BlackRock’s Strategic Income Opportunities Fund (BSIIX) and Strategic Global Bond Fund (MAWIX) have purchased shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the first quarter, according to recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
The purchases totaled $3.56 million and $485,000. Currently, IBIT holds $19.61 billion worth of Bitcoin, making it the second-largest Bitcoin trust after Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC).
Since its launch in January, over 600 United States investment firms, including major players like Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo, have invested in spot Bitcoin ETFs. Millennium Management leads the pack with $1.9 billion invested, followed by Schonfeld Strategic Advisors and Aristeia Capital. BlackRock’s IBIT has attracted 414 reported holders in its first 13F season, setting a record for new ETFs.
While BlackRock awaits SEC approval for its spot Ether ETF, Nasdaq and CboeBZX have submitted updated forms for Ethereum ETF proposals. The SEC’s recent request for adjustments to 19b-4 forms has delayed the process. Spot ether ETFs require SEC approval via Form 19b-4 before trading can begin, with operational S-1 registration statements needed for the funds to commence trading.
