Bitcoin ETFs vs. Satoshi’s Fortune: Bloomberg Analyst Drops Bombshell Prediction

Wall Street’s crypto invasion just hit hyperdrive—and Bitcoin’s anonymous creator might lose their crown.

The ETF Juggernaut Rolls On

Institutional money floods into spot Bitcoin ETFs like a broken fire hydrant, with BlackRock and Fidelity’s funds vacuuming up 150% more BTC than miners produce daily. Meanwhile, Satoshi’s untouched 1.1 million BTC stash gathers digital dust.

The Tipping Point

Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst spots the trend: ‘At current accumulation rates, ETF holdings could surpass Satoshi’s hoard within 18 months—if the SEC stops playing whack-a-mole with approvals.’ Cue Wall Street bankers suddenly caring about ‘decentralization’.

The Irony Alert

Finance’s latest gold rush involves betting on an asset designed to destroy middlemen… using middlemen charging 0.8% management fees. Satoshi must be laughing—or crying—inside that encrypted email account.

TLDR

• Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas said spot Bitcoin ETFs could soon hold more Bitcoin than Satoshi Nakamoto.
• Satoshi Nakamoto is believed to own around 1.1 million Bitcoins, which is nearly 5 percent of the total supply.
• Bitcoin ETF holdings are growing rapidly and may surpass Satoshi’s total within a year if current trends continue.
• BlackRock and Fidelity have played a major role in driving mainstream adoption of crypto ETFs.
• The ETF market is expected to launch nearly 1,000 new products in the United States in 2025.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs may soon hold more Bitcoin than Satoshi Nakamoto, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas. The projection comes amid rising inflows into U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs, as institutional and retail demand continues to grow. Balchunas shared these insights during Bloomberg’s ETFs in Depth event held on June 18.

He noted that Satoshi is believed to control about 1.1 million BTC, or nearly 5% of the total supply. If current ETF trends continue, holdings could exceed that percentage within the following year. This shift signals increasing institutional confidence and investor interest in regulated bitcoin exposure.

The event also addressed the rapid overall expansion of the ETF market. Balchunas estimated that nearly 1,000 new ETFs could launch in the U.S. market in 2025. He described the volume as significant, highlighting the growing diversity of investment products.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Gain on Satoshi’s Holdings

Bitcoin ETFs have gathered substantial inflows since regulatory approvals earlier in 2024. Institutions such as BlackRock and Fidelity now manage a sizable portion of these assets. Their involvement has helped legitimize crypto investments for more conservative investors.

Fidelity’s strategy targets older investors by using familiar financial language and offering simplified digital asset access. Meanwhile, BlackRock’s role has reassured many investors following prior market disruptions such as the FTX collapse. These firms have led the trend toward mainstream crypto ETF adoption.

Balchunas highlighted that although crypto ETFs represent just 1% of ETF assets, they dominate market attention. Despite their size, they drive media coverage and investor conversation across sectors. He stressed that this dynamic reflects the broader curiosity around digital assets.

ETFs in Depth Day at Bloomberg London. See you soon if you are attending. pic.twitter.com/k4gWOdsOlh

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) June 18, 2025

ETF Launches Surge Amid Growing Crypto Interest

The ETF industry continues to expand rapidly, with nearly 1,000 launches expected in 2025. Balchunas referred to this trend as a launch surge, driven by product innovation and investor demand. The momentum includes new basket ETFs and niche strategies targeting retail interest.

Crypto-specific ETFs remain a small part of the market, but they attract outsized attention due to their novelty. New filings now include mixes of major coins, altcoins, and even meme tokens. These products aim to connect with a broader investor base.

Truth Social recently filed for an ETF holding 75% Bitcoin and 25% Ethereum, signaling political entities’ interest in crypto exposure. Another filing proposed a Trump-themed meme coin ETF, raising unique regulatory questions. Balchunas called such a product unconventional and difficult to approve.

Long-Term Behavior Defines Crypto ETF Holders

Balchunas challenged the assumption that older investors sell during downturns. He stated that most traditional ETF holders display long-term strategies. This behavior provides stability in volatile markets.

While institutional investment grows, retail investors continue to hold their positions in digital assets. Balchunas warned that such trends could reduce overall Bitcoin liquidity. As holdings consolidate into ETFs, available trading supply may shrink.