BlackRock Incorporates Its BTC ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), into Its Model Portfolios

As Bitcoin ETFs face a series of capital outflows, BlackRock takes a counterintuitive approach by incorporating its BTC ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

As Bitcoin ETFs continue to face capital outflows, BlackRock is taking a counterintuitive approach by incorporating its BTC ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), into its model portfolios. A first for the asset management giant, which could spark a domino effect among its competitors. But what exactly is this strategy encompassing?

A Measured Yet Symbolic Breakthrough on Bitcoin ETFs

With over $10 trillion in assets under management, BlackRock's choice of Bitcoin is no coincidence. IBIT's model, valued at $48 billion and holding nearly 576,046 BTC, is now entering its model portfolios, with an allocation of 1 to 2%.

While this share may appear modest, it sends a strong signal to the market. According to James Seyffart, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, this decision could encourage other asset managers to follow suit. But the main question remains: will IBIT ever become part of BlackRock's main models? Some view it as a revolution, while others see it as a simple experiment. What's your take on this?

BlackRock: A Strategic Game of Chess in the Crypto Market

BlackRock's initiative goes beyond the speculative appeal of BTC. Michael Gates, head of allocation models at BlackRock, justifies this decision by presenting several strengths of Bitcoin: its scarcity, its status as a store of value, and its role as a hedge against dollar hegemony.

“Collectively, these characteristics can provide unique and additive sources of diversification,” he writes in a note.

The timing also favors the asset manager. Despite the recent drop in the BTC price to $79,000, regulations are easing and institutional interest in cryptos remains high. Some analysts believe that this decision could strengthen Bitcoin's adoption within major investment funds.

However, the story is not so simple. As Keegan, a decentralized finance specialist, points out:

“If realized, the flows may not shift the needle immediately, but the signal of risk reduction sent to other model managers, with over $5 trillion under management, is crucial.”

Is BlackRock initiating a normalization of Bitcoin in institutional allocations? In short, it's no surprise that Michael Saylor is concerned about BlackRock's footprint in the crypto sphere. The CEO of MicroStrategy openly expresses his apprehension about the giant's appetite and urges investors not to yield their BTC to this financial behemoth. But it's important to note that BlackRock is not limited to BTC and ETH ETFs; it also offers a Bitcoin ETP in Europe, expanding its influence on the global crypto market. Could this be the beginning of a revolution?

Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.

La révolution blockchain et crypto est en marche ! Et le jour où les impacts se feront ressentir sur l'économie la plus vulnérable de ce Monde, contre toute espérance, je dirai que j'y étais pour quelque chose