BlackRock moved roughly $366 million in Bitcoin and Ethereum from its ETF custody into a Coinbase Prime wallet on August 20, 2025, signaling a tactical repositioning amid a market sell-off rather than a documented full exit from crypto exposure.
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Large transfer: 1,885 BTC (~$111.7M) and 59,606 ETH (~$254.4M) moved to Coinbase Prime.
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Transfers occurred on August 20, 2025, coinciding with a broader crypto market decline in BTC and ETH.
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Observers view the activity as profit-taking or rebalancing; implications for ETF flows remain under scrutiny.
BlackRock Bitcoin transfer: $366M moved to Coinbase Prime; monitor ETF flows for market impact — read the analysis.
BlackRock transfers $366 million in Bitcoin and Ethereum to Coinbase Prime amid market sell-off signaling active repositioning.
BlackRock moved significant holdings of Bitcoin and Ethereum from ETF custody into a Coinbase Prime wallet on August 20, 2025. The action included roughly 1,885 BTC (about $111.7 million) and 59,606 ETH (about $254.4 million), totaling more than $366 million. Exchanges and market watchers noted the timing during a sharp crypto sell-off.
What happened in the BlackRock Bitcoin transfer to Coinbase Prime?
BlackRock Bitcoin transfer involved withdrawing BTC and ETH from ETF custody into a Coinbase Prime wallet on August 20, 2025. The move coincided with price declines in Bitcoin and Ethereum and interrupted a prior run of net ETF inflows, suggesting tactical liquidity management or partial profit-taking rather than an outright exit.
How large were the transfers and what exactly moved?
The transfers totaled approximately $366 million: 1,885 BTC (~$111.7M) and 59,606 ETH (~$254.4M). These figures come from on‑chain wallet activity and ETF custody movement data reported on August 20–21, 2025. Institutional traders often route large blocks to prime brokerage wallets like Coinbase Prime before execution or rebalancing.
| Asset | Quantity | Approx. USD Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 1,885 BTC | $111.7 million |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 59,606 ETH | $254.4 million |
| Total | $366.1 million |
Why might BlackRock move ETF holdings to Coinbase Prime?
Institutional practice often moves assets to prime brokerage wallets for liquidity, settlement, or execution. Given the simultaneous market downturn, the transfer likely enabled quick access to counterparties or facilitated rebalancing of ETF portfolio exposures. Analysts cite profit-taking, stop-loss management, or order routing as potential motives.
BlackRock is selling $ETH and $BTC.
BlackRock deposited 1,885 $BTC ($111.66M) and 59,606 $ETH ($254.43M) to Coinbase Prime 4 hours ago. pic.twitter.com/42MyQOaZgS
Experts caution interpreting a single large transfer as a wholesale exit. The move disrupted a streak of daily ETF inflows and therefore attracted heightened attention. Market participants emphasize monitoring subsequent ETF filing-level flows and on‑chain movements to determine whether this represents a trend.
How does this affect market stability and ETF flows?
Short-term, visible institutional transfers can amplify selling pressure as traders anticipate additional outflows. Medium-term impact depends on whether ETF net flows reverse or continue. If ETF outflows persist, price pressure could extend; if inflows resume, the market may stabilize. Analysts recommend tracking daily ETF flow reports and exchange order books for confirmation.
What should traders watch next?
- ETF flow reports: Daily filings and custody reports for net inflows/outflows.
- On‑chain movements: Large wallet transfers to exchanges or prime wallets.
- Price and volume: Changes in BTC and ETH liquidity and bid-ask spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did BlackRock sell all its crypto holdings?
No. The transfer represents a movement from ETF custody to a Coinbase Prime wallet and is consistent with tactical liquidity management. There is no evidence of a complete divestment from crypto exposure based solely on this transfer.
How common are ETF withdrawals to exchanges?
Large withdrawals are uncommon but not unprecedented. Institutions occasionally move assets for settlement, rebalancing, or execution. Context—market volatility and ETF flow trends—determines whether a transfer signals selling or routine operations.
Key Takeaways
- Significant movement: BlackRock transferred ~1,885 BTC and ~59,606 ETH (~$366M) to Coinbase Prime.
- Context matters: The transfer happened during a market sell-off and interrupted a streak of ETF inflows.
- Next steps: Watch ETF flow reports and on‑chain exchange deposits to determine whether this is profit-taking or trend‑setting.
Conclusion
The BlackRock Bitcoin transfer and associated BlackRock ETH transfer to Coinbase Prime on August 20, 2025, reflect a material institutional move amid market weakness. While the action amplified market attention, evidence points to tactical repositioning rather than a definitive exit. Investors should track ETF flows, on‑chain data, and market liquidity for confirmation and adjust risk management accordingly.
