Gibraltar lands the first regulated bitcoin product in Europe

In July 2016, Gibraltar made history by introducing Europe’s first regulated Bitcoin product, known as the Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Instrument (ETI). This product debuted on the Gibraltar Stock Exchange and Germany's Deutsche Börse, marking a significant milestone in the integration of Bitcoin within traditional financial markets.

The Bitcoin-ETI was launched by iStructure PCC PLC, a Gibraltar-based company, and was designed to provide investors with regulated access to Bitcoin investments. This move was facilitated by Gibraltar’s proactive stance on fintech and digital currency regulation, aiming to position the territory as a leader in the bitcoin sector​.

The Bitcoin-ETI is an asset-backed exchange-traded instrument, meaning it invests exclusively in Bitcoin, offering a regulated and secure way for institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the cryptocurrency. The product adhered to stringent regulatory standards set by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), ensuring compliance with EU financial regulations and providing robust investor protection​​.