The race to expand crypto investment products has entered a new chapter, with BlackRock now preparing to offer an ETF that doesn’t just mirror Bitcoin’s spot price but aims to generate steady cash returns.
On September 30, Nasdaq lodged paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission seeking approval to trade the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, a fresh addition to the asset manager’s crypto toolkit.
A New Angle on Bitcoin Exposure
Unlike the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which simply tracks Bitcoin itself, the new fund is structured around a covered call approach. This means investors will still have exposure to BTC through holdings in spot Bitcoin, IBIT shares, and cash, but the ETF will also sell call options on those assets or on indices that follow Bitcoin ETFs. The strategy is designed to provide a premium-style income stream — a way to smooth out volatility and appeal to investors focused on yield.
Building Out a Suite, Not a Diversion
Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas called the product a “sequel” to IBIT, noting that BlackRock isn’t branching into altcoin territory but rather layering Bitcoin strategies into a broader suite. That move underscores the company’s conviction that investor demand will grow for multiple styles of Bitcoin exposure, from plain-vanilla spot ETFs to yield-generating versions.
The SEC has acknowledged Nasdaq’s request, meaning the application cleared the first technical hurdles for eligibility. From here, the agency will invite comments before making a final decision. While approval is not guaranteed, recognition under the commodity trust framework suggests the filing is being taken seriously.
What Comes Next
BlackRock only recently registered the fund in Delaware, while also adjusting filings for its existing IBIT and the iShares Ethereum ETF (ETHA). Those vehicles will need to comply with generic listing standards expected to take effect in early 2026. By moving quickly, BlackRock positions itself to be first in line when regulators allow income-based crypto ETFs to launch.
For investors, the filing signals that Bitcoin ETFs are no longer just about tracking prices — they’re evolving into instruments that can generate yield, diversify exposure, and potentially attract a new class of market participants.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-etf-news-blackrock-moves-to-launch-premium-income-fund-on-nasdaq/