Barclays Bank Invests $131 Million in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust
Barclays Bank has disclosed a significant investment in the Bitcoin ETF market, according to its latest 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The UK-based institution holds 2,473,064 shares of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, valued at $131 million.
Investment Timing and Market Trends
The purchase took place during the fourth quarter of 2024, a period that coincided with a post-election surge in Bitcoin prices. This surge was partly driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance. The move marks a significant entry into the Bitcoin ETF market for Barclays, adding to a growing trend of institutional adoption of crypto-related products.
Other major banks, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, have also expanded their Bitcoin ETF holdings. Goldman Sachs recently reported an increase in Bitcoin ETF exposure, while JP Morgan disclosed holdings valued at nearly $1 million.
U.S. Bitcoin ETF Market Performance
The broader U.S. Bitcoin ETF market saw strong inflows in January 2025. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $3.2 billion in net inflows, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund with $1.3 billion.
As of February 14, Bitcoin is trading at $97,241. Barclays’ entry into the Bitcoin ETF market highlights the increasing role of traditional financial institutions in digital asset investments.
Tips for investors considering Bitcoin ETFs:
- β’ Research and understand the underlying assets and investment strategies.
β’ Evaluate the fund’s performance, fees, and risks.
β’ Consider the regulatory environment and potential changes.
β’ Diversify your portfolio to minimize risk.
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