Bitcoin’s influence has grown far beyond the trading markets. BlackRock’s IBIT has attracted thousands of investors. Can Bitcoin do the same for other asset managers?
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, known as IBIT, has quickly become one of the most successful product launches in the company’s history.
The main keyword, Bitcoin ETF, isn’t just a buzzword. It is now changing the way both institutional and retail investors approach crypto exposure. Recent data shows that 75% of IBIT’s investors had never previously bought a BlackRock product. This marks a massive influx of new customers for the financial giant.
Bitcoin ETF As A Powerful Gateway for First-Time Investors
IBIT, which is short for iShares Bitcoin Trust, is more than just a crypto investment vehicle. It has become a strong entry point into BlackRock’s portfolio of offerings.
For context, the Bitcoin ETF drew in over $87 billion from about one million investors. Interestingly, most of them were completely new to BlackRock.
According to ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, 27% of those new investors didn’t stop at IBIT. They went on to buy other iShares ETFs and deepened their relationship with BlackRock. This is a rare win for BlackRock and for Bitcoin in general..
Amazing stat: 75% of the investors who bought $IBIT ($87b via one million people) were first time customers of BlackRock. And 27% of them went on to buy another iShares ETF. Just a total coup for BLK all around. https://t.co/leUYYgMYCe
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) July 31, 2025
Notably, even as Ethereum ETFs grow in popularity, IBIT’s success still stands out. It doesn’t just help investors gain Bitcoin exposure; it builds trust with BlackRock. This allows the firm to guide users toward other funds like its equity, bond, or sector-based ETFs.
This approach is strategic. IBIT now works as a customer magnet that introduces users to crypto investing. While Bitcoin ETFs appeal to investors who are crypto-curious, BlackRock is using that interest to promote its long-term products, which include crypto-based ones.
Balchunas called it a “total coup” for BlackRock.
In simple terms, IBIT has done exactly what any ETF provider dreams of: Generating massive inflows while growing the customer base.
Bitcoin ETF Trends and the Bigger Crypto Picture
The launch of Bitcoin ETFs earlier last year helped push BTC from around $40,000 to over $60,000 in just a few months. That growth wasn’t just from crypto insiders. Institutional demand, driven by products like IBIT, played a big role.
BlackRock’s reach goes far beyond its walls. It now massively influences Bitcoin’s price, trading volume, and investor sentiment. Historical data shows that ETF inflows often correlate with BTC price surges.
In other words, when IBIT receives heavy inflows, the crypto market feels it.
Even now, as inflows appear to be drifting toward Ethereum ETFs, IBIT is still one of the biggest drivers of Bitcoin’s legitimacy in the trad-fi markets.
IBIT’s Effect on BlackRock Stock and Trader Interest
The success of IBIT hasn’t just helped crypto; it has also strengthened BlackRock’s stock performance. Shares of BLK have remained strong so far, trading around $800 and gaining roughly 15% year-to-date.
BlackRock’s stock has been incredibly green so far
Options traders have also taken note. Many are targeting calls around the $850 strike, and are betting on further growth driven by Bitcoin ETF demand. Considering how the trading volume is now climbing on high-volatility days, BLK’s stock is benefiting from the crypto boom in real-time.
