JPMorgan Files to Launch Leveraged Bitcoin Product Tied to BlackRock ETF

JPMorgan has re-entered the Bitcoin investment arena with a leveraged structured note linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).

This development was confirmed in a filing submitted this week to U.S. regulators. Just days earlier, JPMorgan had criticized MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy—criticism that triggered boycott calls over alleged “crypto debanking”—and urged MSCI to reconsider whether companies with significant Bitcoin exposure should remain in its index.

However, despite this critical stance, the bank is now offering an instrument that directly tracks the digital asset via IBIT.

Structured Note Tracks Bitcoin Halving Cycle

The note is modeled on Bitcoin’s four-year halving pattern, which often produces a mid-cycle dip followed by renewed strength. With the most recent halving in 2024, JPMorgan is positioning the note to capture potential weakness around 2026, while anticipating a possible rebound approaching 2028.

How the Note Works: Two Possible Paths

The filing outlines two potential scenarios for investors:

Early Redemption in 2026: If IBIT reaches a preset target by December 2026, the bank will call the note. In that case, the note will provide a minimum return of 16%.

Extension to 2028: If IBIT remains below the target in 2026, the note will extend to 2028. Investors then earn 1.5 times IBIT’s total gains, with no cap on upside.

Overall, the structure gives investors exposure to both the mid-cycle phase and the potential late-cycle rally.

Upside Potential Comes With Notable Risk

According to the filing, the principal remains protected through 2028, provided IBIT does not decrease by more than 30%. However, should IBIT fall beyond this limit, any losses will correspond to IBIT’s decline.

JPMorgan warns that investors could lose more than 40% of their capital. In a worst-case scenario, they could even lose the entire amount if Bitcoin crashes during the period.

Therefore, this risk framework targets investors who accept long-term volatility and trust the broader Bitcoin cycle.

Notable Change in Tone From JPMorgan

The launch reflects a change in how JPMorgan discusses digital assets. The bank now describes crypto as a “tradable macro asset class” influenced by institutional liquidity rather than retail speculation.

Indeed, ETF flows support this perspective, as funds tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP continue drawing capital despite a 30% market drop since October.

Together, these developments suggest Wall Street is positioning for Bitcoin’s next major cycle, even as broader market sentiment remains cautious. The success of JPMorgan’s new structured note will largely depend on whether Bitcoin can regain momentum as 2026 approaches.

For now, the move confirms major institutions are preparing for long-term engagement with digital assets, regardless of short-term volatility.