UniCredit SpA has announced the launch of an investment certificate linked to BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, aimed at professional clients in Italy.
New Investment Certificate from UniCredit
According to a Bloomberg report on July 1, Italian bank UniCredit will issue a five-year, dollar-denominated investment certificate linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The offering will be available from July 1 to 28 and includes full capital protection at maturity, an important feature for risk-averse institutions.
Advantages of the Product Structure
This structured product is designed to provide investors with Bitcoin's upside ([BTC](https://crypto.news/price/bitcoin/)) without facing its notorious volatility. Bloomberg noted that this product will create a low-friction access point to digital assets without requiring direct crypto custody or wallet infrastructure.
Trends in European Financial Markets
UniCredit's actions can be seen as a response to shifting institutional demands. BlackRock's IBIT, now holding over $73 billion in assets, has shown that Bitcoin is no longer a fringe gamble but a mainstream investment path. UniCredit’s product may serve as a blueprint for other risk-averse European banks looking to engage with cryptocurrency.
In conclusion, UniCredit offers an innovative approach to investing in Bitcoin, allowing institutional investors to benefit from cryptocurrency without direct exposure, potentially reshaping the European financial landscape.