Ark Invest Boosts Bullish Stake to Over $209 Million Amid Ongoing Decline

• Ark Invest’s ARKK ETF holds the largest share of Bullish stock, acquiring 164,214 shares in the latest purchase.

• Bullish, backed by Peter Thiel, debuted on the NYSE in August and focuses on institutional traders with deep liquidity.

• The exchange’s new crypto options platform generated $82 million in trading volume in its first five days, partnering with firms like FalconX Global and Wintermute.

Ark Invest increases Bullish stake amid stock decline: Latest $12M buy signals faith in crypto exchange’s institutional push. Explore ARK’s strategy and Bullish’s U.S. launch details now.

What is Ark Invest’s Latest Move in Bullish Crypto Exchange?

Ark Invest has recently expanded its position in the Bullish crypto exchange by purchasing an additional $11.98 million worth of shares, increasing its overall holding to more than $209 million. This acquisition involves 2,383,346 shares distributed across key ETFs, with the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) receiving 164,214 shares, ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) adding 49,056 shares, and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF) incorporating 25,076 shares. As of November 3, 2025, Bullish represents 1.18% of ARKF’s portfolio, 0.98% of ARKW, and 0.97% of ARKK, reflecting Ark’s ongoing commitment to blockchain innovation despite market challenges.

The investment aligns with Ark Invest’s broader strategy of backing disruptive technologies, including blockchain, where it manages over $16 billion in assets. Bullish, which launched on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2025, has faced headwinds with a 47.48% year-to-date decline, yet Ark’s decision highlights a long-term view on the exchange’s potential in institutional crypto trading.

How Has Bullish Performed Since Its NYSE Debut?

Bullish’s stock (BLSH) has experienced significant volatility since its public debut. Year-to-date, it has dropped 47.48%, mirroring a similar decline over the past six months. In the last month alone, shares fell 22%, with a 10.74% loss over five days and a 0.61% dip in the past 24 hours. Pre-market trading saw an additional 2.47% plunge to $49.05.

Despite these setbacks, Bullish has shown resilience through product innovation. The exchange’s new crypto options platform launched with strong institutional interest, achieving nearly $82 million in trading volume within its first five days. This platform leverages the entire user portfolio as collateral for spot, futures, and options trading, addressing key inefficiencies in the market.

Bullish, founded in 2021, has processed over $1.5 trillion in total trading volume since inception. Its technology combines a deterministic automated market maker (AMM) with a central limit order book (CLOB), ensuring efficient execution and stable liquidity even in turbulent conditions. For U.S. institutional investors, features like 0% maker fees and low taker fees enhance cost efficiency.

Regulatory milestones bolster Bullish’s position. In September 2025, it secured a BitLicense and Money Transmission License from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), enabling spot trading authorization in early October across 20 states as an over-the-counter (OTC) liquidity provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Ark Invest to increase its Bullish holdings despite the stock’s decline?

Ark Invest’s strategy emphasizes investments in innovative blockchain platforms like Bullish, which cater to institutional needs with superior liquidity and compliance. The firm’s $11.98 million purchase on November 3, 2025, builds on an existing $172 million position, viewing the exchange’s recent options launch and regulatory approvals as drivers for future growth in the crypto sector.

Why is Bullish focusing on institutional clients in the U.S. market?

Bullish was designed specifically for institutions seeking deep liquidity, precise execution, and regulatory compliance. With NYDFS approvals, it now operates in 20 U.S. states, offering a platform that integrates advanced trading tools. This approach aims to meet the demands of sophisticated traders, as highlighted by Bullish’s president, Chris Tyrer, ensuring stability and efficiency for large-scale operations.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Expansion: Ark Invest’s latest $11.98 million infusion into Bullish elevates its total stake to over $209 million, distributed across ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF ETFs.
• Performance Challenges: Bullish shares have declined 47.48% year-to-date, yet institutional adoption via the new options platform has driven $82 million in initial volume.
• Regulatory Edge: NYDFS licenses position Bullish for U.S. growth; monitor upcoming trading expansions for potential recovery signals in the crypto exchange space.

Conclusion

Ark Invest’s increased stake in the Bullish crypto exchange demonstrates sustained confidence in its institutional-grade platform, even as shares navigate a 47.48% year-to-date drop. With regulatory approvals from the New York State Department of Financial Services and a successful options launch partnering with entities like FalconX Global, Wintermute, BlockTech, Nonco, and BitGo, Bullish is poised to redefine U.S. crypto trading. Investors should watch for further developments in blockchain innovation, as Ark’s focus on disruptive tech like this could yield significant returns amid evolving market dynamics. Stay informed on ETF portfolio shifts and crypto regulatory updates to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

ARK Invest’s Faith Remains Bullish

$82M+ in first 5 days – a Bullish start for our new Options product.

Thank you to our day-one trading partners, including: FalconXGlobal, wintermute_t, BlockTech and more!

Eligible customers will be able to leverage their entire portfolio as collateral across spot, futures,…

— Bullish November 3, 2025

Ark Invest continues to demonstrate faith in Bullish, undeterred by the exchange’s year-to-date performance challenges. Since its launch, Bullish has seen a roughly 47% decline, but recent institutional engagement provides a positive counterbalance.

The crypto options platform’s debut has been a highlight, drawing nearly $82 million in volume over five days. This initiative targets persistent issues in options trading, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for users.

Bullish’s partnerships, including with Nonco and BitGo since 2021, have facilitated over $1.5 trillion in cumulative trading volume. These collaborations underscore the exchange’s institutional focus and operational maturity.

Ark Invest’s acquisition fits its core philosophy of supporting transformative technologies in AI, blockchain, robotics, and genomics, with assets under management surpassing $16 billion.

Tyrer Claims Bullish Was Created for Institutions

Chris Tyrer, Bullish’s president, has emphasized that the platform is tailored for institutional clients, delivering institutional-grade liquidity and cost advantages. While welcoming advanced retail traders, the primary emphasis remains on U.S. institutions requiring robust execution and customized strategies.

Tyrer noted that American institutions merit enhanced liquidity and a dedicated platform to address their unique needs.

Jeffrey Howard, Partner and Head of North America at Nonco, supports this vision, stating that Bullish is elevating expectations for licensed U.S. exchanges. He praised its commitment to compliance, liquidity, and execution quality, aligning with Nonco’s client-focused mission.

Howard described Bullish’s multi-state OTC launch as a pivotal advancement for institutional crypto adoption.

Mike Belshe, BitGo’s co-founder and CEO, views the NYDFS approvals as a landmark for compliant U.S. crypto development. BitGo fully endorses Bullish’s regulatory adherence and expansion efforts, promoting a secure ecosystem for institutional participation.

Bullish’s infrastructure merges AMM and CLOB mechanisms for reliable trading, offering U.S. institutions competitive fees to foster adoption in a regulated environment.