BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with approximately $11.6 trillion in assets under management, now holds over 567,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $47.8 billion. The latest data from Arkham Intelligence places BlackRock among the largest Bitcoin holders globally.
The asset manager’s most recent acquisition occurred on March 14, when a Coinbase Prime wallet transferred 268 BTC—valued at over $22 million—into BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) wallet. This follows a pattern of consistent accumulation, reinforcing the growing institutional demand for Bitcoin as an investment asset.
Beyond Bitcoin, BlackRock also holds over 1.2 million Ether, valued at approximately $2.3 billion. The firm’s cryptocurrency portfolio includes approximately 70 million USDC stablecoins and a variety of altcoins. The broad exposure underscores BlackRock’s increasing integration of digital assets into its investment strategies.
The iShares Bitcoin ETF has been a focal point of the firm’s digital asset strategy. The fund, which allows institutional investors to gain Bitcoin exposure without direct ownership, has contributed to Bitcoin’s growing acceptance as a mainstream financial asset. The ETF model has driven billions of dollars in liquidity into crypto markets, altering the sector’s traditional cycles of capital rotation.
Crypto ETFs Face Headwinds Despite Institutional Interest
While BlackRock accumulates Bitcoin, the broader crypto ETF market has faced significant volatility. In February and early March 2025, cryptocurrency ETFs experienced four consecutive weeks of outflows, totaling $4.75 billion. The week of March 9 alone saw $876 million in withdrawals, with BlackRock’s IBIT fund losing $193 million. Across all Bitcoin ETFs, month-to-date outflows reached $756 million.
The outflows have contributed to market uncertainty, macroeconomic factors, and concerns over a prolonged trade war. However, despite these headwinds, BlackRock has continued to expand its Bitcoin exposure, suggesting confidence in the asset’s long-term value.
In February 2025, BlackRock added IBIT to its model portfolios, preset investment plans designed for asset managers and financial advisors. These portfolios offer diversified financial instruments with varying risk profiles, providing investors with indirect exposure to Bitcoin.
Including IBIT in these model portfolios is expected to drive additional inflows, particularly from investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of self-custody or direct blockchain transactions.
This move signals a broader institutional shift toward digital assets and further cements Bitcoin’s role within traditional financial markets.
