BlackRock's Massive Bitcoin Acquisition
BlackRock has solidified its position as the second-largest Bitcoin holder globally, amassing approximately 700,439 BTC, according to recent data. This significant accumulation is rapidly closing the gap with Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, who holds an estimated 1.1 million BTC that remain unmoved.
BlackRock's Trajectory
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas highlights that BlackRock is already 62% of the way to surpassing Satoshi's holdings. With its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) acquiring roughly 40,000 BTC monthly (approximately 1,300 BTC daily), this trend suggests BlackRock could possess over 1.2 million BTC by May 2026, potentially becoming the largest Bitcoin holder if Satoshi's coins remain untouched.
Institutional Bitcoin Dominance
The combined holdings of US-based Bitcoin ETFs now exceed 1.2 million BTC, making them the largest collective holders. This surge in institutional investment highlights investor preference for accessing Bitcoin through traditional financial vehicles rather than self-custody.
Other major Bitcoin holders include MicroStrategy (~597,000 BTC), Binance (~591,894 BTC), and Grayscale (~229,418 BTC). Significant holdings are also reported for Fidelity, the US and Chinese governments, and exchanges like Upbit, Block One, Bitfinex, Robinhood, and Kraken.
Shifting Ownership Dynamics
This significant institutional accumulation marks a pivotal shift in Bitcoin ownership. While initially conceived as a tool for individual autonomy and self-custody, a substantial portion of the total Bitcoin supply is now controlled by large corporations and governments. Satoshi Nakamoto's original holdings, never moved since mining in Bitcoin's early days, represent a symbol of decentralization, contrasting with the increasing institutional influence.
The Future of Bitcoin
BlackRock's rapid growth, described by Balchunas as a "two-year-old infant" becoming a major player, underscores the increasing convergence of traditional finance and the crypto space. This trend will likely reshape Bitcoin's supply dynamics and influence for years to come. The current BTC price is $108,669.
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