Core Insights - BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has shifted his perspective on Bitcoin, now referring to it as a 'reserve currency' alternative to the US dollar, indicating a significant change in institutional sentiment towards cryptocurrency [1][3] - Fink acknowledges the evolving nature of markets and suggests that while Bitcoin should not dominate investment portfolios, it can serve as a balancing asset for investors seeking alternatives [3][5] Institutional Adoption - Fink's comments reflect a broader trend of Wall Street institutions increasing their involvement in cryptocurrency, marking a pivotal moment in institutional adoption [4][5] - Sovereign wealth funds and public companies are increasingly leaning towards digital assets, indicating a shift from viewing crypto as mere speculation to recognizing it as part of a comprehensive investment strategy [5] Bitcoin Holdings - BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has emerged as the largest holder of Bitcoin, possessing over 750,000 BTC, which accounts for approximately 3% of the total supply, surpassing other major holders like MicroStrategy and government reserves [6] - Public entities collectively hold 358,444 BTC, with notable companies such as MicroStrategy, Marathon, Tesla, and Robinhood leading in Bitcoin reserves [7] - ETFs and trusts, including IBIT, Fidelity's FBTC, and Grayscale's GBTC, collectively hold over 1.25 million BTC, contributing to a significant institutional presence that controls about 18% of Bitcoin's total supply [8]
BlackRock’s Larry Fink says Bitcoin is 'not a bad asset'