BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has surged past both MicroStrategy and Binance to become the second-largest Bitcoin holder globally. As of May 26, IBIT controls more than 621,000 BTC, currently valued at approximately $64.5 billion. This places the world’s largest asset manager directly beneath Satoshi Nakamoto—Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, believed to possess around 1.1 million BTC.
This development marks a significant shift in institutional ownership, placing BlackRock at the forefront of Bitcoin’s financial narrative and raising questions about Wall Street’s growing dominance in the digital asset space.
Institutional Money Redefines Bitcoin’s Image
BlackRock’s holdings now represent nearly 3% of Bitcoin’s total supply—and when accounting for inactive or lost coins, that percentage could be even higher. Data from BitBo and Coinglass reveals that this is more than a passive allocation—it’s a foundational change in how Bitcoin is viewed.
“What we’re witnessing isn’t a retail-led pump,” said Tracy Jin, Chief Operating Officer at MEXC. “This is a calculated move by legacy finance to embrace Bitcoin as a long-term hedge, not a speculative trade.”
Macroeconomic Shifts Fuel Bitcoin Demand
According to Jin, the macro landscape is a key driver. Soaring bond yields in the U.S. and Japan, along with rising sovereign debt, have pushed investors to seek alternatives beyond traditional fixed income.
“Institutions aren’t fleeing risk—they’re fleeing outdated models of safety,” she said.
Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. drew $2.75 billion in net inflows last week alone, as BTC surged past the $109,000 mark—up more than 4x compared to the prior week’s inflows.
BTC Poised for $140K Surge This Summer?
Looking ahead, Jin projects Bitcoin could hit $140,000 by the end of summer—assuming it maintains key support at $94,000 and clears resistance at $112,000.
“This isn’t emotional trading anymore,” Jin noted. “It’s institutional strategy, risk modeling, and long-term asset rotation. The inflows we’re seeing are part of quarterly and annual planning—not weekend FOMO.”
With BlackRock leading the way, institutional appetite is expected to grow, potentially driving more stable and sustained bull cycles. The new reality? Bitcoin’s dips are no longer signals of fear—they’re seen as buy zones by treasuries and boardrooms alike.
Satoshi may remain dormant, but BlackRock is actively shaping the future of Bitcoin—one block at a time.
