Bitcoin ETFs Become BlackRock’s Most Profitable Products

Core Insights - BlackRock's bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have unexpectedly become the company's most profitable product line, surpassing initial expectations [1][2] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) in the US and the iShares Bitcoin Trust BDR (IBIT39) in Brazil are approaching a combined allocation of nearly US$100 billion [2][3] - BlackRock's bitcoin ETFs have achieved significant milestones, with IBIT becoming the fastest ETF to reach US$70 billion in assets within 341 days [5] Product Performance - IBIT, launched in January 2024, has grown to over US$72 billion in net assets, making it the largest spot bitcoin ETF in the US [5] - IBIT39, launched in March 2024, is Brazil's first bitcoin-linked ETF, providing exposure to IBIT and has a management fee structure similar to IBIT [3] - In Europe, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) began trading in March 2025, with a total expense ratio (TER) set to increase in 2027 [4] Market Position - BlackRock is now the fourth-largest crypto holder by total on-chain value, with approximately US$100 billion in crypto assets, trailing only Binance, Coinbase, and Satoshi Nakamoto [6] - As of mid-2025, IBIT held about 700,000 BTC, representing roughly 3% of the total circulating supply of bitcoin [7] - BlackRock is the largest asset management company in terms of crypto holdings, with nearly US$50 billion more than its closest competitor, Fidelity [7][8] Historical Context - The launch of the first US spot bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 marked a significant moment in the crypto investment landscape [9] - These regulated investment funds allow investors to gain exposure to bitcoin without direct ownership, enhancing mainstream legitimacy for cryptocurrencies [10][11] - The evolution of crypto structured products began over a decade ago, with various investment vehicles emerging since then [12][13]