In 25 years, ETFs have broadened market access to investors across asset classes. Today, millions of savers in Europe are turning to capital markets to improve their financial outcomes and retirement security. They are seeking choice, simplicity and affordability to achieve better long-term results and are increasingly turning to ETFs to achieve just that.

iShares played a key role, bringing new types of ETFs to market and delivering investing solutions to investor challenges. European investors have entrusted us with their money more than any other provider and we are here to help them access the world’s markets to strengthen their financial well-being, with the education and tools to help meet their individual financial goals.

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.

For a quarter century, ETFs have been transforming the way European investors build efficient portfolios - from the largest pension funds, to savers becoming investors and participating in markets for the first time.

Over that time, a relentless focus on innovation has helped iShares open investing to more and more people.

Here's to the next 25 years!

A breakthrough happened in Europe 25 years ago with the advent of ETFs. What started with equities has evolved, and today, ETFs provide Europeans choice across asset classes, including bonds, commodities and bitcoin, transforming how all kinds of European investors build portfolios.

Innovation is driving the industry and one thing is clear: the future belongs to a new generation of investors. With 39% of European investors aged 18-34 and nearly half of first-time investors coming from this group*, the increasing accessibility and convenience of ETFs are driving millions of Europeans to start investing.

There’s lots of room to grow. This is just the beginning.

*BlackRock Global Business Intelligence and EPFR covering flows (1st – 31st January 2025).

Twenty-five years ago, the idea of instantly buying or selling thousands of bonds in a single trade at a transparent price seemed impossible. Today, ETFs have made this a reality, revolutionising how bonds are traded in Europe bringing trading onto exchanges across the continent.

This progress benefits all investors, making access more efficient and reducing costs in an asset class that has historically been hard to trade.

We expect bond ETFs to continue to grow as they showcase their utility across all market conditions, they’re projected to hit $6 trillion in AUM globally by 2030*. ​

*Fixed Income ETF Narratives (2018 - 2024).