The world of cryptocurrency has reached a historic milestone as U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs now collectively hold more Bitcoin than Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of the cryptocurrency. Data shared by Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, reveals that ETFs have amassed more than 1.1 million Bitcoin, surpassing the estimated holdings of Satoshi Nakamoto, whose identity remains a mystery.

Leading this charge is BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has accumulated close to 528,000 Bitcoin, making it the largest spot Bitcoin ETF globally. Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust ETFs collectively hold around 241,000 Bitcoin, securing their position as major players in the market. This rapid accumulation highlights Wall Street’s increasing embrace of Bitcoin as a mainstream asset, facilitated by traditional financial institutions offering regulated investment options.

Steve Kurz, the global head of asset management at Galaxy Digital, underscored the benefits of Bitcoin ETFs in a recent webinar. He described ETFs as efficient, portfolio-friendly, and ideal for posting collateral, emphasizing their growing role in integrating Bitcoin into traditional financial systems.

Bitcoin ETFs have also seen remarkable investment inflows, with over $2.8 billion pouring in over the past five trading days. BlackRock’s IBIT attracted the lion’s share, with $2.6 billion in inflows, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which garnered $412 million during the same period. These figures reflect a growing comfort among investors in accessing Bitcoin through regulated products, a trend bolstered by the increasing participation of institutional investors.

As of now, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs collectively hold 1.104 million Bitcoin, exceeding the reserves of other major holders like Binance and MicroStrategy. Institutional adoption has surged, with over 50% of U.S. hedge funds now having some exposure to cryptocurrency, compared to just 25% two years ago.

Despite a recent 5.7% dip in Bitcoin’s price from its all-time high of $103,900, daily flows into Bitcoin ETFs remain strong. On December 9 alone, net inflows totaled $479 million, signaling sustained investor interest. Since their January launch, Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. have accumulated over $33.8 billion in net inflows, a testament to their appeal as a gateway to cryptocurrency investment.

The rise of Bitcoin ETFs not only reflects growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets but also signifies the ongoing integration of cryptocurrencies into the fabric of traditional finance. As the market evolves, the role of these regulated vehicles will likely continue to expand, offering investors a secure and efficient way to gain exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency.