David Edwards
BlackRock organizes its cryptocurrency holdings into three categories: crypto assets like Bitcoin (BTC), stablecoins like USDC, and tokenized assets like BUIDL. This breakdown comes from an analysis by the on-chain data platform Token Terminal, which reviewed BlackRock’s crypto strategy.
According to reports, BlackRock sees three key benefits of Bitcoin. First, it’s internet-based, making it accessible worldwide. Second, Bitcoin is noted for its efficiency in international transactions. Third, its capped supply makes it a good hedge against inflation.
Token Terminal also points out BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) and predicts that the firm will eventually create similar products for other major cryptocurrencies. Although BlackRock has already done this with Ethereum, the likelihood of a Solana ETF appears low for now.
Still, Token Terminal highlights BlackRock’s confidence in blockchain technology’s potential to enhance capital markets. They see benefits such as continuous market operations, greater transparency and investor access, reduced fees, and quicker settlements. This analysis suggests that BlackRock might even launch its own blockchain, similar to how Coinbase introduced Base L2.
If BlackRock were to launch its own blockchain, it would represent a significant shift in traditional finance (TradFi), signaling a transition toward decentralized solutions. Just as Coinbase evolved into a Web3 gateway with Base, BlackRock’s blockchain venture could propel it from a conventional asset manager into a leading player in the digital asset arena.
