Key Points
- BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF has become the third-largest Bitcoin holder globally.
- Bitcoin ETFs are projected to surpass top Bitcoin holders, including Nakamoto, by late 2025.
BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF has risen to prominence, now ranking as the world’s third-largest Bitcoin holder, trailing just behind Grayscale. The growth of Bitcoin ETFs signifies a surge in institutional adoption of Bitcoin.
Meanwhile, Fidelity’s FBTC fund is positioned at ninth place, with Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous Bitcoin founder, leading the pack. This change in rankings underscores the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin through ETF investments.
Bitcoin ETFs on the Rise
Farside Investors’ latest update reveals that Bitcoin ETFs saw a net inflow of $27.8 million on August 12th. Since their inception, these ETFs have amassed total net inflows of $17.369 billion.
BlackRock’s IBIT ETF has attracted a significant $20.330 billion in net inflows since its launch, distinguishing itself amongst other ETFs. In contrast, Grayscale’s GBTC ETF has experienced outflows amounting to $19.462 billion over the same duration.
Bloomberg’s senior analyst, Eric Balchunas, noted the rise in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF investment. He suggested that Bitcoin ETFs might surpass the current top holders by late 2025.
Nakamoto’s Bitcoin Holdings
Satoshi Nakamoto is currently the largest individual Bitcoin holder, with an estimated 1.1 million BTC in his possession. Excluding Grayscale, BTC ETFs collectively hold approximately 645,899 BTC, while total U.S. ETF holdings exceed 900,000 BTC.
Despite ongoing debates about Nakamoto’s exact holdings, the anticipated growth of Bitcoin ETFs signifies a considerable shift in the cryptocurrency market. Spencer Hakimian, Founder of Tolou Capital Management, emphasized the transformative impact of Bitcoin ETFs. He remarked that these ETFs have allowed risk-averse institutions to finally own Bitcoin.
In 2024, Bitcoin has experienced a rollercoaster ride. The cryptocurrency hit an all-time high of $73K earlier in the year. As of now, Bitcoin is on an upward trend, nearing $60K after a period of bearish movement.
