Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, has projected that BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) could become the world’s largest exchange-traded fund within ten years. The comment was shared via journalist Eleanor Terrett in a post on X earlier this week.
Saylor’s remarks come as institutional adoption of Bitcoin ETFs continues to expand globally. His firm, known for its significant Bitcoin exposure, has frequently backed the broader crypto ETF ecosystem, including IBIT, which recently became the largest Bitcoin ETF by assets under management.
Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has steadily increased its Bitcoin portfolio, adding 6,556 BTC between April 14 and April 20 at an average price of $84,785. The purchase, valued at approximately $555.8 million, brings the company’s total holdings to 538,200 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $67,766 per unit.
The value of Strategy’s Bitcoin portfolio now exceeds $36.4 billion, reinforcing the firm’s position as one of the largest institutional holders of the digital asset. The company’s continued accumulation reflects Saylor’s long-term commitment to Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset.
IBIT Surges to the Top of the Bitcoin ETF Market
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has experienced rapid growth since its regulatory approval in 2024. By the end of December, it had surpassed $50 billion in assets under management, rising to $52.33 billion by January 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States.
IBIT’s asset growth has outpaced competing funds, including Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which holds approximately $19.68 billion, and the Invesco QQQ Trust Series at $18.3 billion. The surge has positioned IBIT as the leading vehicle for institutional investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin via regulated markets.
Saylor’s endorsement of IBIT aligns with his broader support for institutional-grade Bitcoin products and infrastructure. While he has no formal affiliation with the fund, his public backing underscores growing confidence in Bitcoin’s role within traditional financial frameworks.
Outlook for Bitcoin ETFs
The rise of IBIT and other spot Bitcoin ETFs marks a significant shift in how mainstream investors access the cryptocurrency market. Industry analysts suggest that continued institutional inflows could drive further expansion, with ETF vehicles serving as a key entry point for regulated exposure.
As ETFs like IBIT attract billions in assets, questions remain over how regulatory developments and market volatility will shape the future of digital asset investment products.
