BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) surpassed $50 billion in assets under management, reaching the milestone in just 228 days. This is more than 5 times faster than any other ETF in history.
For perspective, the previous record holder, BlackRock’s iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA), took 1,329 days to reach the same threshold. according to To Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas.
IBIT’s rapid growth coincides with a historic year. bitcoin (BTC). The world’s largest cryptocurrency has broken cryptocurrencies. $100,000 barrier It closed at $103,000 for the first time on Wednesday after rising more than 140% in 2024.
IBIT’s performance signals growing demand for Bitcoin as an institutional investment and highlights the role of spot. Bitcoin ETF We are pursuing adoption.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT have played a significant role in attracting traditional investors into the cryptocurrency market.
The fund, which was approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January, provides direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin without complex custody or cryptocurrency exchange trading.
The approval ended years of regulatory resistance and brought in billions of dollars from investors who had previously been reluctant to enter the sector.
As of market close on Wednesday, Blackrock’s IBIT reportedly recorded inflows of $570.7 million. farside investor.
speaking decryptionBitfinex analysts noted that renewed demand from new investors played a significant role in Bitcoin’s record year.
“Despite profit generation, BTC’s ability to create new ATH every week is due to new demand coming into the market from new investors,” the analysts said. “Any selling was absorbed and outpaced by strong ETF inflows and subsequent institutional buying.”
Adding momentum to BlackRock’s IBIT performance is the incoming administration. President-elect Donald TrumpHis return to the White House was accompanied by a bold promise to champion cryptocurrency.
President Trump has pledged to support the domestic cryptocurrency industry, including proposals to create U.S. Bitcoin reserves and protect U.S. cryptocurrency mining operations.
Includes anti-cryptocurrency SEC chair Gary Gensler’s Departure and Nominated by Paul Atkinsa former SEC commissioner known for advocating market-friendly policies, analysts expect a shift to a more cooperative regulatory framework for cryptocurrency markets.
Cryptocurrency-based ETFs such as Bitcoin and IBIT are increasingly seen as tools for diversification and stability rather than as speculative assets, especially as regulatory headwinds are expected to ease.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
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