The competition for the title of the largest corporate Bitcoin holder has intensified. BlackRock and Strategy Inc. have become the main players in this field.
BlackRock’s Bold Pivot: From Skeptics to Leaders
In 2017-2018, BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink dismissed Bitcoin as a serious asset, stating there was 'zero interest' from clients. However, in 2023, the company filed for a Bitcoin ETF, which was approved in January 2024. By June 2025, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) reached $70 billion in assets under management (AUM), with Bitcoin holdings of approximately 667,000 BTC. BlackRock aims to become the largest asset manager in the crypto industry by 2030.
Strategy Inc.: The Leader Among Corporate Holders
Under Michael Saylor's leadership, Strategy Inc. has long viewed Bitcoin as a strategic reserve. The company currently holds about 582,000 BTC on its balance sheet, making it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder. In 2020, it became the first corporate buyer of Bitcoin, and in 2024 it rebranded from MicroStrategy to Strategy Inc. In June 2025, the company issued Bitcoin-backed preferred stock aimed at raising $1 billion to further increase its Bitcoin holdings.
Why This Race Matters for the Crypto Industry
The competition between BlackRock and Strategy Inc. is significant for the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies. BlackRock brings regulatory credibility and Wall Street trust, while Strategy Inc. offers ideology and conviction in its approach. The outcome of this competition may determine how corporations, ETFs, and even nations treat Bitcoin as a strategic reserve rather than a speculative asset.
BlackRock's transformation from a market critic to a leader illustrates that Bitcoin is becoming an institutional asset. Both BlackRock and Strategy Inc. are reshaping the future of digital finance, and this race will have long-term implications for the entire ecosystem.
