BlackRock Increases Bitcoin Allocation Through IBIT
BlackRock’s Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio has taken a notable step deeper into digital assets, significantly increasing its exposure to bitcoin, according to a newly released SEC filing. The mutual fund now holds 2,397,423 shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)—a position valued at $155.8 million as of September 30. This marks a 14% jump from the 2,096,447 shares the fund reported at the end of June, signaling growing institutional confidence in bitcoin-linked investment products.
Unlike traditional fixed-income funds, this portfolio operates with a flexible mandate, investing across a broad mix of government debt, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, emerging markets and cash-like instruments. That flexibility extends to nontraditional assets as well, enabling the fund to include ETFs such as IBIT alongside its bond-focused strategy. The increase highlights how major institutions are steadily integrating digital asset exposure into more conventional investment frameworks.
Rising Institutional Demand for IBIT
IBIT has remained in the spotlight this week following Nasdaq ISE’s request for approval to lift the position limit for IBIT options to one million contracts. At the same time, Fintel data shows institutional ownership climbing to its highest level since the product’s launch—surpassing 400 million shares. This trend reflects consistent month-over-month demand and growing acceptance of bitcoin-related instruments within traditional markets.
As more institutions like BlackRock incorporate bitcoin exposure within diversified portfolios, the line between conventional finance and digital assets continues to blur, signaling a maturing and increasingly mainstream crypto investment landscape.
