BlackRock’s first bitcoin ETP in the UK began trading Monday on the London Stock Exchange, following a policy shift by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

Japan may soon allow banks to trade and hold digital assets such as bitcoin, signaling a shift in how the country approaches crypto regulation. 

Robinhood has brought nearly 500 tokenized US stocks and ETFs to European users through Arbitrum, expanding its real-world asset strategy.

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• BlackRock and 21Shares Launch Bitcoin ETPs on London Stock Exchange After FCA Policy Shift
• Japan Weighs Letting Banks Trade Bitcoin and Digital Assets in Policy Shift
• Robinhood Tokenizes Nearly 500 US Stocks and ETFs on Arbitrum for EU Users

BlackRock and 21Shares Launch Bitcoin ETPs on London Stock Exchange After FCA Policy Shift

BlackRock’s first bitcoin ETP in the UK began trading Monday on the London Stock Exchange, following a policy shift by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

The product, listed under the ticker IB1T, offers bitcoin exposure without direct ownership.

The move comes as Switzerland-based 21Shares also launched four crypto ETNs on the LSE, now available to UK retail investors. The offerings include bitcoin and ether staking products, plus two low-fee “Core” options with 0.10% management fees.

Both launches signal a new chapter for UK investors, long excluded from regulated crypto products. BlackRock’s existing bitcoin ETF in the US, IBIT, has over $85 billion in assets. 

Japan Weighs Letting Banks Trade Bitcoin and Digital Assets in Policy Shift

Japan may soon allow banks to trade and hold digital assets such as bitcoin, signaling a shift in how the country approaches crypto regulation. 

According to local newspaper Yomiuri, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering a reform that would let banks treat crypto like other financial instruments, including stocks and bonds.

The plan would also allow banks to register as crypto exchange operators, making it easier for investors to access crypto through familiar financial institutions. 

The Financial Services Council, which advises the Prime Minister, is expected to discuss the proposal in an upcoming meeting.

Robinhood Tokenizes Nearly 500 US Stocks and ETFs on Arbitrum for EU Users

Robinhood has brought nearly 500 tokenized US stocks and ETFs to European users through Arbitrum, expanding its real-world asset strategy.

The assets, worth over $8.5 million, mirror the prices of publicly traded securities but are blockchain-based derivatives—not actual shares. They’re regulated under the EU’s MiFID II framework and offer 24/7 access with minimal fees.

Most tokens represent stocks or ETFs, with smaller allocations to crypto funds and US Treasurys. The rollout has drawn regulatory interest, with Lithuania’s central bank seeking clarity on how the tokens are structured.

State of the Crypto by Top Tier Exchange Volume

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