Saylor Predicts IBIT Will Become the World’s Largest ETF Within a Decade

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.
BlackRock Reports $84 Billion in Q1 Net Inflows, Led by ETFs and Private Markets

BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, reported $84 billion in total net inflows during the first quarter of 2025, the company said in its earnings report released Friday. The inflows mark a 3% annualized growth in assets under management, which stood at $11.6 trillion as of March 31. The firm attributed its first-quarter performance to continued demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and private market products amid a broader market recovery following volatility earlier this year. ETF Inflows Drive Growth With Modest Crypto Gains ETFs accounted for the bulk of the inflows, with iShares products bringing in $107 billion during the quarter. Of that amount, approximately $3 billion, or 2.8%, was allocated to digital asset ETFs, according to BlackRock. Despite market uncertainty and recent outflows across the broader crypto ETF landscape, BlackRock’s data indicates a sustained level of investor interest in digital asset-backed investment vehicles. While digital asset inflows were notable, they still represent a small portion of BlackRock’s overall business. As of the end of the quarter, the firm reported $50.3 billion in digital assets under management—about 0.5% of its total AUM. Private Markets and Revenue Contribution Private market investments also contributed to the firm’s inflows, with $9.3 billion directed to alternative investments in the first quarter. The report noted that revenue generated from digital asset products remains limited, with base fees totalling $34 million—less than 1% of BlackRock’s long-term revenue. The firm did not disclose detailed performance data for specific ETF categories or asset classes but noted broad-based participation across investment strategies.BlackRock’s Q1 earnings follow a period of heightened investor focus on market volatility, inflation concerns, and shifting interest rate expectations. While digital assets remain a minor component of BlackRock’s operations, the company’s ability to attract inflows in that segment suggests cautious but ongoing institutional interest. BlackRock’s next earnings report is expected in July.
BlackRock, Mara Holdings Acquire Over 9K Bitcoin During Price Dip

Global investment firm BlackRock and fintech mining company Mara Holdings acquired over 9,000 Bitcoin (BTC). The acquisition comes as Bitcoin’s value dropped below $93,000 earlier today. It is worth noting that Bitcoin broke above $100,000 around the early hours of yesterday and finally reclaimed the level later in the day. BlackRock attracted cash inflows worth approximately $770.51 million to purchase approximately 7,750 BTC. On the other hand, Mara Holdings splashed roughly $139.5 million to procure about 1,423 Bitcoin. ???? Blackrock Buys 7750 #Bitcoin They hold over $50 Billion in Assets. Fastest growing ETF EVER! ???? pic.twitter.com/uJU9MLTlTb — Thomas | heyapollo.com (@thomas_fahrer) December 6, 2024 The purchases, reportedly valued at over $900 million, reflect a growing trend of institutional investors capitalizing on market volatility to expand their cryptocurrency portfolios. Aside from BlackRock and Mara holdings, Lookonchain, a renowned on-chain tracker, spotted a massive Bitcoin acquisition from a whale. The large investor’s address, labeled “bc1pg….u0pk3,” purchased 600 BTC valued at about $58.85 million. The on-chain tracker added that the whale spent roughly $127 million acquiring 1,300 BTC over the past two weeks. After $BTC dropped from $100,000, a whale seized the opportunity and bought 600 $BTC($58.85M)! Over the past 2 weeks, this whale has accumulated a total of 1,300 $BTC($127M).https://t.co/Ihi2UaKgpP pic.twitter.com/uhwYTpFCdm — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 6, 2024 Market Context and Timing Bitcoin’s price dropped below $93,000, triggered by regulatory uncertainty and profit-taking by short-term traders. The downturn created a strategic buying opportunity for institutions like BlackRock and Mara Holdings, which have consistently advocated for Bitcoin as a long-term investment. In crypto, such acquisitions during market corrections reinforce confidence in Bitcoin’s value proposition, especially as top economies grapple with inflation and currency volatility. Industry Implications The acquisitions by BlackRock and Mara Holdings could signal the beginning of a broader wave of institutional activity as 2024 comes to a close. Experts believe such moves may stabilize Bitcoin’s price and encourage other financial entities to consider similar investments. However, some critics argue that large institutional purchases could exacerbate market centralization, potentially reducing Bitcoin’s appeal as a decentralized asset. At the time of press, Bitcoin is changing hands at about $101,270, reflecting a slight recovery following the reported acquisitions. Additionally, BTC’s market capitalization exceeded $2 trillion. Market watchers will closely monitor whether the price stabilizes or experiences further volatility in the weeks ahead.
BlackRock ETF Overtakes Grayscale’s to Become the Top Crypto Fund, Says Arkham

The ETF issuer, which already holds the title for being the world’s largest asset manager, has just made new headlines after its digital asset ETFs surged past those offered by longtime industry leader Grayscale.
Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for BlackRock’s Ethereum Trust Options

Nasdaq has said that its goal with this proposal is to enhance the accessibility of Ethereum investments.
BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund Surpasses $500M amid Tokenized Treasury Boom

This rapid growth points to the growing adoption and confidence in tokenized financial instruments within the blockchain ecosystem.
Fidelity’s Spot Ether ETF Gains Momentum: Added to DTCC’s List Under Ticker FETH

Despite the implications and potential of these listings, the DTCC has clarified that such listings are merely part of its standard practice.