Bitcoin ETF investment has taken a significant turn as Harvard University makes a bold move by tripling its holdings in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF. This strategic decision, revealed in a recent disclosure, marks a 257% increase from previous holdings, positioning Bitcoin ETF as the university’s largest declared investment.
Harvard’s Bold Bitcoin ETF Move
In the third quarter, Harvard reported holding 6,813,612 shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), a substantial rise from the 1,906,000 shares reported in June. This leap has elevated Bitcoin ETF to surpass long-standing investments like Microsoft, Amazon, and the SPDR Gold Trust, indicating a profound shift in financial strategy.
The value of these shares was approximately $442.8 million at the time of reporting, though recent market fluctuations have reduced their value to about $364.4 million. Despite this decline, the strategic choice underscores a growing confidence in Bitcoin ETF as a formidable asset class.
Bitcoin ETF’s Growing Influence
Harvard’s decision resonates beyond its walls, as it represents a rare endorsement by an academic endowment of such scale. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted this rarity, noting the validation it provides for Bitcoin ETF. Although less than 1% of Harvard’s $57 billion endowment, the investment ranks 16th among IBIT holders.
Amidst Bitcoin’s price volatility, IBIT remains the leading spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management (AUM), despite experiencing net outflows of $532.4 million in recent weeks.
Global Interest in Bitcoin ETF
Harvard is not alone in its pursuit of Bitcoin ETF opportunities. Emory University has also increased its holdings, now owning over one million shares of Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF, marking a 91% increase in BTC holdings. This move, along with their steady IBIT shares, signifies a growing trend among academic institutions.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Al Warda Investments, has expanded its stake in IBIT by 230%, holding nearly 8 million shares valued at $517.6 million. Managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, this investment reflects a broader global interest in Bitcoin ETF as a strategic asset.
These developments underscore a paradigm shift in investment strategies towards Bitcoin ETF, with major institutions recognizing its potential amidst financial markets.
