TLDR
- BlackRock invested $891M in Bitcoin and Ethereum, with Ethereum outpacing Bitcoin by $50M in recent purchases.
- Ethereum ETFs saw $402M in inflows on July 18, extending a 11-day streak of strong institutional demand.
- Bitcoin ETFs have gained $363M in inflows for 12 consecutive days, showing persistent institutional interest.
- BlackRock’s crypto ETFs saw a 366% surge in Q2 inflows, totaling $14 billion, driven by growing institutional adoption.
BlackRock has recently made a significant move in the cryptocurrency market, investing a combined $891 million in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
This purchase reflects the increasing institutional demand for digital assets, further evidenced by the accelerating inflows into cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
As the market sees consistent positive inflows, BlackRock’s acquisition is a clear indicator of rising institutional interest in both Bitcoin and Ethereum, driven by ongoing ETF demand.
BlackRock’s Bitcoin and Ethereum Purchases
On July 19, BlackRock added $891 million to its crypto portfolio, with $497 million in Bitcoin and $394 million in Ethereum. Data from Arkham Intelligence shows a clear shift, with Ethereum exposure now surpassing Bitcoin by about $50 million. The firm purchased 4,225 BTC ($499M) and 113,586 ETH ($406M), highlighting its growing preference for Ethereum.
BlackRock’s increasing focus on Ethereum is evident as Ethereum ETFs see a record surge in inflows, reflecting investor optimism. The asset’s price gains and staking potential have driven institutional interest, providing opportunities for passive income that Bitcoin lacks.
🔥TODAY: BlackRock scoops up 4,225 $BTC ($499M) and 113,586.03 $ETH ($406M) doubling down on digital assets in a big way. pic.twitter.com/cusvyooidA
— CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) July 19, 2025
While Bitcoin remains important, Ethereum is attracting more investment. This shift points to a broader institutional move toward Ethereum, driven by its utility and growth potential. BlackRock’s latest investments signal an evolving strategy, reinforcing Ethereum’s prominent position in the digital asset market and showcasing long-term institutional confidence.
The Role of ETFs in Institutional Crypto Demand
The demand for cryptocurrency ETFs is continuing to rise, as institutional investors seek regulated exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs reached $363 million on July 18, marking the 12th consecutive day of positive inflows.
Ethereum ETFs also saw a remarkable $402 million in inflows on the same day, reflecting a consistent trend of institutional interest in both assets.
ETF products have provided a clear avenue for large institutions to gain exposure to digital assets without direct involvement in their custody or management. This trend has been driven by regulatory clarity and the availability of products like the Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have seen growing participation since their launch.
BlackRock’s substantial investment aligns with these broader market shifts, as institutional investors continue to see cryptocurrency as a key part of their long-term portfolios.
Broader Market Sentiment and Institutional Focus
BlackRock’s significant crypto investment comes amid a broader trend of institutional interest in the digital asset market. Notably, companies like Bitmine Technologies and SharpLink Gaming have also made large-scale Ethereum purchases, further supporting the growing demand.
Additionally, the price of Ethereum has risen sharply, reaching around $3,624, reflecting a market that is increasingly bullish on the second-largest cryptocurrency.
Despite the ongoing volatility in the market, institutions are positioning themselves for long-term growth, with BlackRock’s purchases signaling a strategic focus on assets that offer more than just speculative trading opportunities.
Ethereum, in particular, has become more appealing due to the potential for staking rewards, which could offer institutional investors passive income opportunities. This trend could continue to shape investment strategies in the months ahead, as more firms adapt their portfolios to include digital assets like Ethereum.
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