BlackRock Says Bitcoin ETFs Are Now Its Top Revenue Source, Marking a Major Shift in Institutional Finance

BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, has confirmed that its Bitcoin exchange traded funds have become its single most profitable product line. The company’s U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), along with related crypto investment offerings, now generate more annual revenue than any other BlackRock ETF category. This development signals a powerful shift in how traditional finance views crypto assets. Bitcoin is no longer at the fringe of the investment landscape. It is becoming a core part of institutional portfolios.

 

The Rapid Rise of IBIT

BlackRock launched IBIT in early 2024. In less than two years the fund surged to tens of billions of dollars in assets under management. IBIT’s fee revenue now rivals, and in many cases exceeds, long established equity and index funds that were once the backbone of BlackRock’s ETF business.

The growth was faster than almost any ETF in history. Internal reports also show that BlackRock’s own multi asset portfolios have increased their IBIT exposure over the past year, signaling strong conviction from the firm’s internal investment teams.

The message is clear. Bitcoin is not only an asset class investors want. It is an asset class that produces serious fee revenue for traditional institutions.

 

Why This Matters for Global Finance

1. Bitcoin Has Moved From Speculation to Foundation

The overwhelming demand for Bitcoin exposure through regulated ETFs shows that the asset has crossed a threshold. For years it was considered too volatile or too risky for institutions. Now the largest asset manager on the planet is stating publicly that Bitcoin has become its most profitable ETF category. That represents a structural change.

This shift encourages pension funds, endowments and corporate treasuries to consider Bitcoin exposure through safe, regulated channels. It legitimizes the asset in ways no amount of marketing or evangelism could ever achieve.

2. Fee Revenue Validates Long Term Sustainability

For institutions, large inflows are only part of the story. Sustainable, recurring fee revenue is the real prize. Bitcoin ETFs are proving they can deliver consistent income to managers, something that reinforces long term commitment to the product line. This encourages competitors to join the market and expands access for investors.

3. Liquidity and Market Maturity Improve

When institutional inflows grow, liquidity becomes deeper and more stable. Bitcoin has historically suffered from sharp market swings amplified by retail activity. With more participation from institutional ETFs, price discovery becomes smoother and more efficient. This maturation attracts even more institutional participants.

4. Crypto Native Firms Face Pressure to Evolve

As traditional finance embraces Bitcoin through regulated ETFs, crypto native platforms that previously benefited from being the main entry point into the ecosystem now face increased competition. Investors may favor regulated products, compelling exchanges and custodians to improve compliance, transparency and user protections.

 

Risks and Challenges Still Linger

Despite the momentum, several risks remain.

• ETF inflows are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions. Periods of volatility can trigger outflows even for successful funds.

• Regulatory changes remain a constant factor. Any shift in U.S. or international policy could affect accessibility and demand.

• Concentration risk is increasing. If too much institutional capital is routed through a handful of ETFs, any operational issue could create market wide instability.

• The infrastructure powering these funds, from custody to auditing, is still relatively new compared to traditional financial systems.

The crypto markets may be maturing, but they are not yet fully stable.

 

What Comes Next

Given the trajectory, several outcomes appear increasingly likely:

• More asset managers will expand their crypto ETF offerings to capture demand.

• Bitcoin ETFs may find their way into pension fund models, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance allocation strategies.

• New hybrid funds could emerge, combining Bitcoin with equities, commodities and fixed income into a diversified multi asset product.

• As custodial technology matures, institutions will grow even more comfortable allocating large amounts of capital.

• Regulatory clarity in major markets will continue to strengthen, reducing uncertainty and encouraging broader adoption.

In other words, Bitcoin is rapidly becoming intertwined with mainstream finance rather than existing apart from it.

 

Final Thoughts

BlackRock’s confirmation that Bitcoin ETFs are now its top revenue source represents a profound moment in financial history. For the first time a major global asset manager is not only offering Bitcoin exposure but generating more revenue from it than from any other ETF product. This is a powerful endorsement of Bitcoin’s staying power, its commercial viability and its growing role in global markets.

