETF shares that track the price of bitcoin. This structure simplifies access for both individuals and institutions while maintaining a high level of regulation and transparency.
The launch also comes as Australia strengthens its digital asset regulations. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recently updated its guidance, reclassifying most digital assets as financial products.
Under the new rules, service providers offering bitcoin exposure must obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) by June 2026.
While bitcoin itself is not classified as a financial product, ASIC’s framework ensures that any fund or platform offering bitcoin exposure—like BlackRock’s IBIT—operates under strict regulatory oversight. This is expected to improve investor protection and market transparency.
