BlackRock has now become the second-largest Bitcoin holder in the world. According to new data, the firm holds around 700,439 BTC.
BlackRock’s Bitcoin Holdings is Set to Surpass Satoshi’s by 2026
Only Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, holds more, with about 1.1 million BTC that have never moved. The latest numbers show that the asset manager is quickly closing the gap.
In an X post, Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas said BlackRock is already 62% of the way to passing Satoshi. The firm’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is buying around 40,000 BTC every month, or about 1,300 BTC each day.
If this trend continues, the institution could hold more than 1.2 million BTC by May 2026. Also, the combined total of US-based Bitcoin ETFs has also grown fast.
These funds now hold over 1.2 million BTC, making them the largest single group of Bitcoin holders. BlackRock’s rapid accumulation reflects strong demand from investors who prefer to buy Bitcoin through traditional financial products rather than storing coins themselves.
Rise in Institutions’ BTC Holdings Suggests Shift in Ownership Dynamics
Like BlackRock, other top holders include Saylor’s Strategy with about 597,000 BTC, Binance with 591,894 BTC, and Grayscale with 229,418 BTC. Fidelity, the US government, and the Chinese government also appear on the list with large stacks.
Even major exchanges like Upbit, Block One, Bitfinex, Robinhood, and Kraken have significant amounts. This shift toward institutional control shows how Bitcoin ownership is changing.
Bitcoin started as a tool for individual freedom and self-custody. Now, large companies and governments hold huge portions of the total supply.
The original stash from Satoshi Nakamoto has never moved since it was mined in Bitcoin’s early days. Many see it as a symbol of decentralization and independence. Meanwhile, BlackRock and other firms continue to buy, pushing institutional Bitcoin adoption forward.
Eric Balchunas described IBIT as a “two-year-old infant” that has already grown into a major force. The growth rate suggests that by next year, the company might become the single largest Bitcoin holder if Satoshi’s coins remain untouched.
As the race for Bitcoin dominance heats up, BlackRock’s rise shows that traditional finance and crypto are becoming more connected than ever. This could reshape the future of Bitcoin’s supply and influence for years to come. Currently, BTC price is $108,669, up 0.13% in the last day.
Paul
Paul Adedoyin is a crypto journalist with 4+ years experience who provides timely news, in-depth research, and insightful content to inform and empower his audience. His works have been featured on sites such as CryptoMode, CryptoNewsFlash among others.
He holds a degree in Geophysics from OAU, Nigeria. When he’s not writing, he loves watching soccer and reading educative journals.
He can be reached via [email protected]
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.
Source: https://coingape.com/blackrock-nears-satoshi-with-700k-btc-milestone/