Barclays Discloses Bitcoin ETF Holdings
Barclays Bank has revealed a $131 million position in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), according to its latest 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The UK-based financial institution holds 2,473,064 shares of IBIT, marking a significant step into the Bitcoin ETF market. This disclosure reinforces the ongoing shift among traditional financial institutions toward digital asset investments.
Investment Amid Bitcoin’s Surge
Barclays’ acquisition occurred during the fourth quarter of 2024, from October to December. This period saw Bitcoin prices rise sharply, largely influenced by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance following the election. His policies and statements encouraged confidence in cryptocurrency markets, pushing institutional investors to increase their exposure.
Bitcoin’s rally during this time was also fueled by expectations of regulatory clarity and increased mainstream acceptance. Barclays’ entry into the space signals that traditional banks are not just observing but actively participating in crypto-related investments.
Institutional Crypto Adoption Grows
Barclays is not alone in embracing Bitcoin ETFs. Other major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, have expanded their crypto-related holdings.
Goldman Sachs recently increased its Bitcoin ETF exposure, while JP Morgan disclosed holdings worth nearly $1 million. The trend of traditional banks entering the digital asset space suggests growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value and the stability of regulated investment products like ETFs.
Bitcoin ETFs See Strong Inflows
The broader U.S. Bitcoin ETF market experienced significant inflows in early 2025. BlackRock’s IBIT led the market with $3.2 billion in net inflows in January, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which attracted $1.3 billion, according to Farside Investors.
This growth highlights the increasing demand for Bitcoin ETFs as an accessible investment vehicle for both institutional and retail investors. The strong inflows suggest rising confidence in Bitcoin’s role within traditional investment portfolios.
Bitcoin Price Nears $100K
As of February 14, Bitcoin is trading at $97,241. The continued institutional adoption of Bitcoin ETFs, led by banks like Barclays, underscores the growing acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance.
Barclays’ move represents a broader industry trend where established financial institutions are integrating cryptocurrency exposure into their investment strategies, further legitimizing Bitcoin as an asset class.
