The U.S. Bitcoin Spot ETF sector continues to dominate headlines with its massive accumulation of Bitcoin. As of now, the collective holdings have surged to 1,253,032 BTC, valued at over $136.3 billion, according to data from Bitcoin Treasuries.
BlackRock’s IBIT Controls Over 55% of Sector Holdings
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is the undisputed leader, holding more than 700,000 BTC, currently worth $75.9 billion. In just two trading sessions, IBIT added 1,388 BTC, highlighting strong institutional demand.
At the start of 2024, IBIT held 551,917.9 BTC. As of now, its holdings have jumped 26.83% year-to-date, making it the largest ETF in the sector by a significant margin.
Top 5 US Bitcoin Spot ETFs by Holdings
Here’s a breakdown of BTC holdings in top ETFs:
- BlackRock’s IBIT: 700,000 BTC
- Fidelity’s FBTC: 203,508.5 BTC
- Grayscale’s GBTC: 184,226.9 BTC
- ARK 21Shares’ ARKB: 48,265 BTC
- Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust: 44,227.8 BTC
These five ETFs dominate the U.S. Bitcoin ETF landscape, capturing the majority of institutional investment in Bitcoin.
IBIT Outperforms Traditional ETFs With 82.67% Returns
Since its launch in January 2024, IBIT has delivered 82.67% returns, outperforming even BlackRock’s flagship S&P 500 ETF.
For comparison:
- Bitcoin YTD Change (2025): +16.5%
- S&P 500 YTD Change: +6.16%
This performance reinforces the growing narrative that Bitcoin is becoming a preferred long-term asset among institutional investors.
Bitcoin Demand Surpasses Supply in 2025
Another key trend in 2025 is the Bitcoin supply and demand imbalance. So far this year:
- US Bitcoin ETFs bought: ~$28.22 billion worth of BTC
- Bitcoin mined globally: ~$7.85 billion worth
This massive buying pressure led by BlackRock and others has significantly outpaced the newly mined supply, potentially pushing Bitcoin’s price higher in the long term.
ETF Approval Process May Soon Get Simpler
Regulatory hurdles have long slowed down ETF approvals in the U.S., but that could soon change.
Reports suggest that the SEC is considering streamlining the Bitcoin Spot ETF approval process, potentially requiring just Form S-1 with a 75-day waiting period.
Currently, ETF issuers must submit both Form 19b-4 and S-1, resulting in months of delays and regulatory back-and-forth. A simplified path could open doors for more ETF products shortly.
The U.S. Bitcoin Spot ETF market is gaining momentum in 2025, with BlackRock’s IBIT at the center. With demand now far exceeding new supply and the SEC looking to simplify approvals, the sector may be on the verge of another growth wave.