Leading asset management giant BlackRock has solidified its interest in the cryptocurrency realm. Recent findings indicate that it has made significant investments in four out of the top five Bitcoin miners based on market capitalization.
BlackRock’s Expanding Crypto Portfolio
BlackRock, recognized as the world’s largest asset manager with assets surpassing $8 trillion, is no stranger to making headlines in the financial sector. The firm, fresh from its spot Bitcoin ETF application, has upped its stakes in the Bitcoin mining industry. According to Finbold’s data, BlackRock emerges as the second-largest stakeholder in four of the five principal Bitcoin mining companies.
In the broader context of the Bitcoin mining sector, these investments appear strategic. Many of these mining companies have faced challenges recently, with increasing mining difficulties and rising costs squeezing profits. Despite these hurdles, BlackRock seems to be capitalizing on these market downturns, buying more shares as values dip.
Supporting Smaller Miners
For entities like BlackRock, endowed with vast financial resources, there lies a significant opportunity. They can provide much-needed support to these struggling miners. The report specifically identifies the increase in BlackRock’s stakes in Riot Platforms Inc., Marathon Digital Holdings, Cipher Mining Inc., and Terawulf Inc. Collectively, these investments amount to roughly $411.54 million, which represents a mere 0.35% of BlackRock’s total assets as of 2022.
This strategic increase also paves the way for BlackRock Funds Advisors to play an influential role within the Bitcoin Mining Council. This group stands as a prominent advocate for Bitcoin mining activities in the U.S.
