Hong Kong-based Avenir Group has emerged as Asia’s largest Bitcoin ETF investor after increasing its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to $691 million, according to recent regulatory filings. The family office now holds 14.7 million IBIT shares, representing 86.9% of its total assets under management.
The firm’s IBIT position grew from 11.3 million shares valued at $531 million in December 2024, reflecting a 30% quarter-over-quarter increase. This aggressive accumulation coincides with Hong Kong’s push to establish itself as a digital asset hub, with Avenir launching a $500 million cryptocurrency collaboration plan in late 2024 to support blockchain infrastructure projects.
Avenir’s Bitcoin ETF holdings comparison:
| Metric | March 2025 | December 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| IBIT Shares | 14.7M | 11.3M |
| Market Value | $691M | $531M |
| Portfolio Allocation | 86.9% | 78.5% |
Get breakout alerts
Install Coin Push to get profitable crypto trading notifications.
Avenir’s Crypto Strategy Takes Shape
The family office has been strategically building its digital asset exposure since Q2 2024, when it became the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin ETFs in Asia. Its current portfolio includes positions in multiple U.S.-listed crypto funds, with BlackRock’s IBIT constituting the cornerstone investment according to recent disclosures.
BlackRock’s Dominance in Asian Markets
BlackRock’s IBIT continues attracting Asian capital despite Hong Kong launching local Bitcoin ETFs in April 2025. The fund’s $27.8 billion assets under management and 0.12% management fee make it particularly appealing to institutional investors. Daily net inflows to U.S. Bitcoin ETFs recently hit 2,494 BTC, with IBIT capturing the majority share.
Hong Kong’s Regulatory Revolution
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has implemented progressive crypto regulations since 2023, creating favorable conditions for firms like Avenir. These measures include:
- Clear licensing framework for virtual asset service providers
- Tax incentives for blockchain innovation projects
- Enhanced investor protection mechanisms
This regulatory environment has spurred multiple Hong Kong asset managers to enter the crypto space. Yong Rong HK Asset Management recently invested $38 million in IBIT, while other firms are exploring Ethereum-based products ahead of anticipated ETH ETF approvals.
Install Coin Push mobile app to get profitable crypto alerts. Coin Push sends timely notifications – so you don’t miss any major market movements.
Market Impact: Avenir’s substantial position in BlackRock’s ETF signals growing institutional conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. Analysts predict increased capital flows from Asian family offices into regulated crypto products, potentially influencing Bitcoin’s price discovery mechanism and liquidity profile in global markets.
