Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, recently vocalized his support for cryptocurrencies during an interview on Fox Business.
This comes as BlackRock applies to list a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S, a move that could revolutionize finance by providing an accessible investment tool linked directly to Bitcoin.
In the interview, Fink characterized cryptocurrency’s role as essentially “digitizing gold”, implying that it could serve as an alternative investment asset that isn’t tied to any specific currency.
He suggested that Bitcoin could provide investors with a way to protect against inflation and currency devaluation, signaling an international asset appeal.
Fink’s commentary on the crypto landscape has been consistent. He has weighed in on various important occurrences within the sector, such as the FTX downfall in 2022 and the growing intrigue surrounding Bitcoin.
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Given BlackRock’s influence, with over $9 trillion in assets under management as of April, Fink’s pro-crypto statements could trigger substantial impacts both within and outside the cryptocurrency domain.
Crypto enthusiasts online have reacted favorably to Fink’s pro-Bitcoin commentary, with some predicting a potential surge in certain asset prices, referred to as the “Fink Pump”.
At the time of the interview, Bitcoin’s price stood at $30,473, a slight 1% decline from the previous 24 hours.
It’s worth noting that under Fink’s leadership, BlackRock has pursued the launch of a Bitcoin ETF, with crypto giant Coinbase as a surveillance partner.
However, the outcome remains uncertain as the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission has previously rejected all spot Bitcoin ETF applications.
Fink’s positive stance on crypto could potentially tip the scales in favor of such advancements, marking a milestone for cryptocurrency integration into traditional finance.