BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has made several notable moves involving Bitcoin
$BTC #StrategyBTCPurchase in early 2026, including large transfers of BTC to exchanges . These actions have sparked widespread speculation about potential sales or sell-offs amid a period of market volatility and Bitcoin price corrections.
Contrary to headlines claiming BlackRock is outright "dumping" massive holdings, the reality centers on its flagship iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF. As of mid-February 2026, IBIT continues to hold hundreds of thousands of BTC (recent figures show around 759,000+ BTC, valued in the tens of billions), making it one of the largest institutional custodians of Bitcoin. However, the ETF has experienced periodic outflows—investor redemptions that require BlackRock to sell underlying BTC to meet withdrawals.
Recent on-chain data and reports highlight transfers such as:
Multiple instances where BlackRock moved BTC (and ETH) worth hundreds of millions to Coinbase Prime, including $257 million (3,402 BTC + ETH), $247 million, $339 million, and others in January and February 2026.
These transfers often precede or coincide with ETF outflows, as authorized participants redeem shares, prompting sales of the underlying asset.
One widely cited report from late January 2026 referenced a $528.3 million Bitcoin sale, attributed to market observers tracking large movements.
These aren't necessarily BlackRock deciding to abandon Bitcoin as a firm. Instead, they reflect client-driven activity in the IBIT ETF:
When investors redeem shares (outflows), the ETF must sell BTC to return cash.
Broader market conditions in 2026—including Bitcoin's retreat from prior highs, macroeconomic pressures, and risk-off sentiment—have led to net outflows across U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in several sessions (e.g., $105 million net outflows on one February day, with IBIT seeing significant redemptions).
Despite this, IBIT has shown resilience, occasionally recording inflows and maintaining dominant market share among Bitcoin ETFs.
BlackRock's involvement in crypto remains deeply committed long-term. IBIT has been a massive success since launch, drawing institutional capital and positioning Bitcoin as a portfolio asset. Executives have emphasized Bitcoin's role as "digital gold," while warning about leverage-driven volatility in derivatives markets potentially harming its institutional narrative.
#blackRock In short, while BlackRock has facilitated BTC sales tied to ETF mechanics and market dynamics, it hasn't "sold its BTC" in the sense of exiting the space. The firm continues to hold substantial Bitcoin exposure through IBIT and sees it as a growing part of mainstream finance. Investors should monitor ETF flow data (via sources like SoSoValue or official filings) for the clearest picture, as short-term transfers and outflows don't necessarily signal a permanent shift away from the asset.
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