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BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has surged to hold over 700,000 BTC, capturing more than half of all Bitcoin held by US spot Bitcoin ETFs.
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This milestone underscores the growing dominance of institutional investors in the Bitcoin market, with BlackRock’s fund delivering an impressive 82.67% return since its launch in January 2024.
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According to Apollo co-founder Thomas Fahrer, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust now commands 55% of Bitcoin held across US spot ETFs, reflecting a significant shift in asset management strategies.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF now holds 55% of Bitcoin in US spot ETFs, surpassing 700,000 BTC and delivering strong returns amid growing institutional demand.
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Dominates US Spot Market with Over 700,000 BTC Holdings
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has reached a significant milestone by accumulating more than 700,000 BTC, valued at approximately $75.5 billion. This positions IBIT as the largest holder of Bitcoin within the US spot ETF landscape, commanding over 55% of total Bitcoin assets held by such funds. The fund’s rapid growth is fueled by consistent inflows, including a recent $164.6 million addition reported on a single trading day. IBIT’s performance since its January 2024 inception has been remarkable, delivering an 82.67% total return, which highlights strong investor confidence and the increasing institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure through regulated investment vehicles.
Institutional Bitcoin Demand Outpaces Miner Supply in 2025
Data from Galaxy Research reveals a compelling trend where institutional Bitcoin accumulation is outstripping the supply generated by miners. US-based Bitcoin ETFs, combined with Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, have collectively purchased Bitcoin worth $28.22 billion in 2025. In contrast, Bitcoin miners’ net new issuance during the same period totals only $7.85 billion. This dynamic indicates a tightening supply environment, potentially supporting upward price pressure. Notably, except for February 2025—when the combined entities sold $842 million worth of Bitcoin—these institutional buyers have consistently acquired more Bitcoin than miners have produced, underscoring robust demand from large-scale investors.
Regulatory Advances Signal Easier Crypto ETF Approvals in the US
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly streamlining the approval process for crypto ETFs, aiming to foster innovation while maintaining investor protections. Under the proposed framework, ETF issuers would file a Form S-1 and undergo a 75-day review period. If no objections arise, the ETF can be listed on exchanges without further delay. This regulatory shift could accelerate the launch of new crypto investment products, enhancing market accessibility. A recent example includes the REX-Osprey Solana and Staking ETF, which became the first US ETF to offer exposure to staked cryptocurrency assets, providing investors with both price appreciation and staking rewards.
Market Implications of Growing Crypto ETF Adoption
The increasing acceptance and adoption of crypto ETFs by both regulators and institutional investors mark a pivotal evolution in digital asset markets. BlackRock’s dominant position with its iShares Bitcoin Trust exemplifies how traditional asset managers are integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream portfolios. This trend not only legitimizes Bitcoin as an investable asset but also enhances liquidity and market depth. Investors seeking regulated, transparent, and liquid Bitcoin exposure are likely to benefit from this expanding ETF ecosystem, which continues to innovate with products like staking ETFs and diversified crypto baskets.
Conclusion
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has solidified its leadership in the US spot Bitcoin ETF market by holding over 700,000 BTC and commanding a majority share of assets. Institutional demand for Bitcoin remains robust, consistently surpassing miner supply and signaling a bullish structural backdrop. Meanwhile, regulatory advancements aimed at simplifying crypto ETF approvals are poised to further expand investor access to digital assets. Together, these developments underscore a maturing Bitcoin investment landscape, where regulated ETFs play a crucial role in bridging traditional finance and the evolving crypto economy.