Skeptics who once dismissed Bitcoin as a passing trend may now find themselves reassessing their position. Institutions thrive on scale, predictability and revenue. Bitcoin ETFs are now providing all three.

 

This milestone signals that the era of institutional Bitcoin is not approaching. It is already here.

Ripple Raises $500 Million at $40 Billion Valuation, Signaling Surging Institutional Confidence in Crypto

 

Ripple Labs has announced a landmark $500 million fundraising round led by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities, propelling its valuation to approximately $40 billion. The raise cements Ripple’s position among the most valuable private blockchain companies in the world and underscores a powerful shift in institutional sentiment toward digital assets and crypto infrastructure.

Major participants in the round reportedly include heavyweight firms such as Pantera Capital, Galaxy Digital, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace, marking one of the most significant institutional-backed financings in the digital asset sector to date. Ripple’s leadership described the round as “a signal that blockchain infrastructure is moving from experimentation to mainstream adoption.”

 

A Strategic Expansion Beyond Payments

Ripple’s identity has long been associated with its cross-border payment technology and the XRP Ledger, but the company has spent the past several years expanding its footprint into institutional finance and enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure.

This raise is intended to accelerate that strategy. Ripple plans to deploy the new capital across several key business segments, including stablecoin development, digital asset custody, prime brokerage services, and enterprise treasury solutions.

CEO Brad Garlinghouse noted that the company’s focus now extends far beyond the XRP token, emphasizing Ripple’s ambition to build “the next-generation infrastructure for global value exchange.”

Ripple has already launched its U.S. dollar stablecoin, RLUSD, which recently surpassed $1 billion in circulation, and the company’s acquisition of Metaco earlier this year established its presence in institutional digital asset custody. The new capital will help scale both of these ventures, as well as expand Ripple’s global payments and liquidity network, which has already processed nearly $100 billion in volume this year.

 

A Bullish Signal for Institutional Crypto Adoption

The participation of global financial powerhouses such as Fortress and Citadel is a major signal for the broader crypto market. It represents a notable shift from skepticism to conviction among traditional finance institutions, many of which are now actively positioning for the tokenization of assets, the growth of stablecoins, and blockchain-enabled payments.

The timing of the raise also reflects a broader resurgence of confidence in digital assets. Bitcoin’s continued strength above six figures, renewed attention on real-world asset tokenization, and rising institutional demand for compliant crypto infrastructure have all contributed to a more mature and sustainable growth environment.

Ripple’s successful raise at such a high valuation suggests that institutional investors see the company not merely as a crypto firm, but as a core component of global financial modernization. It represents the convergence of blockchain technology and traditional finance, a theme that has gained enormous traction as banks, funds, and corporates explore on-chain settlement and tokenized instruments.

 

Ripple’s Expanding Role in the Financial Ecosystem

The new capital positions Ripple to strengthen its role as a trusted partner for banks, governments, and enterprises looking to bridge traditional financial systems with blockchain innovation.

The company’s growing suite of products—ranging from cross-border payment solutions to custody, stablecoin issuance, and liquidity management—makes Ripple one of the few blockchain firms offering an institutional-grade platform that can integrate directly with existing financial infrastructure.

Ripple’s continued collaboration with regulators and financial institutions has also helped build credibility at a time when compliance and governance are key differentiators. Its ability to maintain relationships with central banks, sovereign partners, and large enterprises gives it a unique advantage as the financial industry transitions into tokenized models.

 

The Broader Message for the Crypto Industry

Ripple’s raise is more than a company milestone—it is a reflection of the growing institutionalization of crypto and blockchain technology. The same financial institutions that once viewed digital assets with caution are now leading billion-dollar funding rounds and integrating blockchain rails into their own operations.

