- Mubadala invested $461M in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, securing over 8.2 million shares.
- The fund now ranks as the seventh-largest holder among major institutional investors.
- Abu Dhabi strengthens its position as a global leader in digital asset adoption.
Abu Dhabi has placed a massive bet on Bitcoin. Mubadala, a sovereign wealth fund, now holds $461 million worth of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT). A recent SEC filing confirmed the purchase of over 8.2 million shares. This investment ranks Mubadala among the top seven IBIT holders, showing a firm belief in Bitcoin’s future. The UAE continues to establish itself as a global leader in digital asset investment.
Mubadala Strengthens Institutional Bitcoin Presence
Mubadala made this purchase in Q4 2024, marking the first reported stake in IBIT. No previous filings listed holdings in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. This move highlights a rising demand for regulated Bitcoin investment options among institutional investors. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart identified Mubadala as one of the largest IBIT holders, placing the fund alongside Goldman Sachs, Millennium Management, and Symmetry Investments.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao suggested that other Abu Dhabi sovereign funds may also hold Bitcoin ETFs. Abu Dhabi has created a crypto-friendly financial environment, drawing blockchain firms and institutional investors. Supportive regulations, strategic policies, and a strong financial framework make the UAE a top destination for digital asset investments. Mubadala’s Bitcoin purchase aligns with a broader push toward blockchain innovation and global leadership.
Global Bitcoin Investment Race Heats Up
Governments and institutions worldwide are competing to secure Bitcoin holdings. US Senator Cynthia Lummis described this as a “global Bitcoin adoption race.” She introduced the Bitcoin Act of 2024, proposing the sale of gold reserves to establish a US Bitcoin reserve.
More than 20 US states have moved toward Bitcoin-friendly policies. Experts predict the United States will become a major player in institutional Bitcoin adoption. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi strengthens its position as a leader in digital finance.
Mubadala’s investment signals a major shift in institutional Bitcoin exposure. While some governments hesitate, others seize the opportunity. The race for digital asset dominance has begun, and Abu Dhabi has positioned itself at the forefront.