• BlackRock’s Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio now holds over $99M in IBIT shares, signaling deeper BTC integration.
  • IBIT leads all U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs with $72B in assets, outpacing rivals like Fidelity’s FBTC.
  • Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $1.5B+ in just two days of May 2025, reflecting rising institutional demand.

    BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has been increasing its exposure to Bitcoin through its own spot Bitcoin ETF, highlighting a stronger institutional commitment to the cryptocurrency.

    According to a recent SEC filing , the firm’s Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio held 2,123,592 shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) on March 31, 2025, valued at $99.4 million. This is a significant boost from 1,691,143 shares last seen in 2024.

    BlackRock Expands Bitcoin ETF Holdings as Institutional Demand Rises image 0

    BlackRock Expands Bitcoin Holdings

    This move represents a strategic shift as BlackRock introduces Bitcoin to one of its most significant portfolios, which invests predominantly in bonds and diversified assets with the aim of generating maximum returns while keeping capital intact.

    Significantly, IBIT is the top US spot Bitcoin ETF, having crossed $72 billion in net assets, more than $50 billion ahead of Fidelity’s Wise Origin Fund (FBTC), which is trailing.

    BlackRock Expands Bitcoin ETF Holdings as Institutional Demand Rises image 1

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs, which were greenlit by the SEC in January 2024, have seen explosive expansion. During 2025, the pace doesn’t seem to abate. Based on data, over $1.5 billion poured into spot Bitcoin ETFs within two days in May, with IBIT taking center stage.

    The fund has experienced several days of net inflows over $500 million since April 9. This indicates strong demand from institutional and retail investors.

    ETF Inflows Hit Record Highs in 2025

    Professionals expect this to be only the start. Bitwise Asset Manager predicts that inflows from Bitcoin ETFs may total $120 billion this year, double to $300 billion by 2026. Analogies to the beginning of gold ETFs further highlight the lightning-fast institutional embrace being seen by Bitcoin.

    Even though these are impressive accomplishments, Bitwise analysts point out that a major growth horizon still lies ahead. Institutional wirehouses and large wealth management platforms. When these old-fashioned financial gateways start committing to Bitcoin ETFs, the inflow figures could soar.

    In short, BlackRock’s increasing ownership of its own Bitcoin ETF not only reflects its faith in the asset but also hints at a larger pattern. Bitcoin is coming from the periphery to the financial mainstream quietly, but forcefully.

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