BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with approximately $11.6 trillion in assets under management, now holds more than 567,000 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at over $47.8 billion. This makes BlackRock one of the largest BTC holders globally, reinforcing its dominance in the crypto investment space.
According to blockchain analytics platform Arkham Intelligence, the asset manager’s latest Bitcoin acquisition took place on March 14. A Coinbase Prime wallet transferred 268 BTC—worth over $22 million—to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) wallet.
Beyond Bitcoin, Arkham data shows BlackRock also holds over 1.2 million Ether (ETH), valued at around $2.3 billion, along with approximately 70 million USDC stablecoins and a variety of altcoins.
Bitcoin ETFs Disrupt Traditional Market Cycles
The rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, has been described as the most successful ETF launch in history. These financial products have funneled tens of billions into crypto markets, disrupting the traditional capital rotation cycle that has long defined digital asset investments.
However, crypto ETFs have faced recent challenges. February and early March saw four consecutive weeks of outflows, driven by macroeconomic concerns and fears over a prolonged trade war. According to CoinShares, total outflows from the recent downturn reached $4.75 billion, with the week of March 9 alone recording $876 million in withdrawals.
BlackRock’s IBIT fund was not spared, experiencing $193 million in outflows that week. Across all BTC ETFs, month-to-date outflows totaled $756 million.
BlackRock Adds IBIT to Model Portfolios Amid Market Uncertainty
Despite the volatility, BlackRock has doubled down on Bitcoin exposure. In February 2025, the firm integrated IBIT into its model portfolios—preset investment plans designed for financial advisors and institutional investors.
BlackRock’s model portfolios feature a range of financial instruments with varying risk profiles, providing diversified investment strategies. The inclusion of IBIT in these portfolios could significantly boost capital inflows by introducing Bitcoin exposure to passive investors.
This move allows investors to gain BTC exposure without directly handling digital assets or making on-chain transactions. By embedding IBIT into preset portfolios, BlackRock is further legitimizing Bitcoin as an institutional-grade asset while driving fresh liquidity into the market.
