Bitcoin ETF Approval in 2025: How BlackRock & Fidelity Are Shaping the 2026 Bull Run
Published on December 30, 2025 | Written by The Crypto Hawk
January 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in crypto history.
The SEC finally approved spot Bitcoin ETFs — led by BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest.
Since then, over $18 billion has flowed into BTC ETFs, reshaping how institutions and retail investors access Bitcoin.
In this post, we’ll break down what really happened, how it’s fueling the 2026 bull run, and what comes next.
- The first U.S. spot BTC ETF launched in Jan 2025 after years of delays
- BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK are top performers in net inflows
- ETFs now hold over 850,000 BTC (~4% of total supply)
- This institutional demand is setting the stage for the 2026 halving rally
What Is a Bitcoin ETF?
A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price without holding the actual asset.
Unlike futures-based ETFs, the new spot BTC ETFs hold real Bitcoin in cold storage, making them:
- More trusted by institutions
- Less prone to premium/discount issues
- A gateway for 401(k)s, pensions, and traditional finance
Think of it like buying Apple stock instead of assembling an iPhone yourself.
Which Companies Got Approval?
On January 10, 2025, the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETF applications, including:
- BlackRock IBIT – Largest by assets under management
- Fidelity FBTC – Popular with high-net-worth clients
- ARKB (ARK Invest) – Known for innovation and transparency
- Grayscale GBTC – Converted from trust to ETF, now competitive
These funds now trade on major exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq.
How ETFs Are Driving the 2026 Bull Market
While the initial hype faded by mid-2025, steady institutional buying kept demand strong.
As of December 2025:
- Total BTC held by ETFs: ~850,000 BTC
- Daily net inflows: $50M–$200M during bullish phases
- Top holder: BlackRock (over 300,000 BTC)
This constant buying pressure acts like a "floor" under the market — limiting deep corrections.
Will Ethereum ETF Come in 2026?
Many investors are asking: “If Bitcoin got approved, what about Ethereum?”
The answer: Possibly — but not guaranteed.
The SEC still classifies ETH as a security in some contexts, which complicates approval.
However, with growing lobbying and global adoption, a spot ETH ETF could launch by late 2026 — potentially triggering its own bull run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔍 What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?
A fund that holds actual Bitcoin and trades on traditional stock exchanges, giving investors exposure without managing private keys.
🏦 Which company holds the most BTC in ETFs?
As of Dec 2025, BlackRock leads with over 300,000 BTC in its IBIT fund.
📉 Did ETFs stop BTC from falling?
Not completely — BTC dropped below $85K in Dec 2025 — but ETFs reduced selling pressure and sped up recoveries.
📅 Will there be an Ethereum ETF in 2026?
Possible, but uncertain. The SEC has not yet approved a spot ETH ETF, though filings are ongoing.
📱 How can I track ETF impact on price?
Use our BTC to USD converter to see real-time price changes after major ETF news or flow reports.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Bitcoin ETF approval wasn’t a one-time pump — it was the start of a structural shift.
Institutional ownership is now embedded in the market. As we head into the 2026 halving, this foundation could amplify the next bull run.
Stay informed. Track flows. And use tools like ours to monitor real-time price reactions.
