BlackRock’s bull case for bitcoin access among retail investors

Cryptocurrency ETFs: A Growing Trend in 2026

In 2026, it seems that Main Street’s interest in cryptocurrency exposure is on the rise. While it has been two years since the introduction of the first spot bitcoin ETFs on U.S. exchanges, Jay Jacobs from BlackRock believes that this concept is still in its infancy. According to Jacobs, many investors are just beginning their educational journey on bitcoin and ethereum, trying to understand how these digital assets can fit into their portfolios. He stated that it is still early days for these cryptocurrencies.

BlackRock manages the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). Despite the recent popularity of cryptocurrencies, IBIT has seen a decrease of more than 3% in the past year, while ETHA is down nearly 6%. This decline follows a period of high volatility in bitcoin prices, with the cryptocurrency reaching a record high of around $126,000 last October and now trading in the low $90,000 range.

The growing interest in cryptocurrencies can be attributed to the expansion of investment options by large asset managers like BlackRock, who are offering ETFs as a way to invest in these digital assets. Financial advisors who previously did not have access to crypto investments now have the opportunity to buy ETFs like IBIT on their platforms.

Despite the volatility in the cryptocurrency market, investors seem to be holding onto their positions. Todd Rosenbluth from VettaFi noted that crypto investors are displaying loyalty to the asset class, sticking with their investments rather than quickly jumping to alternative options. This loyalty indicates that investors have confidence in the long-term trends of cryptocurrencies and are not easily swayed by short-term market fluctuations.

Overall, the rise of cryptocurrency ETFs in 2026 signifies a growing acceptance and interest in digital assets among mainstream investors. As more investors educate themselves on the potential of bitcoin and ethereum, we may see a continued growth in the popularity of these digital currencies in the years to come.