This is part of a wider trend reshaping global finance. The lines between traditional banking, fintech, and crypto are blurring, and firms like Ripple are at the center of this transformation. As capital markets evolve toward digital-native assets, the companies that provide trust, scalability, and compliance will become the foundation of the next financial era.

Institutional investors increasingly view blockchain infrastructure as essential, not experimental. Ripple’s $40 billion valuation confirms that belief, underscoring the market’s confidence in the future of regulated, enterprise-grade crypto solutions.

 

Final Thoughts

Ripple’s $500 million raise represents a turning point not only for the company but for the broader digital asset industry. With leading global financial institutions now backing its vision, Ripple is positioned to become a cornerstone of blockchain-powered finance.

The company’s expansion into stablecoins, custody, and institutional liquidity services shows that it is evolving into a full-stack financial technology provider capable of powering the next generation of value exchange.

For the crypto ecosystem, this moment carries a clear message: institutional adoption is no longer theoretical—it is happening. Ripple’s success highlights how established players in finance are no longer standing on the sidelines but are actively investing in and shaping the future of blockchain infrastructure.

 

As capital flows, partnerships grow, and regulatory clarity improves, Ripple’s rise reflects the dawn of a more connected, compliant, and credible era for global crypto finance.

 

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Crypto Markets Under Pressure as Bitcoin Falls Below $104,000

The crypto world is showing clear signs of stress. Bitcoin slipped below roughly $104,000, triggering a wave of liquidations and renewed concern over how fragile this market remains.

 

The Scale of the Liquidations

On-chain analytics and exchange data indicate that over $1.3 billion in positions were liquidated in just a 24-hour window when Bitcoin slipped under $104,000. The bulk of those losses came from long (bullish) bets.

One analysis found that around $600 million of liquidations were directly linked to Bitcoin’s fall under $104,000.

In earlier drops, like when Bitcoin fell under $108,000, at least $320 million in positions were liquidated.

ETF flows also reflected the sentiment, with large outflows of around $186.5 million hitting Bitcoin ETFs as the price dropped.

 

What’s Driving the Sell-Off

Several factors combined to produce this sharp correction:

• Excess leverage: Many traders held large leveraged positions expecting the uptrend to continue. When the price broke key support, automatic liquidations accelerated the drop.

• Technical triggers: The break below $104,000 appears to have been a psychological and technical threshold. Once it was breached, stop-losses and algorithmic selling kicked in.

• Macroeconomic headwinds: Concerns around global growth, trade tensions, and regulatory uncertainty are making crypto a less comfortable risk asset right now.

• Liquidity strain: When prices drop rapidly, thin liquidity in some crypto markets magnifies the effect of trades. Large orders or liquidations can push the price further than expected.

 

Why This Is More Than Just a Price Drop

This is not simply a normal pullback. It points to deeper vulnerabilities within the market.

It shines a spotlight on how exposed leveraged traders are in crypto markets.

It shows that major protocols or large holders are still vulnerable to rapid swings caused by price and sentiment.

It signals that the risk profile of crypto is evolving. Institutional participants and retail investors both face threats from sharp corrections and ecosystem instability, not just price volatility.

 

What to Watch Moving Forward

• Support levels: Bitcoin near $100,000 to $104,000 is under the microscope. A sustained bounce could ease pressure, while a break below could trigger the next wave of liquidations.

• Leverage risk: If more long positions unwind, additional forced selling could occur.

• Sentiment and volume: Watch indicators like funding rates, open interest in futures, and spreads. When these show stress, the environment becomes more fragile.

• Macro factors: Crypto is not isolated. Changes in interest rates, global trade shocks, or new regulations can quickly trigger risk-off sentiment.

• Recovery potential: Some analysts believe this type of leveraged wipeout can be healthy in the long term. It clears excess risk and resets the market for future growth. The key is whether prices stabilize soon.

 

Final Thoughts

The current correction may not mark the end of the cycle, but it underscores how volatile and interconnected the crypto markets have become.

