Institutional Bitcoin ETF Ownership Surges 55x in a Year

Institutional ownership of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has surged by a staggering 55 times in less than a year, reflecting a significant shift in how traditional investors engage with digital assets. According to Bitwise data, the number of institutional holders of US spot Bitcoin ETFs has skyrocketed from 61 in March 2024 to 3,323 by mid-February 2025.

This rapid increase in institutional involvement demonstrates a high level of confidence in the asset class. Wall Street titans and global financial entities have substantially increased their Bitcoin ETF holdings. Goldman Sachs, for instance, has nearly doubled its investment, now possessing over 24 million shares valued at approximately $1.35 billion, an 89% increase from previous figures. Millennium Management was not far behind, increasing its holdings by 116% to over 23 million shares, valued at approximately $1.32 billion. Additionally, sovereign wealth funds have entered the market, with the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund acquiring over 8 million shares, equating to a $461 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs.

The total assets under management (AUM) for US-traded spot Bitcoin ETFs have increased significantly as institutional demand continues to rise. These ETFs collectively oversee nearly $57 billion in assets, with BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF being the leading player in this sector, with a total AUM of over $56 billion. Bitcoin ETFs currently have around 1.35 million BTCs in their disposal, further solidifying their market influence.

The rapid rise in Bitcoin ETFs highlights a larger institutional trend towards digital assets. With wider exposure through regulated products, Bitcoin may gain stability and reputation, which would entice hedge funds, pension funds, and even individual investors to make additional investments. Market liquidity increases and may lessen volatility as institutions amass more Bitcoin through ETFs. The long-term prospects for Bitcoin’s price and uptake are getting better as demand rises.

As the institutional embrace of Bitcoin accelerates, the next phase will likely see continued expansion and regulatory developments. More institutional financial firms could follow suit, further legitimizing the crypto’s role in diversified investment portfolios.