In a groundbreaking move, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has deepened its bet on Bitcoin by increasing its stake in the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to over $99.4 million. This step isn’t just about portfolio diversification—it signals Bitcoin’s solid march into mainstream institutional finance.
BlackRock’s Bold Bet: $99M in Bitcoin ETF Holdings
According to a recent SEC filing, as of March 31, 2025, BlackRock’s Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio held 2,123,592 shares of IBIT, a dramatic rise from 1,691,143 shares in 2024. This portfolio traditionally focuses on bonds and diversified assets with capital preservation in mind, making the inclusion of Bitcoin a strategic and notable evolution.
Insight: This is not just portfolio padding. It’s a paradigm shift.
IBIT Leads the Pack in Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Launched in January 2024 after SEC approval, spot Bitcoin ETFs have rapidly transformed the investment landscape. Among them, IBIT stands on top with over $72 billion in net assets, $50 billion more than Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC).
This positions IBIT as the clear institutional favorite in the race for crypto exposure.
Institutional Demand Skyrockets: $1.5B in 2 Days
May 2025 saw $1.5 billion funnel into spot Bitcoin ETFs within just two days, a stunning signal of growing institutional and retail interest.
Since April 9, IBIT has logged several days of $500M+ net inflows, reflecting high confidence in the asset’s long-term value.
What’s Next? Forecasting Bitcoin ETF Inflows
Bitwise Asset Management predicts a staggering $120 billion in ETF inflows for 2025, with projections doubling to $300 billion by 2026.
According to Bitwise analysts: “The major wave is yet to come. When institutional wirehouses and large wealth management platforms start allocating to Bitcoin ETFs, we’ll see inflows surge.”
Why This Matters: Bitcoin’s Path to the Financial Mainstream
BlackRock’s increasing investment in its own ETF is more than just confidence—it’s a strategic declaration.
This pattern underscores the shift of Bitcoin from fringe to foundation, making its way into traditional, risk-conscious portfolios.
As BlackRock leads, the message is clear:
Bitcoin is no longer an outsider—it’s becoming a core asset.
