Brevan Howard, the renowned hedge fund powerhouse, has taken a commanding lead in the Bitcoin ETF space. According to a recent SEC filing, the firm now holds approximately 37.5 million shares of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) — a position worth nearly $2.3 billion as of June 30. This marks a significant leap from the 21.5 million shares held in the first quarter, overtaking Goldman Sachs’ previous lead with a $1.4 billion stake.
Brevan Howard’s Expanding Crypto Strategy
Traditionally known for its global macro trading strategies, Brevan Howard is quickly cementing itself as a major player in digital assets. Its dedicated division, BH Digital, is managing billions across the crypto ecosystem, including blockchain infrastructure, DeFi technologies, and institutional-grade investments. This aggressive expansion underscores the firm’s belief in crypto as a permanent fixture in modern finance.
With this move, Brevan Howard positions itself at the forefront of institutional crypto adoption — setting a strong example for other hedge funds considering digital assets.
Institutional Demand for Bitcoin Exposure Is Rising
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) continues to dominate the market, with over $88 billion in Bitcoin under management, making it the largest Bitcoin ETF by assets. Brevan Howard’s investment reflects growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset class.
Other top IBIT shareholders include Symmetry Investments, Capula Management, Mubadala Investment, and Harvard Management Company, which now ranks in the top 20 with a $1.9 billion stake. This growing list of high-profile investors shows a clear trend: traditional financial institutions are increasingly seeking exposure to Bitcoin through regulated, ETF-based vehicles.
As Bitcoin ETFs gain mainstream acceptance, Brevan Howard’s bold move could prove to be a blueprint for others in the hedge fund space looking to scale up their crypto exposure.
