BlackRock CEO Larry Fink says sovereign wealth funds are stepping up their exposure to Bitcoin, using the recent market pullback as an opportunity to accumulate more of the asset. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit in New York, Fink said that major state-backed investors are increasingly treating Bitcoin as a long-term store of value rather than a speculative trade, even as prices fluctuate.
According to Fink, several sovereign funds added to their Bitcoin holdings at various points during the downturn. He noted that these investors were comfortable buying when Bitcoin traded around $120,000, $100,000, and even in the $80,000 range. For him, this signals that long-horizon institutions are becoming more confident in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory and are not deterred by short-term dips.
Sovereign wealth fund involvement in digital assets is not entirely new. Institutions such as Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company and Luxembourg’s state fund have previously disclosed positions in spot Bitcoin ETFs. What stands out now, Fink explained, is the consistency with which large public investors are adding to their exposure during price corrections. Rather than attempting to time the market or chase rapid gains, these funds appear intent on steadily building strategic positions meant to be held for many years.
Fink described their approach as one rooted in stability and purpose. He emphasised that for these investors, buying Bitcoin is not about fast returns. It is about integrating the asset into long-term portfolio planning. “They’re establishing a longer position,” he said, adding that their strategy is shaped by the belief that Bitcoin can play a meaningful role in wealth preservation.
The remarks also reinforce a broader shift in institutional attitudes toward digital assets. Despite ongoing volatility, Fink said institutional confidence continues to rise. Under his leadership, BlackRock has expanded its presence in the crypto market, most notably with the launch of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Since its debut in early 2024, IBIT has attracted billions of dollars and become one of the firm’s most profitable ETFs, reflecting sustained appetite from professional investors.
Fink reiterated his view that Bitcoin’s relevance extends far beyond speculation. He pointed to its potential use as a hedge against inflation, fiscal uncertainty, and growing sovereign debt. In his assessment, Bitcoin offers an alternative way to protect purchasing power and store value, especially in an environment where traditional assets face increasing pressure.
The willingness of sovereign funds to increase their Bitcoin exposure during a market downturn adds to the narrative that major global investors are taking the asset seriously. Their ongoing purchases suggest that they see long-term resilience in Bitcoin’s fundamentals. If similar buying trends continue, analysts believe it could support greater market stability and encourage more large-scale institutions to follow suit.
