
- Harvard reveals holdings in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF.
- Institutional validation for cryptocurrency markets.
- Potential boost in ETF market credibility.
Harvard Management Company disclosed its investment in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) for the second quarter of 2025, as revealed in their latest SEC Form 13F filing.

Harvard’s investment signifies increased institutional validation of Bitcoin ETFs, potentially influencing broader market acceptance and valuation, as highlighted by Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.
Harvard Management Company disclosed an investment in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust. The announcement is seen as institutional endorsement of Bitcoin ETFs, particularly noteworthy given Harvard’s status in the academic and financial communities. The disclosure, made in a Form 13F filing, highlights HMC’s involvement through BlackRock’s regulated ETF. Eric Balchunas from Bloomberg described it as a significant development for institutional validation.
“Harvard’s endowment showing up in IBIT’s latest 13F roster is a big deal for institutional validation.” – Eric Balchunas, Senior ETF Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence
Institutions, including Harvard, are now seen engaging in regulated cryptocurrency markets, potentially driving greater acceptance. BlackRock’s ETF structure provides a transparent investment pathway for major endowments to safely include Bitcoin in their portfolios.
This movement reflects broader financial sector engagement with digital assets. The regulatory approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 has opened new investment avenues for vast institutions, enhancing the market’s depth and liquidity.
As institutions disclose substantial Bitcoin holdings, the market landscape evolves, potentially attracting more institutional investors. The presence of esteemed institutions in crypto ETFs could lead to increased sector growth and greater regulatory acknowledgment. With Harvard’s involvement, Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock’s IBIT may witness increased interest and trading volumes. This underscores broader institutional adoption trends, harking back to prior events where big-name endorsements drove market activity.