- According to Bloomberg data, IBIT set a record by reaching $10B in assets in just 34 trading days.
- 75% of IBIT investors were first-time BlackRock clients, driving broader platform adoption.
- IBIT’s rapid growth outpaced all major ETF peers, highlighting surging demand for Bitcoin ETFs.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence data, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has become the fastest ETF in history to reach $10 billion in assets under management, reaching the feat in just 34 trading days. The sudden growth reflects a large demand for regulated exposure to Bitcoin and signals a major shift in investor behavior toward digital asset-based financial products. IBIT’s early performance not only sets a record for speed but also indicates an acceleration in ETF adoption among both retail and institutional participants.
New investor participation played a central role in IBIT’s growth. Of the one million individuals who have bought into the fund, 75% were investing in a BlackRock product for the first time. This level of first-time engagement is important, considering the size of BlackRock’s existing client base and asset pool, which exceeds $12 trillion. Additionally, 27% of these new investors, estimated at 185,000 individuals, went on to purchase additional iShares ETFs after investing in IBIT.
This behavioral trend points to a broader development in investor onboarding and retention, suggesting that IBIT may be serving as an entry point into a wider network of financial products. The data points to platform expansion rather than isolated product interest, with IBIT introducing investors to a broader set of offerings under the iShares banner.
ETF Trajectory Outpaces Major Competitors
Bloomberg’s comparison chart shows IBIT’s trajectory relative to other ETF products, including Fidelity’s FBTC, the Ethereum-focused ETHA, JEPQ, and XLC. FBTC reached $7 billion in 53 days, placing it second behind IBIT. ETHA required 251 days to cross the same threshold, while JEPQ and XLC took 444 and 525 days, respectively.
The Bloomberg graph shows IBIT’s growth line sharply rising within a short period, pointing out its dominant early inflows. In contrast, the other ETFs displayed slow or divided growth patterns. According to commentary tied to the fund’s rollout, digital assets and active ETFs were BlackRock’s leading sources of organic base fee growth in 2024.
