Larry Fink Says Bitcoin Could Be “Digital Gold” and an Alternative Asset, Urging Caution as BlackRock ETF Grows

• BlackRock’s acceptance: spot Bitcoin ETF drove mainstream adoption and retail inflows.

• Fink reversed his 2017 stance, calling BTC a legitimate store of value but advising limited portfolio exposure.

• BlackRock’s ETF surpassed $93.9 billion in assets under management, with roughly half of demand from retail investors.

Bitcoin: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink now calls Bitcoin “digital gold” and accepts it as an alternative asset; COINOTAG explains ETF impact, risks and guidance.

Published: 2025-10-14 | Updated: 2025-10-14 | Author: COINOTAG

How does Larry Fink view Bitcoin now?

Larry Fink Bitcoin coverage has evolved: the BlackRock CEO now describes Bitcoin as “digital gold” and acknowledges it as a legitimate alternative asset. He credits structural market changes and institutional products, while advising investors not to overexpose portfolios and to maintain disciplined risk management.

Why did Larry Fink change his stance on Bitcoin?

Fink has publicly acknowledged reassessing his 2017 comment labeling Bitcoin an “index of money laundering.” He cites broader adoption, improved market infrastructure and the approval of regulated products — notably a spot Bitcoin ETF cleared by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2024 — as reasons for revising his view. BlackRock’s ETF quickly became the largest crypto ETF globally, reaching over $93.9 billion in assets under management within months, a signal that market demand now includes both institutions and retail buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Larry Fink call Bitcoin a legitimate asset after previously criticizing it?

Yes. After calling Bitcoin an “index of money laundering” in 2017, Fink has since revised his view and referred to BTC as “digital gold,” recognizing it as an alternative asset while cautioning against large allocations in individual portfolios. He emphasizes risk awareness and diversification.

How should I think about Bitcoin after BlackRock’s ETF launch?

Consider Bitcoin as a potential diversification tool rather than a primary holding. BlackRock’s ETF expanded access, with nearly half of demand reportedly coming from retail investors and many new-to-iShares participants. Maintain position sizing limits, understand volatility, and consult fiduciary guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Institutional validation: BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and rapid adoption signaled mainstream acceptance.
• Risk-first guidance: Larry Fink calls BTC an alternative asset but warns investors not to overweight portfolios; prudent allocation is essential.
• Macro drivers: Inflation, currency weakness and geopolitical uncertainty are cited by experts — including Fabian Dori, Chief Investment Officer of Sygnum Bank — as reasons institutional and retail demand for BTC has grown.

Conclusion

The evolution of Larry Fink’s public position—from skepticism in 2017 to describing Bitcoin as “digital gold” today—reflects broader changes in market infrastructure, product availability and investor demand. COINOTAG reports that regulated products such as BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF and authoritative data from the US Securities and Exchange Commission have helped shift sentiment. Investors should treat Bitcoin as an alternative asset with clear risk parameters and maintain disciplined allocation strategies as the crypto market continues to integrate with traditional finance.