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Harvard University has made a $116 million investment in
, marking a dramatic shift from a 2018 prediction by one of its own economists, who had forecast the cryptocurrency would drop to $100 rather than reach $100,000[1]. This move by the Harvard Management Company signals a significant pivot in the institution’s stance on digital assets, particularly as it now holds more Bitcoin than gold[1].The investment, disclosed through the university’s latest filing, was made via the
iShares Bitcoin ETF, which is backed by physical Bitcoin holdings[2]. The ETF structure provides a regulated and institutional-grade avenue for exposure, addressing concerns about custody and compliance that have historically limited traditional investors’ participation in the crypto market[2].The decision reflects broader trends in the institutional adoption of Bitcoin, driven by growing interest from hedge funds, corporations, and governments as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty[1]. Harvard’s move is also aligned with the recent approval of multiple Bitcoin ETFs, which have lowered barriers to entry for large-scale investors and increased the asset’s legitimacy as part of a diversified portfolio[2].
While the university has not specified expected returns or performance benchmarks for the allocation, the investment underscores a recalibration of risk and opportunity in the wake of Bitcoin’s maturing market cycles[2]. The university’s institutional investment arm appears to be embracing a more balanced view of digital assets, acknowledging their potential as a strategic rather than speculative addition to its portfolio[2].
Harvard’s 2018 prediction was rooted in the skepticism of traditional finance toward Bitcoin’s volatility and uncertain future. Now, with Bitcoin priced at $116,000 per coin, the university’s actions demonstrate that even elite institutions must adapt to market realities[1]. The investment highlights the unpredictable nature of long-term crypto trends and serves as a reminder that timing the market is a challenge even for the most educated and experienced investors[1].
The move also underscores the importance of regulatory infrastructure in enabling institutional confidence in crypto assets. By investing through an ETF, Harvard is able to gain exposure in a transparent and liquid manner, a critical factor for managing risk at scale[2]. As more institutions explore alternative assets, the line between traditional and digital finance continues to blur, reflecting a broader shift in global investment strategy.
Source:
[1] Harvard’s $116M Bitcoin Bet Flips 2018 Prediction
(https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68988e69d2aecc707a2ad812/)
[2] Real-Time Crypto News, Latest Cryptocurrency Updates
(https://www.coinglass.com/news)
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