London-based Jacobi Asset Management has listed Europe's first spot bitcoin ETF

Jacobi Asset Management launched the Jacobi FT Wilshire Bitcoin ETF, a green-friendly digital asset fund. It aligns with the EU's sustainable finance guidelines, highlighting its focus on positive environmental and social contributions. The Jacobi FT Wilshere Bitcoin ETF is regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) and will trade under the "BCOIN." Fidelity Digital Assets handles the ETF's custodial duties, Flow Traders act as market makers, and Jane Street and DRW serve as authorized participants.

CEO of Jacobi Asset Management, Martin Bednall, said: "It is exciting to see Europe moving ahead of the US in opening up Bitcoin investing for institutional investors who want safe, secure access to the benefits of digital assets using familiar and regulated structures like our ETF. Unlike other products in the European market, which are debt instruments, our fund owns the underlying asset directly. Jacobi is proud to be supported by Tier1 partners at the forefront of this digital asset market evolution while pioneering an innovative, environmentally sound solution for European investors."

Jacobi first won approval for the fund in October 2021, with plans to list it in 2022. However, the firm opted to push back its plans due to the difficult crypto market conditions last year.

Mark Makepeace, CEO of Wilshire Indexes, added: "The Jacobi FT Wilshire Bitcoin ETF launch is an important milestone for the digital asset industry and a transformative moment for the global financial industry. We are excited about the partnership with Jacobi and, as a leader in developing institutional-grade digital asset benchmarks, we are committed to helping accelerate the advancement of the entire digital asset ecosystem."

Significance of Bitcoin EFT

A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a financial product that enables investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without directly owning the cryptocurrency. It plays a pivotal role in legitimizing cryptocurrencies in traditional financial markets, fostering mainstream adoption, and potentially attracting a broader range of investors who might be hesitant to navigate the complexities of crypto exchanges.

The availability of a Bitcoin ETF can facilitate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. Investors more comfortable with traditional investment vehicles like ETFs may be more willing to explore the crypto market through this familiar avenue. They can also gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without worrying about wallet security.

ETFs are traded on traditional stock exchanges, providing liquidity that might be lacking in the cryptocurrency markets. Introducing a Bitcoin ETF could lead to increased market efficiency and price discovery. It can serve as a benchmark for Bitcoin's value and provide more accurate pricing information.

The launch of a Bitcoin ETF can stimulate innovation in the financial sector. It also bridges the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrencies, offering a regulated, accessible, and potentially less risky way for investors to participate in the evolving digital asset landscape.