BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is preparing to launch its iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in mid-November 2025.
This marks a significant expansion of BlackRock’s global digital asset strategy, providing Australians with a regulated way to gain exposure to bitcoin without directly holding the asset.
Expansion of global bitcoin ETF strategy
Following the U.S. debut of IBIT in January 2024—where the fund quickly amassed over $90 billion in assets—BlackRock is extending its bitcoin ETF offerings to the Asia-Pacific region.
The ASX-listed ETF will mirror the performance of the U.S. fund and joins BlackRock’s similar launches on the London Stock Exchange and Swiss SIX Exchange.
For details on BlackRock’s U.S. ETF holdings, see the BlackRock bitcoin holdings tracker.
Features of the new ETF
The Australian iShares Bitcoin ETF will carry a management fee of 0.39% and will be structured to “wrap” the existing U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust, allowing local trading while tracking the U.S. product.
This setup provides both institutional and retail investors access to bitcoin exposure through a familiar, regulated exchange framework.
Tamara Stats, Director of Institutional Client Business at BlackRock Australasia, explained:
“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.”
Regulatory landscape in Australia
Australia has recently strengthened its digital asset regulations, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reclassifying most digital assets as financial products.
Under these new standards, providers offering bitcoin exposure—such as BlackRock—must obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) by June 2026.
While bitcoin itself is not classified as a financial product, the regulatory framework ensures greater investor protection and transparency for ETF participants.
