Barclays Bank has made a bold move into the cryptocurrency sector by investing $131 million in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This latest disclosure from the bank’s 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) underscores the growing trust in Bitcoin ETFs among global financial institutions.
Holding 2,473,064 IBIT shares as of December 31, 2024, Barclays strategically entered the Bitcoin market during a period of notable price growth, with Bitcoin trading at $97,030.17, as per CoinGecko. The investment reflects a broader trend of institutional involvement in digital assets, with major players like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan also boosting their Bitcoin ETF holdings.
The SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs has provided a regulated path for institutions to engage with Bitcoin, offering exposure without the complexities of direct ownership. January 2025 saw an influx of $5 billion into U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading at $3.2 billion in inflows, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) with $1.3 billion.
Experts predict a continued rise in institutional investments, with potential inflows exceeding $50 billion by the end of 2025. Forecasts also suggest Bitcoin could reach $200,000, further emphasizing the significance of Barclays’ Bitcoin ETF investment.
For the latest crypto market updates and expert insights, visit Crypto Green Force, your trusted source for cryptocurrency news.
