- BlackRock now owns 3.8% of all Bitcoin through its IBIT ETF, which launched less than two years ago and holds $87.7 billion in assets.
- The asset manager is the second-largest Bitcoin holder after Satoshi Nakamoto and could overtake that position by summer 2026 if current growth continues.
- Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $57 billion since launch, and Bitcoin’s price has risen 340% during this period.
BlackRock has accumulated 3.8% of Bitcoin’s total supply through its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), making it the second-largest holder of Bitcoin globally. The fund currently manages $87.7 billion in net assets, representing 768,264 BTC.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas characterized the achievement as unprecedented. He noted that an equity ETF would require $2.2 trillion in assets to match this ownership percentage. The SPY fund, operational for 32 years, holds just 1.1% of the most stocks in its portfolio. IBIT achieved its position in less than two years.
Rapid Accumulation Outpaces Traditional Market Standards
The Bitcoin ETF launched in early 2024 and has experienced consistent inflows since its inception. Third-quarter 2025 data show Bitcoin ETFs collectively attracted $7.8 billion. Year-to-date net inflows reached $21.5 billion, with total inflows since launch exceeding $57 billion.
The spot bitcoin ETFs took in $7.8b in Q3, now $21.5b YTD and $57b since inception. Solid climb up. Yet some on here are miserable bc they live in childish fantasy that expects $1T of inflows every day. But real growth in reality is two steps fwd, one step back. via @JSeyff pic.twitter.com/dAEJJTOYWW
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) September 30, 2025
BlackRock recently filed to amend IBIT under the new generic listing standards. The modification aims to streamline operations and accelerate asset accumulation. Market observers suggest the changes enhance trading efficiency and attract additional institutional capital.
Bitcoin’s price has increased by 340% since the approval of spot ETFs. Balchunas attributes significant momentum to institutional adoption through regulated investment vehicles. The correlation between ETF launches and price appreciation demonstrates growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets.
Potential to Surpass Satoshi Nakamoto’s Holdings
Satoshi Nakamoto remains the largest holder of Bitcoin, with 1.12 million BTC. BlackRock trails by approximately 351,736 BTC. Balchunas projects IBIT could overtake Satoshi’s position by summer 2026 if current inflow rates persist.
Source: Shaun Edmondson’s X
The timeline could compress if Bitcoin reaches $150,000. Balchunas anticipates a “feeding frenzy” from financial advisors at that price level. Institutional demand is likely to accelerate as wealth managers seek to diversify client portfolios.
Vanguard, the second-largest asset manager globally, is evaluating cryptocurrency ETF offerings. Client demand has prompted the firm to reconsider its previous stance against digital asset products. IBIT represents a probable selection given BlackRock’s market dominance and product performance.
Vanguard’s entry would significantly expand access to Bitcoin ETFs. The firm manages trillions in assets across millions of client accounts. Integration into Vanguard’s platform could lead to substantial inflows into Bitcoin investment products.
The concentration of Bitcoin in institutional hands raises questions about market dynamics. BlackRock’s growing stake demonstrates corporate adoption, but also highlights concerns about centralization within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The asset manager’s influence continues expanding as traditional finance integrates digital assets into standard offerings.
IBIT’s performance establishes a benchmark for cryptocurrency investment products. The fund’s rapid asset accumulation reflects a shift in attitudes toward Bitcoin among institutional investors and wealth management professionals.
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