The world of mutual funds is a complex one, with some of the biggest players in the game being BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), Fidelity, and Vanguard. These top 15 asset managers handle over $54 trillion, which is a staggering amount of money. In fact, that amount of money could buy all the companies listed in the S&P 500 Index, plus all the gold, fiat bills, and coins in circulation on the planet. It’s a mind-boggling thought.
But what does this have to do with cryptocurrency? Well, as it turns out, quite a bit. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more institutional investors dipping their toes into the crypto waters. And with the amount of money that these asset managers control, even a small percentage allocation to crypto could have a huge impact on the market.
So far, we’ve seen some tentative steps from these giants of the finance world. Fidelity, for example, launched a digital assets subsidiary back in 2018, but has yet to make any major moves in the space. BlackRock, on the other hand, has been a bit more vocal about its interest in cryptocurrency. CEO Larry Fink has said that the company is “studying” crypto and blockchain, and that it could become a “great asset class.” However, the firm has yet to make any concrete moves.
But that could be about to change. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, BlackRock has assembled a working group to explore the potential of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin. The group is said to be made up of employees from various parts of the company, including BlackRock’s fixed income division.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors of BlackRock getting into crypto. Back in 2018, the company reportedly set up a team to investigate the space, but ultimately decided not to pursue any projects. However, the fact that the firm is still exploring the potential of crypto suggests that it hasn’t completely ruled out the idea.
So, what could this mean for the crypto market? Well, if BlackRock were to make a significant move into the space, it could have a major impact. The firm is the world’s largest asset manager, with over $7 trillion in assets under management. Even a small allocation to Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies could send prices soaring.
Of course, it’s important to remember that this is all speculation at this point. BlackRock may ultimately decide that crypto isn’t for them, or they may decide to make a small allocation that doesn’t move the needle much. But the fact that the firm is exploring the potential of cryptocurrency is certainly an interesting development.
In the end, the mutual fund industry and the world of cryptocurrency may seem like strange bedfellows. But as the lines between traditional finance and digital assets continue to blur, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these two worlds are more connected than we might have thought. And if BlackRock does end up making a move into crypto, it could be a sign of things to come.
