Europe’s $2.3 Trillion Giant Enters Bitcoin: Amundi to Launch Landmark Crypto ETP

Amundi Set to Launch Bitcoin ETP in 2026: A New Era for UK and European Crypto Markets

Amundi, Europe’s largest asset management firm overseeing more than €2.3 trillion in assets, is preparing to make a historic entrance into the cryptocurrency market with its first Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP). Scheduled for launch in early 2026, the move could mark a turning point for institutional crypto adoption in Europe — particularly under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework.

This development signals the growing acceptance of digital assets within traditional finance, as more conservative institutions begin to embrace Bitcoin as a legitimate component of portfolio diversification and inflation hedging. Amundi’s Bitcoin ETP will not only strengthen the region’s crypto infrastructure but could also ignite a wave of institutional inflows across the continent.

Amundi’s Strategic Leap Into Digital Assets

Amundi’s decision to launch its first Bitcoin ETP underscores how far the global financial landscape has evolved in recent years. Once considered a speculative frontier, Bitcoin is now increasingly viewed as a regulated investment asset. Amundi’s move, aligning with MiCA’s comprehensive regulatory framework, provides the assurance that institutional investors have long sought before entering the crypto space.

The company has yet to disclose the ETP’s exact structure, but sources indicate it will function similarly to Europe’s Bitcoin ETNs (Exchange-Traded Notes), which are equivalent to U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs. These products allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin price movements without directly holding the underlying asset — offering a secure, transparent, and regulated investment vehicle.

A spokesperson for Amundi emphasized that the firm’s entry into the crypto sector is not merely a speculative play but part of a broader diversification strategy. “Digital assets represent an evolution in how investors hedge against inflation and manage long-term portfolio risk. With MiCA in place, we believe now is the time to expand our institutional offerings,” the spokesperson said.

The BlackRock Effect and Growing Institutional Demand

Amundi’s entry into the Bitcoin market cannot be separated from the growing success of institutional products in the United States. The influence of BlackRock — the world’s largest asset manager — has been particularly significant. Since launching its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), BlackRock has accumulated over 800,000 BTC, or roughly 4% of Bitcoin’s total circulating supply, valued at nearly $97 billion.

Financial analysts see Amundi’s move as a response to this global shift. Gregory Raymond, co-founder of Big Whale, commented, “After watching the BlackRock hurricane from afar for years, Amundi is now ready to take the plunge into the world of crypto investment.”

According to CoinShares data, inflows into digital asset investment products surged to $3.17 billion last week alone, with Bitcoin dominating $2.67 billion of that figure. Year-to-date inflows have reached a record-breaking $30.2 billion, illustrating the immense investor appetite for regulated crypto exposure.

Notably, altcoins such as Ethereum, Solana, and Ripple have also seen rising institutional interest, suggesting a broader market maturation. Amundi’s upcoming Bitcoin ETP could therefore pave the way for additional crypto products, potentially leading to a full suite of digital asset investments for European investors in the near future.

From Restriction to Regulation: The UK’s Changing Crypto Stance

The regulatory environment in the UK and Europe has played a crucial role in shaping the crypto investment landscape. Just four years ago, in 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) imposed a ban on the sale of crypto ETPs to retail investors. At the time, the FCA argued that individual investors lacked the technical knowledge and risk tolerance required to navigate crypto markets safely.

However, the tide has clearly turned. With the global mainstreaming of Bitcoin and the rapid growth of institutional crypto infrastructure, UK regulators have revised their stance. In a landmark announcement last week, the FCA confirmed that crypto investment products are now “better understood” and that retail investors will be allowed access to them starting October 8, 2025.

This shift effectively opens the door for millions of UK investors to legally access Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs for the first time — a move that could significantly increase liquidity and boost overall market participation.

Experts believe that Amundi’s forthcoming Bitcoin ETP launch will further legitimize crypto investments for pension funds, family offices, and endowments across Europe. With the combination of MiCA clarity and the FCA’s revised approach, the continent appears ready to lead the next phase of global crypto adoption.

Market Reactions and Industry Implications

The announcement has already sparked optimism across financial circles. European fund managers view Amundi’s decision as both a validation and an opportunity — signaling that digital assets are no longer a fringe investment class but a core part of diversified portfolios.

“The entry of a player like Amundi is monumental,” said Edward Hall, senior strategist at London Digital Markets. “It’s not just about Bitcoin anymore. It’s about institutional credibility. This legitimizes crypto investment for thousands of firms that have been waiting for regulatory certainty.”

Meanwhile, industry analysts predict that the launch of the Amundi Bitcoin ETP could drive billions in fresh institutional capital into the crypto ecosystem. According to market modeling, even a modest 0.5% allocation from Amundi’s managed assets would represent more than €11 billion entering the Bitcoin market — a move that could fuel significant upward pressure on prices.

Bitcoin as a Hedge in a Changing Economic Landscape

The timing of Amundi’s decision also aligns with macroeconomic uncertainty across Europe. As inflation remains elevated and central banks continue to navigate interest rate pressures, institutional investors are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against monetary devaluation.

Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins provides an appeal for those seeking long-term stability amid currency fluctuations. “The investment world is moving from denial to acceptance,” said a European digital asset analyst. “Amundi’s move is a reflection of the broader recognition that Bitcoin is here to stay — and that it deserves a place alongside bonds, equities, and commodities in diversified portfolios.”

Moreover, the development comes at a time when European financial institutions are racing to adapt to blockchain-based technologies. The combination of artificial intelligence, tokenized assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms has prompted asset managers to innovate beyond traditional boundaries.

The Road Ahead for Amundi and European Crypto

While the Amundi Bitcoin ETP represents a significant milestone, experts suggest it’s only the beginning. Analysts anticipate that Amundi may eventually roll out similar ETPs tied to Ethereum, Solana, and other high-performing digital assets, further expanding its footprint in the crypto sector.

If successful, Amundi’s launch could encourage rival asset managers such as UBS, Allianz Global Investors, and Deutsche Bank Asset Management to follow suit. Together, these institutions could transform Europe into a leading hub for regulated crypto products by 2026.

Conclusion

The launch of the Amundi Bitcoin ETP in early 2026 is more than just another financial product — it symbolizes a paradigm shift in European finance. It bridges the gap between traditional wealth management and digital innovation, positioning Europe at the forefront of the global crypto revolution.

As regulators, institutions, and investors converge under the MiCA framework, Amundi’s move could mark the beginning of a new era — one where Bitcoin isn’t just an alternative asset but a cornerstone of modern investment portfolios.

Writer @Ellena

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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