Rachel Aguirre Reflects on IBIT’s First Year in Action

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF dominated the market in 2024, setting a benchmark for success and granting investors a dependable way to access a previously unfamiliar asset class. Rachel Aguirre proudly reflected on this accomplishment:

Certainly 2024’s historic success was a win for IBIT, but much more importantly, 2024 was a win for investors.

Allocating Bitcoin in Portfolios

Rachel Aguirre acknowledged that the idea of allocating 1–3% of a portfolio to Bitcoin was already circulating prior to IBIT. However, as Bitcoin evolves, investors may reassess these benchmarks.

She pointed out:

Bitcoin is an emerging asset class; education is still needed.

Its scarcity and decentralized design that give Bitcoin the potential to act as “a unique portfolio diversifier.”

For a conventional 60/40 portfolio setup, Aguirre suggests a modest 1–2% allocation to Bitcoin for balanced risk management.

Bitcoin — Risk Asset or Store of Value?

Rachel Aguirre was asked by CNBC to comment on the ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s nature. The journalist highlighted that investors are still torn between viewing Bitcoin as a high-risk asset or a dependable store of value.

Aguirre responded that Bitcoin’s value proposition is rooted in “the expectation of future widespread adoption of it as an alternate monetary source.”

She described Bitcoin as distinct from traditional risky assets due to its finite supply and unique characteristics, calling these traits “very, very unique.”

Education at the Heart of BlackRock’s Crypto Vision

In discussing IBIT’s success and BlackRock’s position in the evolving crypto space, Rachel Aguirre opted not to elaborate on potential product launches. Instead, she focused on the company’s commitment to investor education.

That is what we believe is key to future adoption,

she said.

Aguirre emphasized the need for specialized efforts to guide investors in understanding Bitcoin as a strategic asset within diversified portfolios, given its relatively new status.

Bitcoin’s Bright Horizon in 2025

Speaking about the future of Bitcoin, Aguirre expressed optimism for the year ahead: 

A number of factors seem to be aligning for 2025 to have the potential to be yet another banner year for Bitcoin.

She noted the increasing variety of investors—from retail participants to financial advisors and institutions—taking an interest in the cryptocurrency. Aguirre highlighted the importance of targeted education to support this growing audience as they begin their Bitcoin journeys.

IBIT’s Role in Connecting Crypto and ETFs

IBIT has proven to be more than a gateway—it’s a bridge uniting the digital asset world with ETF-driven investments. This has led to improved liquidity, increased transparency, and a more stable cryptocurrency environment.

What’s been so surprising, and perhaps less expected, is that we’re actually seeing that bridge go both ways,

said Rachel Aguirre.

Aguirre pointed out that three-quarters of IBIT’s direct holders had never invested in iShares products before. This dual dynamic brought ETF investors closer to crypto while enabling crypto enthusiasts to explore the ETF space.

She described this as a significant opportunity for BlackRock to introduce these newcomers to the diversity of ETFs, offering insights into various asset categories and investment strategies. 

IBIT and Its Potential Role

When asked about IBIT’s inclusion in BlackRock’s model portfolios, Aguirre responded:

I can’t comment on that, unfortunately. But, you know, again, really excited about the potential portfolio diversifier that it can be.

She foresees 2025 as a year of expanded Bitcoin adoption, particularly among asset managers who are still exploring its potential.

Aguirre highlighted the importance of providing investors with straightforward explanations of cryptocurrency risks and benefits. She believes that market development will be driven by a combination of strong knowledge and strategic positioning.

For Aguirre, IBIT’s success is more than just statistics—it’s a transformative entry point for investors from both traditional finance and the crypto sphere.

Its real contribution, she argued, lies in creating a more transparent, accessible, and credible way to invest in digital assets. This, she said, underscores IBIT’s importance not only to ETF markets but also to the future trajectory of cryptocurrency as a whole.

iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) — A Gateway to Bitcoin Investments

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) is a spot Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock, introduced on January 11, 2024. It provides an accessible way for investors to engage with Bitcoin’s price performance while avoiding the complexities of managing cryptocurrency directly.

With more than $50 billion raised since launch, IBIT showcases the strong interest in integrating crypto exposure into traditional investment portfolios.

Features at a Glance

Direct Bitcoin Ownership — Holding physical Bitcoin, IBIT lets investors tap into price movements while bypassing digital wallets and exchanges.

User-Friendly Access — IBIT’s ETF structure allows for seamless trading on traditional brokerage accounts, appealing to both novice and seasoned investors.

Unmatched Liquidity — As the highest-traded Bitcoin ETF, IBIT offers unparalleled liquidity, cutting transaction expenses for its users.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT have been instrumental in popularizing Bitcoin. In 2024 alone, these ETFs garnered more than $110 billion in assets, pushing Bitcoin’s value beyond $100,000.

!!! While IBIT simplifies access to Bitcoin, it’s essential for investors to account for the asset’s volatility and ensure they’re ready to navigate the associated risks.

iShares — A BlackRock-Managed ETF Giant

Launched in the early 2000s and managed by BlackRock, iShares has become a cornerstone in the ETF landscape. With a vast array of products, it provides investors with access to multiple asset classes, investment strategies, and sectors around the world.

About iShares

Management Expertise: Since 2009, iShares ETFs have been under BlackRock’s stewardship, following its acquisition of the brand from Barclays.

Expansive Product Line: iShares offers over 900 ETFs, providing global access to a diverse array of assets like stocks, bonds, and commodities. These funds are engineered to support personalized investment strategies.

AUM Milestone: BlackRock has reached an unprecedented $11.5 trillion in assets under management, with iShares ETFs making up a substantial portion.

As a leader in the ETF arena, iShares remains committed to innovation, delivering solutions that meet the dynamic demands of today’s investors.