For anyone trading or investing in this space, success is not only about picking the right asset. It also depends on understanding how the broader system reacts when momentum reverses.

History has already shown how over-leverage can turn optimism into collapse. During the 2021–2022 downturn, major players like Three Arrows Capital (3AC) and Celsius Network imploded after taking on excessive risk through leveraged positions and unsustainable yield strategies. Their collapses erased billions in value, triggered contagion across lenders and exchanges, and shook investor confidence for years.

These events serve as reminders that leverage amplifies both gains and losses. In bull markets, it fuels parabolic rallies and rapid expansion. In downturns, it becomes a chain reaction that accelerates the fall.

The lesson is simple but critical: leverage without risk management always ends badly. The healthiest market growth comes from measured exposure, transparent liquidity, and long-term discipline...not from borrowing against optimism.

 

In crypto, big moves are not exceptions. They are the rule. The priority now is managing risk carefully, staying alert to signals, and avoiding the assumption that prices will always move higher.

 

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The Crypto Market Continues October Slump, Will November See Reversal?

 

The global cryptocurrency market has taken a sharp downturn, erasing optimism that had been building earlier this month. Total market capitalization dropped to around 3.54 trillion dollars, falling more than four percent in a single day.

Bitcoin fell roughly 3.5 percent, dipping just above 106,000 dollars, while Ethereum declined nearly six percent. Altcoins like Solana and XRP recorded losses of around seven percent, and crypto-linked equities followed the same trend, with companies such as MicroStrategy sliding about five percent ahead of its earnings call.

The downturn caps off what has been one of the weakest Octobers for crypto in recent years, undermining hopes of the so-called “Uptober” rally that traders had been anticipating. More than 300 million dollars in leveraged positions were liquidated as Bitcoin briefly slipped below 108,000 dollars, wiping out many short-term speculative positions.

 

Why It Happened

Macro headwinds
Even though the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, investor sentiment remains cautious. The market had already priced in the cut, and comments suggesting that further easing may not come as quickly as hoped left traders disappointed. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar remains strong, and concerns over inflation and geopolitical tension continue to push investors toward safer assets.

Leverage and liquidations
As often happens in crypto, the decline accelerated once leveraged positions began to unwind. When Bitcoin’s price started to drop, automatic liquidations triggered across exchanges, deepening the fall and pulling other assets down with it.

Shifting sentiment
The broader crypto sentiment has turned noticeably bearish. The industry’s “fear index” has dropped to levels not seen in months. Many investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach, as new catalysts for growth are lacking and market narratives have cooled after a summer of strong gains.

 

What It Means for the Market

Bitcoin is testing crucial support levels around the 108,000 to 105,000 dollar range. A sustained break below could invite further downside, while a bounce could stabilize the market and prevent additional panic selling.

Some analysts see this dip as a healthy correction after months of optimism. Others warn that it could mark the start of a longer consolidation phase, where prices drift sideways as markets absorb the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty and waning risk appetite.

Institutional interest also appears to be cooling slightly. Outflows from crypto-focused funds and ETFs have increased, suggesting that large investors are scaling back exposure until clearer signals emerge from global markets.

 

A Moment of Reflection

This decline may not mark the end of the current crypto cycle, but it does highlight how fragile sentiment remains. Despite impressive technological progress across the industry, price action continues to be driven largely by macroeconomic factors and trader psychology.

October’s performance serves as a reminder that crypto’s volatility cuts both ways. Periods of rapid growth often give way to equally sharp corrections. While long-term believers view these downturns as opportunities to accumulate, traders chasing short-term gains are often the first to get washed out.

 

In the end, volatility is still the rule in crypto. The best way to navigate it is to stay informed, understand the underlying market drivers, and resist reacting to every swing. Whether this downturn becomes a lasting trend or a temporary reset will depend on how quickly confidence and liquidity return in the weeks ahead.

 

Stay Connected

You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.