In a seismic shift for the cryptocurrency industry, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has officially surpassed Grayscale as the largest collective holder of on-chain assets through its exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This milestone, reached on Friday, underscores the burgeoning confidence of institutional investors in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, propelled by the recent wave of ETF approvals.
BlackRock’s IBIT and ETHA ETFs have amassed a staggering $21.22 billion in assets, eclipsing Grayscale’s combined holdings of $21.20 billion across its GBTC, BTC Mini, ETHE, and ETH Mini funds, according to data from Arkham Intelligence.
While Grayscale maintains a larger overall balance due to its GDLC fund, which is not an ETF, BlackRock’s rapid ascent since the launch of its Bitcoin ETFs in January has positioned it as a formidable force in the crypto landscape. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas predicts that if this trajectory continues, BlackRock’s IBIT ETF could even surpass the Bitcoin holdings of its enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, by 2025.
Investor appetite for BlackRock’s crypto products is evident in recent market trends. Digital asset investment products saw inflows of $176 million last week, with BlackRock ETFs alone attracting $408 million. In contrast, Grayscale ETFs experienced significant outflows totaling $552 million.
Major financial institutions are also backing BlackRock’s ETFs, with Capula Management, Goldman Sachs, and DRW Capital among those increasing their holdings in IBIT. This stands in stark contrast to Grayscale, which faces redemption pressures amid rising competition from spot ETFs. Grayscale’s high fee structure has contributed to these challenges, prompting the firm to introduce lower-fee products to stem outflows.
Also Read: Crypto Power Shift – BlackRock Edges Out Grayscale With $21B+ ETF Dominance
The shift towards BlackRock reflects a broader industry trend. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has recently embraced Bitcoin, describing it as “digital gold” and a “legitimate” financial instrument. He highlighted Bitcoin’s potential as an uncorrelated investment, particularly appealing during times of economic uncertainty.
As the crypto market matures, the competition between traditional financial giants like BlackRock and established crypto players like Grayscale is intensifying. This battle for dominance will likely shape the future of digital assets and their integration into mainstream finance.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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