- Brown University holds 105,000 shares of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF worth nearly $5 million as of March 2025.
- The university is the third in the US to invest in a Bitcoin ETF joining Emory and the University of Austin.
- Bitcoin ETFs offer secure and regulated exposure making them a popular choice among large institutions today.
Brown University disclosed a $4.9 million investment in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, according to a recent SEC filing. The Ivy League institution reported holding 105,000 shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) as of March 31. This marks the university’s first public exposure to cryptocurrency through an exchange-traded fund.
IBIT Emerges as Popular Choice Among Institutions
The investment places Brown among a growing group of institutions opting for Bitcoin ETFs over direct crypto ownership. IBIT, managed by BlackRock, is the largest spot Bitcoin ETF in the market. It currently holds over $56 billion in assets under management. This fund also became the fastest to reach $10 billion in AUM.
By investing in IBIT, institutions like Brown avoid the technical risks tied to managing digital wallets. ETFs also allow regulated access to Bitcoin under U.S. securities laws. Many investors see them as safer vehicles for cryptocurrency exposure.
University Becomes Third U.S. School to Buy Bitcoin ETF
Brown follows Emory University and the University of Austin in adding Bitcoin ETFs to its endowment portfolio. Emory’s SEC filings in late 2024 showed holdings in the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust worth over $15 million. The University of Austin pursued a different path, raising $5 million in Bitcoin through donations and partnerships.
According to VanEck’s head of digital asset research, Brown is now the third U.S. university with confirmed Bitcoin ETF holdings. The university’s 13F-HR form listed 13 other investments, including stakes in Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Total disclosed holdings across all assets reached $216 million.
Institutions Signal Growing Confidence in Crypto
Universities are not the only institutions exploring Bitcoin ETFs. State agencies and private investment firms have also entered the space. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board and Jane Street Capital recently disclosed similar moves. These purchases point to a trend of increased institutional confidence in regulated crypto products.
Experts note that Bitcoin ETFs continue to perform well despite market fluctuations. Bloomberg analysts reported that four of the top 25 ETF launches in history are now Bitcoin-focused. These funds gained approval after years of SEC denials. BlackRock played a major role in pushing the SEC to reconsider earlier rejections.
ETF Model Offers Regulated, Scalable Exposure
The structure of Bitcoin ETFs enables exposure without requiring users to store or manage crypto directly. This appeals to institutions aiming for compliance and transparency. Brown’s choice to invest in IBIT highlights a cautious yet strategic approach to digital assets.
With more educational and financial institutions joining the trend, regulated Bitcoin exposure is entering the mainstream.
