Key Takeaways:
- Blackstone makes first direct crypto investment.
- The asset manager has added Bitcoin ETFs and crypto ATM shares.
- BlackRock’s IBIT leads U.S. Bitcoin ETFs in inflows.
In a significant development, Blackstone, recognized as the world’s largest alternative asset manager, has ventured into the cryptocurrency sector by acquiring shares in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which is a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
A recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, dated May 20, reveals that Blackstone purchased 23,094 shares of IBIT as of March 31, an investment valued at approximately $1.08 million.
This acquisition has been incorporated into Blackstone’s $2.63 billion Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund (BTMIX), marking a pivotal moment for the firm as it gains its first exposure to Bitcoin through regulated financial instruments.
Blackstone Expands Portfolio with Bitcoin ETFs and Crypto ATM Investments
The SEC filing further indicates that Blackstone also acquired 9,889 shares of the ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO), amounting to $181,166, along with a smaller position in Bitcoin Depot Inc. (BTM), a crypto ATM operator, comprising 4,300 shares valued at $6,300.
While these investments are modest in scale—particularly when measured against Blackstone’s total assets of $1.2 trillion—this strategic shift is noteworthy for a company that has historically approached cryptocurrencies cautiously.
Back in 2019, CEO Steve Schwarzman expressed doubts regarding cryptocurrencies, famously saying, “I was raised in a world where someone needs to control currencies,” while revealing his challenges in grasping the underlying technology.
Blackstone’s foray into Bitcoin ETFs coincides with a growing demand for institutional access to digital assets.
$1 TRILLION BLACKSTONE JUST REVEALED BUYING #BITCOIN ETF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY
THIS IS WILD!!! pic.twitter.com/PvlIddtndp
— Vivek (@Vivek4real_) May 20, 2025
The IBIT fund, which BlackRock launched in January 2024, has swiftly risen to the forefront of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, reporting over $46.1 billion in net inflows by mid-May and experiencing no outflows since April 9, as noted by Farside Investors.
In contrast, the Wisconsin Investment Board, among the first public pension funds in the U.S. to gain exposure to Bitcoin, announced on May 15 that it had completely liquidated its 6 million shares of IBIT during the first quarter.
IBIT continues to outperform rivals such as Fidelity’s FBTC and ARK’s Bitcoin ETF, which have recorded $11.8 billion and $2.8 billion in net inflows, respectively.
DigiAsia Stock Surges on Bold Bitcoin Acquisition Plan
On May 19, shares of Indonesian fintech company DigiAsia Corp saw an impressive increase of over 91% following the announcement of its plans to generate $100 million to facilitate Bitcoin purchases as part of a new treasury strategy.
The Jakarta-based firm disclosed that its board approved the establishment of a Bitcoin treasury reserve, with intentions to allocate up to 50% of its net profits toward Bitcoin acquisitions. This move signifies a transformative approach to capital management amid rising corporate interest in digital assets.
In addition to utilizing profits for Bitcoin investments, DigiAsia is actively seeking to raise capital of up to $100 million to jumpstart its holdings.
This trend of public companies increasing their Bitcoin exposure is gaining momentum, with Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, spearheading the initiative. Recently, the Virginia-based company declared plans to double its capital-raising efforts to $84 billion aimed at acquiring more Bitcoin.
The developments underscore a shift toward mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies as strategic assets within corporate treasuries.
The post Blackstone Makes First Crypto Move With Investment in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF appeared first on Finance Newso.
