Asset management giant BlackRock has made two major Bitcoin purchases within two days, acquiring a total of $149.9 million worth of the cryptocurrency.
Asset management giant BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) has made two major Bitcoin purchases within two days, acquiring a total of $149.9 million worth of the cryptocurrency.
According to blockchain analytics firm Glassnode, on March 25, BlackRock bought $42 million worth of Bitcoin, securing approximately 480 BTC at an average price of $87,500. The following day, the company added another $107.9 million to its holdings, purchasing around 1,230 BTC at an average price of $87,000.
These back-to-back transactions, which come at a moment when institutional interest in Bitcoin is again surging, partly driven by the approval and launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., highlight the increasing role that large financial institutions are playing in the crypto domain.
The timing of these purchases is also interesting, as they come shortly after rumors swirled about U.S. authorities preparing to file fraud charges against cryptocurrency exchange Binance. However, despite these rumors and the broader volatility in the crypto market, institutional investors appear undeterred.
In February, reports emerged that BlackRock had applied to launch an ETF focused on U.S. equities based on blockchain technology. This application, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in March, paves the way for the asset manager to expand its presence in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.
Earlier this year, BlackRock launched its own spot Bitcoin ETF, which has attracted significant attention. The ETF, named iTrust Harvest Bitcoin ETF, is designed to provide investors with a convenient and easily accessible way to gain exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency.
These recent Bitcoin purchases are believed to support BlackRock’s broader ETF strategy and highlight its long-term view on the value of Bitcoin, even as the cryptocurrency’s price fluctuates.
Moreover, these purchases align with a broader trend of institutional investment returning to the crypto space in 2024, with companies seeking secure and regulated ways to gain exposure to digital assets. After a period of heightened interest in crypto startups, large financial institutions are again making a strong presence in the domain.
