Emory University has become the first endowment to report an investment in spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with a total exposure of $15.8 million, according to recent 13F filings. Emory holds nearly 2.7 million shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (GBTC) worth nearly $15.1 million at the time of filing, the disclosure shows, though other universities have invested in cryptocurrency, according to CoinDesk. In recent years, colleges have begun to accept gifts and donations in the form of cryptocurrency.
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that with Emory’s investment, every major institutional category is now represented in Bitcoin ETFs, including endowments, banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, advisors, pension funds, private equity, holding companies, venture capital, trusts, family offices, and brokerage firms.
Balchunas further highlighted that this broad representation indicates the rising interest in Bitcoin ETFs across institutional sectors. He added: Absolutely insane feat for category less than year old, akin to winning all four tennis grand slams before its 16th bday.”
Since bitcoin ETFs launched less than a year ago, institutional participation has surged. According to a recent Binance Research report, over 1,200 institutions now hold bitcoin ETFs, demonstrating an adoption rate that far outpaces that of early gold ETFs, which saw only 95 institutional investors within their first year.
Bitcoin ETFs have attracted both retail and institutional investors alike, amassing over 938,700 BTC in cumulative holdings, equating to approximately $63.3 billion in assets under management and representing 5.2% of Bitcoin’s total supply.
These ETFs have not only contributed to market growth but also added a layer of stability, as institutional participation increases liquidity and reduces price volatility. Market depth, a measure of liquidity, has improved as capital from institutional investors and market makers flows into Bitcoin ETFs, leading to tighter spreads and steadier trading conditions.
Institutional adoption has contributed to Bitcoin’s expanding role in traditional finance, as the flagship crypto increasingly appeals to firms seeking alternative assets within a regulatory framework. Emory’s investment reflects this trend, highlighting the broader acceptance of digital assets within conventional financial portfolios.
