BlackRock's IBIT Gains 19,951 BTC in 2025 Despite Broad Bitcoin ETF Outflows

The cryptocurrency market in 2025 is experiencing continuous volatility, with market uncertainty and bearish sentiment challenging investor enthusiasm. Amid these fluctuations, Bitcoin ETFs have seen widespread and sustained capital outflows.

CryptoQuant's year-to-date holdings chart reveals that only four spot Bitcoin ETFs—BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Grayscale's Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC), Ark Invest's ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)—have recorded net inflows. Conversely, the majority of ETFs have seen consistent outflows, with Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) experiencing the largest outflows of 5,930.1 BTC and 15,258.6 BTC, respectively.

However, in this general trend of outflows, BlackRock's IBIT recorded a substantial inflow of 19,951.4 BTC, indicating that despite widespread uncertainty and skepticism about BTC's price trajectory, BlackRock remains confident in Bitcoin's long-term value.

The widespread outflows from Bitcoin ETFs reflect a mix of market dynamics and investor behavior. Bitcoin's price peaked at $108,000 in January, driven by expectations of crypto-friendly U.S. policies. As these expectations were realized, some investors exited ETFs to lock in profits, leading to a prolonged period of price volatility and correction. Additionally, macroeconomic uncertainties, including the impact of aggressive tariff policies under Trump and inflation concerns, have prompted investors to shift towards safer assets like bonds, reducing demand for volatile crypto ETFs. Bearish outlooks have further weighed on the market. CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju cited on-chain indicators, such as liquidity drying up and new whales selling at low prices, as evidence of an impending bear market. Ju declared in his post that the "Bitcoin bull cycle is over," predicting a year-long bearish or sideways trend.

In contrast, BlackRock's IBIT has recorded a significant inflow of 19,951.4 BTC, highlighting BlackRock's unique position. As the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock oversees approximately $11.6 trillion in assets and currently holds 572,120 Bitcoins, valued at over $47.22 billion—making it one of the largest BTC holders globally. According to Arkham Intelligence, the asset manager has been actively acquiring BTC. Arkham Intelligence's data shows that just this week, Coinbase Prime wallets have transferred 1,250 BTC (worth over $105.7 million) to the asset manager's iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) wallet.

Furthermore, BlackRock's IBIT has bucked the outflow trend through strategic initiatives. According to Bloomberg, in February 2025, the firm added IBIT to its model portfolios—pre-configured investment plans featuring diversified assets and varying risk profiles marketed to wealth managers and investors. By including IBIT, BlackRock enables passive investors to gain Bitcoin exposure without managing digital wallets or on-chain transactions, broadening its appeal. This move has attracted new capital, contributing to IBIT’s robust inflows.

BlackRock's broader crypto strategy enhances its ETF's allure. With 572,120 BTC held, BlackRock rivals major corporate holders like MicroStrategy. Its partnership with Coinbase Custody ensures secure storage, while its advocacy for Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation resonates with institutional clients. These factors have positioned IBIT as a preferred vehicle for investors seeking regulated, low-cost crypto exposure.

The firm's lead portfolio manager for the Target Allocation ETF model suite, Michael Gates, once wrote in an investment commentary, "We believe Bitcoin has long-term investment merit and can potentially provide unique and additive sources of diversification to portfolios."