Barclays Boosts BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Stake by 48% to $187 Million

Barclays expanded its holdings in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) by 48% during the third quarter, reporting 3.94 million shares valued at about $187 million as of September 30. The position rose from 2.66 million shares worth $88.5 million in the second quarter. The move aligns with broader banking accumulation: Citigroup established a $119 million position in Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and lifted its IBIT stake 50% to roughly 521,000 shares. Total spot Bitcoin ETF holdings across 1,389 early filers reached $5.25 billion, with commercial banks representing $258 million.