BlackRock Bets Big on Bitcoin with 25% Boost to IBIT Stake
BlackRock has raised its on-balance-sheet stake in its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF by approximately 25%, according to recent SEC filings.
The decision is in line with the growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin and reinforces IBIT’s position as the largest U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, with over $72 billion in assets under management.
Inside BlackRock’s Strategic Shift Toward Bitcoin
BlackRock’s Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio raised its IBIT holdings from 1,691,143 shares on Dec. 31, 2024, to 2,123,592 shares by March 31, 2025, a 25.56% increase valued at $99.4 million, per the SEC filings.
The valuation shows a stock price of about $46.80, in line with IBIT’s trading range of $46–$53 in early 2025, according to Google Finance statistics.
The adjustment aligns with BlackRock’s general strategy on digital assets, as revealed in a Nov. 26, 2024, X post showing 2,140,095 IBIT shares held in another BlackRock portfolio as of Sept. 30, 2024.
Launched in January 2024 among 11 SEC-approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, IBIT is the most traded Bitcoin ETF, supported by a 0.25% sponsor fee and high liquidity. Its custody arrangement with Coinbase Prime contributes to the operational reliability of IBIT as a top asset for regulated Bitcoin exposure.
While BlackRock has not publicly announced the reason for the increase, the consistent accumulation of IBIT shares suggests an intentional and strategic decision to increase cryptocurrency exposure.
IBIT Leads U.S. Bitcoin ETF Market
IBIT dominates the U.S. Bitcoin ETF market with over $72 billion in net assets as of May 2025. It presently holds 51% market share among U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, which collectively manage approximately $141 billion, according to Dune Analytics, ahead of competitors like the Fidelity Wise Origin Fund (FBTC).
The ETF’s dominance and strength came from strong inflows, including $1.5 billion in net purchases over two days in May 2025, part of $9 billion year-to-date inflows by May 21.
US spot Bitcoin ETF daily inflows (Source: Farside Investors)
Daily inflows since April 9, 2025, often exceed $500 million, with $530.6 million recorded on May 21, 2025.
IBIT’s structure simplifies Bitcoin exposure, appealing to investors seeking access to the cryptocurrency’s 21-million-coin fixed supply without direct ownership complexities. Its collaboration with Coinbase Prime ensures secure custody, further boosting its market leadership.
BlackRock’s IBIT Boost Signals Institutional Crypto Wave
BlackRock’s 25% increase in IBIT exposure shows the rising institutional trust in Bitcoin, potentially influencing other asset managers.
Goldman Sachs held 30.8 million IBIT shares worth $1.4 billion as of March 31, 2025, a 28% increase from its previous position.
Hedge funds also accumulated IBIT holdings during Q4 2024, as reported by Motley Fool, supporting a trend of institutional acceptance. BlackRock’s move, given its market influence, can prompt more investment in regulated crypto instruments.
Bitcoin’s recent price volatility—between $85,000 and $111,897 in May 2025—and regulatory uncertainties remain risks. The 25% increase is based on public SEC filings, with no direct BlackRock statement of intent.
