Get exposure to crypto-assets

Learn more about investing in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

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Capital at risk. Don’t 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.

Why choose bitcoin with iShares?

01.

Easy access

IB1T enables investors to buy and sell bitcoin through the familiar, easy-to-access, and liquid structure of an exchange-traded product, removing the complexities of trading bitcoin directly.

02.

Convenience & security

IB1T extricates investors from the operational role in cryptocurrency custody and security. ETP wrappers benefit from economies of scale, which can lower costs for investors.1

03.

Robust infrastructure

IB1T is managed by the world’s largest asset manager, working with institutional service providers such as Coinbase Prime, the world’s largest institutional digital asset custodian.2,3

Navigate the iShares bitcoin range

Gain exposure to the world of bitcoin, leveraging the convenience, security and ease of integration provided by an iShares ETP.

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Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.

What are the key risks?

1. You could lose all the money you invest

The performance of most cryptoassets can be highly volatile, with their value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in cryptoassets.

The cryptoasset market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money or any cryptoassets you purchase due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and firm failure.

2. You should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) doesn’t protect this type of investment because it’s not a ‘specified investment’ under the UK regulatory regime – in other words, this type of investment isn’t recognised as the sort of investment that the FSCS can protect. Learn more by using the FSCS investment protection checker here. www.fscs.org.uk/check/investment-protection-checker

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will not be able to consider complaints related to this firm] or [Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA-regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it.] Learn more about FOS protection here. www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers

3. You may not be able to sell your investment when you want to

There is no guarantee that investments in cryptoassets can be easily sold at any given time. The ability to sell a cryptoasset depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at that time.

Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay and you may be unable to sell your cryptoassets at the time you want.

4. Cryptoasset investments can be complex

Investments in cryptoassets can be complex, making it difficult to understand the risks associated with the investment.

You should do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.

A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments. www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/5-questions-ask-you-invest

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA’s website here. www.fca.org.uk/investsmart

For further information about cryptoassets, visit the FCA’s website here. www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics

Bitcoin ETP faqs

Bitcoin has shown a unique behavior in portfolios over long time horizons due to its relatively low correlation with traditional assets like stocks and bonds.4 Therefore, holding a modest allocation of bitcoin can have a diversifying effect on portfolios.

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Explore the iShares bitcoin range

Explore IB1T, the iShares Bitcoin ETP, and learn about its objective, key facts, performance, and portfolio characteristics.
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