BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $11 trillion in assets under management, has quietly boosted its exposure to Bitcoin through its own iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), revealing a growing strategic commitment to digital assets.
In-House Portfolio Now Holds Over 2.1 Million IBIT Shares
As of March 31, 2025, the BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio held 2,123,592 shares of IBIT, valued at approximately $99.4 million, according to recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This marks a 25% increase from December 31, 2024, when the same portfolio reported holding 1,691,143 shares.
“The increase reflects a deliberate strategy to diversify exposure beyond bonds,” noted BlackRock in its latest prospectus. The portfolio, traditionally bond-focused, aims to preserve capital while generating returns through strategic asset allocation—now including Bitcoin ETF exposure.
IBIT Leads the Pack Among Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Launched in January 2024 alongside 10 other SEC-approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, IBIT has quickly risen to dominate the category. According to Bitbo data, the fund now boasts over $72 billion in net assets, far outpacing its closest competitor, the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which trails by $50 billion.
Institutional Demand Drives Bitcoin ETF Momentum
The latest figures reinforce the accelerating demand for Bitcoin ETFs among institutional investors. In May 2025 alone, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded more than $1.5 billion in net inflows within just two days, as reported by Cointelegraph. Notably, IBIT has been a consistent driver of that growth, with daily net buys exceeding $500 million multiple times since April 9.
“We’re witnessing a wave of institutional capital entering the Bitcoin market,” said a spokesperson from BlackRock. “These inflows demonstrate the shift in investor confidence and long-term belief in Bitcoin as a portfolio asset.”
Analysts Project Multi-Billion-Dollar Growth Ahead
According to Bitwise, a prominent asset manager in the crypto space, Bitcoin ETF inflows could reach $120 billion by year-end, with potential to double to $300 billion by 2026, mirroring early success patterns seen with gold ETFs.
Conclusion
BlackRock’s rising stake in its own Bitcoin ETF reflects a broader trend of institutional adoption and growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset. As ETFs continue to gain momentum, the crypto-financial landscape may be entering a new phase of integration and legitimacy.