BlackRock’s acquisition of 706,000 BTC: A $71 billion wager on the institutionalization of cryptocurrency

BlackRock, recognized as the largest asset manager globally, has acquired an additional 3,950

(BTC) for its reserves, bringing its total BTC holdings to more than 706,000 . This acquisition, made via its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), highlights BlackRock’s ongoing institutional-scale accumulation of Bitcoin. With this latest purchase, the company’s Bitcoin assets are now valued at around $71.07 billion, based on a per-BTC price of $107,707. This step is in line with BlackRock’s broader strategy to make Bitcoin a fundamental part of its digital asset holdings, complementing its $87 billion spot Bitcoin ETF, which has seen over $60.7 billion in inflows since launching in January 2024 Crypto ETF Watchlist 2025: Key Filings, Top Players [ 7 ].

This purchase follows a larger $533 million investment in both Bitcoin and

(ETH) this week, with $481 million directed to BTC and $52.7 million to . BlackRock’s Ethereum portfolio now stands at 1.311 million ETH, estimated to be worth $3.58 billion. The company’s BUIDL tokenized money market fund, which is based on Ethereum, has also expanded to $2.904 billion in total value locked, with 93% of its assets operating on the Ethereum blockchain. These moves illustrate BlackRock’s dual approach to crypto, balancing Bitcoin’s value preservation with Ethereum’s strengths in tokenization and smart contracts SEC paves way for crypto spot ETFs with new listing rules - CNBC [ 6 ].

The SEC’s recent green light for generic listing standards for crypto ETFs has further accelerated BlackRock’s growth in digital assets. The updated regulations, which shorten the approval period for spot ETFs from 240 days to just 75 days, have fostered a more innovation-friendly regulatory landscape. Among the products set to benefit is BlackRock’s Bitcoin Premium Income ETF, a covered-call fund aimed at generating returns from Bitcoin holdings. The company has already registered the iShares Bitcoin Premium ETF name and is expected to submit an S-1 registration to the SEC soon BlackRock’s $12.5T Bitcoin ETF Filing Shakes Markets [ 3 ].

Industry experts point out that BlackRock’s assertive approach to crypto is surpassing its rivals. Its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have brought in over $260 million in annual revenue within two years, with $218 million coming from Bitcoin-related products. According to on-chain data from

Intelligence, currently holds 756,000 BTC and 3.8 million ETH, making it the top institutional holder of both assets. This leadership is further supported by steady inflows into the ETF, which has consistently added between 2,000 and 14,000 BTC each week, even amid market fluctuations BlackRock Buys 3,950 Bitcoin as ETF Hol… [ 5 ].

The SEC’s recent pivot toward fostering innovation under Chair Paul Atkins has also shaped BlackRock’s strategy. The regulator’s approval of in-kind redemptions for crypto ETFs—enabling direct asset transfers between custodians—has streamlined large-scale transactions. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has publicly supported asset tokenization, remarking that “every financial instrument will be on one general ledger.” This outlook is reflected in the firm’s exploration of tokenized ETFs, such as its BUIDL fund, which has reached $2 billion in assets .

Market analysts expect more regulatory transparency and a broader range of products in the near future. The SEC’s generic listing standards are likely to make it easier to approve spot ETFs for alternative coins like

(SOL) and , although BlackRock is currently concentrating on Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas observed that this approach “makes the competition for these other coins much more open,” allowing other firms to innovate in the altcoin ETF space BlackRock Proposes Bitcoin Premium Income ETF to Complement … [ 2 ].

BlackRock’s ongoing Bitcoin acquisitions and ETF developments signal a wider institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies. The company’s purchases during market dips have strengthened its role as a stabilizing presence, while its tokenization projects indicate a lasting dedication to digital assets. With the SEC continuing to simplify the approval process, BlackRock is well-placed to retain its leadership in crypto ETFs and further its impact in the digital asset sector.