BlackRock Lowers Barriers for Institutional Crypto ETFs

BlackRock has lowered the minimum size for in-kind transactions to $1 million from $5 million, making it easier for large bitcoin holders to convert their assets into regulated investment vehicles.

This move is part of a broader shift towards institutional involvement in cryptocurrency markets. Wall Street is increasingly becoming the preferred access point for institutional bitcoin exposure, with over 70% of crypto trading volumes coming from institutions in H1 2026.

The lower threshold allows smaller institutional investors and wealthy individuals to use the same mechanism as large holders, reducing friction associated with direct ownership while allowing investors to retain exposure to the asset through a familiar regulated product.