BlackRock’s Crypto Holdings Surge to $104B on Massive Ethereum Purchases

BlackRock’s presence in the cryptocurrency market has reached an unprecedented scale. Fresh data from Arkham Intelligence and official iShares fund pages show that the world’s largest asset manager now holds roughly $104 billion in digital assets, with Bitcoin still dominating the portfolio but Ethereum inflows accelerating sharply over the past week.

The milestone comes as institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow, supported by strong ETF inflows and improving macroeconomic sentiment. As of August 13, 2025, both the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) have hit record levels of assets under management (AUM).

Bitcoin Remains the Foundation

BlackRock’s IBIT continues to be the bedrock of its crypto strategy. According to the company’s official website, IBIT’s net assets stood at $91.06 billion on August 13, 2025, representing the majority of the firm’s total crypto holdings. This ETF has grown consistently since its launch in January 2024, becoming the most significant institutional gateway to Bitcoin in the United States.

Reports from CoinDesk in July revealed that IBIT’s holdings had surpassed 700,000 BTC, further solidifying BlackRock’s role as one of the largest single holders of Bitcoin globally. This deep position in Bitcoin reflects the asset manager’s long-term view of BTC as the cornerstone of institutional crypto exposure.

Ethereum Accumulation Is Accelerating

While Bitcoin still leads the pack, the pace of Ethereum accumulation is now drawing attention. BlackRock’s ETHA fund has expanded rapidly since U.S. regulators approved spot Ether ETFs earlier this year. As of August 13, ETHA’s net assets had reached $15.47 billion, a significant jump compared to previous months.

Arkham Intelligence reported on August 12 that Ethereum ETFs collectively purchased $1 billion worth of ETH in a single day, with BlackRock alone accounting for approximately $640 million of that total. This marks one of the most aggressive institutional ETH buying sprees to date. Several analysts on X have noted that, on certain days, BlackRock’s Ether purchases have exceeded its Bitcoin buys by more than fivefold.

Why This Matters

1. Institutional Endorsement – When the largest asset manager in the world increases its Ethereum exposure, it sends a strong signal to the market that ETH is being viewed as more than just a speculative asset.

2. Liquidity Boost – High AUM in IBIT and ETHA improves liquidity and lowers entry barriers for other institutional investors.

3. Market Diversification – Bitcoin remains the “digital gold” in BlackRock’s portfolio, while Ethereum is emerging as the “growth asset” tied to blockchain infrastructure, tokenization, and decentralized finance.

Final Takeaway

BlackRock’s latest moves signal a dual-asset strategy where Bitcoin anchors stability and Ethereum offers growth potential. With IBIT at record AUM and ETHA’s rapid rise, the firm’s crypto holdings have become a defining force in institutional digital asset adoption. If market conditions stay favorable and regulatory clarity continues to improve, $104 billion may just be a stepping stone toward even larger exposure in the near future.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and involve significant risk. Always conduct your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.