Bitcoin Updates: Harvard’s Investment in Bitcoin Challenges Previous Doubts as Major Institutions Turn to Cryptocurrency

Harvard University has significantly boosted its investment in BlackRock's

(IBIT), now holding shares valued at $442.8 million—a . The endowment, which oversees assets exceeding $57 billion, in as of September 30, making this its largest single reported holding in the U.S. market. This action highlights a growing trend among institutional investors, who are turning to crypto-based ETFs even as Bitcoin's price remains volatile.

This investment represents a shift for Harvard, which has traditionally preferred private equity and real estate over publicly traded funds. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that such moves are uncommon among large endowments. "It's extremely rare and challenging to see an endowment invest in an ETF—especially one like Harvard or Yale," he commented on X. Although the IBIT holding accounts for just 0.6% of Harvard's total endowment, of the ETF.

Harvard's increased IBIT position comes alongside a similar rise in gold investments, with its stake in the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD)

. This dual focus on digital assets and precious metals signals a strategic move toward investments seen as hedges against inflation and currency devaluation. Previously, Harvard had been skeptical about Bitcoin—economist Kenneth Rogoff predicted in 2018 that the cryptocurrency would "crash to $100" rather than reach $100,000 by 2028—but its current portfolio allocation .

Harvard is not the only institution making

ETF investments. Abu Dhabi’s Al Warda Investments, managed by the Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, to $517.6 million during the same period, and Emory University increased its Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) holdings by 91%. These actions are in line with the record $60.8 billion in net inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs since their debut in early 2024, the sector in assets under management.

Although IBIT's value has recently dropped to $364.4 million as Bitcoin’s price slipped below $100,000, analysts believe Harvard is taking a long-term perspective.

that institutional investments in Bitcoin ETFs continue despite short-term market fluctuations. Harvard’s filings indicate the university sees this asset as part of a diversified strategy, balancing investments in technology giants like Microsoft and Amazon with gold and cryptocurrencies.

This decision has sparked discussion. Some critics urge caution, citing Bitcoin’s price swings and the dangers of excessive exposure. Others, such as X user Zane Hauck, interpret Harvard’s move as an endorsement of Bitcoin’s place in institutional portfolios, arguing that endowments can afford to wait for long-term investment themes to play out

. With other Ivy League schools, including Brown University, also investing in Bitcoin ETFs, analysts suggest this could mark a wider acceptance of cryptocurrencies within traditional finance .