BlackRock Partners with Anchorage Digital for Digital Asset Custody

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The world of digital assets is undergoing a seismic shift as traditional financial giants deepen their integration with blockchain infrastructure. At the forefront of this transformation is BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, which has officially partnered with Anchorage Digital to provide secure custody and related services for its growing portfolio of digital assets.

With over $47 billion in crypto holdings, including significant positions in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), BlackRock’s move underscores a broader institutional embrace of digital assets. This strategic collaboration aims to meet rising demand from both retail and institutional investors seeking regulated, secure exposure to cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets.

A Strategic Move in Institutional Crypto Adoption

On April 8, BlackRock announced its partnership with Anchorage Digital—a pivotal step in expanding its digital asset infrastructure. As a federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., Anchorage Digital offers more than just custody; it provides a full suite of services including staking, settlement, and compliance-backed security protocols.

This alliance enables BlackRock to strengthen its offerings across both traditional and blockchain-based financial products. Notably, Anchorage already supports BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund, a $2 billion tokenized fund backed by U.S. Treasuries and focused on real-world assets (RWA). The success of BUIDL highlights the increasing appetite for blockchain-enabled instruments that combine yield, transparency, and regulatory oversight.

👉 Discover how leading institutions are securing digital assets through advanced custody solutions.

Expanding Footprint in the Global Digital Asset Market

BlackRock manages approximately $11.6 trillion in assets**, making its foray into crypto a powerful signal of mainstream adoption. According to Arkham Intelligence, the firm holds around **$45.3 billion in Bitcoin and $1.7 billion in Ethereum, primarily through its flagship iShares ETFs and ETPs.

While Anchorage handles certain aspects of BlackRock’s digital asset operations, Coinbase remains the custodian for the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF—one of the most successful exchange-traded products in history. Since its launch in January 2024, the fund has recorded $39 billion in net inflows, outperforming all competitors in the Bitcoin ETF space.

Building on this momentum, BlackRock has extended its reach beyond U.S. markets by launching a European ETP, further solidifying its position as a global leader in digital asset innovation.

Bitcoin ETFs: A Volatile Yet Transformative Journey in 2025

The year 2025 has been anything but quiet for Bitcoin ETFs. While these funds have collectively attracted $36 billion in net inflows since inception, their performance has been marked by sharp swings between heavy buying and massive outflows—reflecting heightened market volatility and shifting investor sentiment.

Data from Sosovalue reveals that daily flows into Bitcoin ETFs have fluctuated dramatically throughout 2025. At times, investors poured in hundreds of millions in a single day; at others, large-scale sell-offs triggered concerns about macroeconomic pressures and regulatory uncertainty.

Despite these fluctuations, the long-term trajectory remains bullish. The fact that a conservative institution like BlackRock continues to expand its digital footprint suggests strong conviction in the enduring value of blockchain-based assets.

Why Institutional Custody Matters

As digital assets gain legitimacy, secure custody becomes non-negotiable. Unlike traditional securities, cryptocurrencies require specialized storage solutions due to their decentralized nature and susceptibility to cyber threats.

Anchorage Digital stands out as one of the few platforms authorized to operate as a federal crypto bank, offering bank-grade security, insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance. For institutions like BlackRock, partnering with such a trusted entity minimizes operational risk while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.

Moreover, Anchorage’s ability to support on-chain settlement and staking services adds functional depth—enabling yield generation and participation in network governance without sacrificing security.

👉 Learn how next-generation custody platforms are redefining institutional confidence in crypto.

The Rise of Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWA)

One of the most promising developments in blockchain finance is the tokenization of real-world assets—such as government bonds, real estate, and private credit. BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund exemplifies this trend: a blockchain-native money market fund backed entirely by short-term U.S. Treasuries.

By issuing shares as tokens on a blockchain, BUIDL achieves near-instant settlement, 24/7 accessibility, and greater transparency compared to traditional funds. Investors can transact programmatically, reducing friction and counterparty risk.

This model paves the way for trillions in traditionally illiquid assets to enter decentralized markets—ushering in a new era of financial efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why did BlackRock choose Anchorage Digital for custody?
A: Anchorage Digital is the only federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., offering unparalleled regulatory compliance, security infrastructure, and integrated services like staking and settlement—making it an ideal partner for large-scale institutional players.

Q: Does BlackRock hold both Bitcoin and Ethereum?
A: Yes. According to Arkham data, BlackRock holds approximately $45.3 billion worth of Bitcoin and $1.7 billion in Ethereum, largely through its ETF and ETP offerings.

Q: Who custodies BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust?
A: Coinbase serves as the primary custodian for the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, while Anchorage Digital supports other digital asset initiatives, including the BUIDL Fund.

Q: What is the BUIDL Fund?
A: BUIDL is a $2 billion tokenized fund backed by U.S. Treasury bills. It allows investors to earn yield on blockchain-based shares, representing a major step toward integrating traditional finance with decentralized systems.

Q: Are Bitcoin ETFs still growing in 2025?
A: While 2025 has seen volatile flows—with periods of strong inflows followed by sell-offs—the overall trend remains positive. The iShares Bitcoin Trust leads with $39 billion in net inflows since launch.

Q: How does tokenization benefit real-world assets?
A: Tokenization increases liquidity, reduces settlement times, enhances transparency, and opens access to global investors—transforming traditionally slow-moving markets into dynamic digital ecosystems.

👉 Explore how tokenized assets are reshaping the future of investing.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Traditional Finance and Blockchain Innovation

BlackRock’s partnership with Anchorage Digital is not just a business decision—it’s a strategic endorsement of digital assets as a core component of modern finance. With robust custody solutions, expanding ETF offerings, and pioneering work in tokenized RWAs, BlackRock is helping build the bridge between Wall Street and Web3.

As more institutions follow suit, we can expect increased stability, innovation, and accessibility across the crypto landscape—driven by trust, regulation, and technological advancement.

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