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BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, ticker IBIT, has become one of the most popular ways for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin directly from a standard brokerage account. But what is it, how does it work, and what are the trade-offs?

In short, IBIT is an exchange-traded product (ETP) that holds actual Bitcoin and trades like a stock on the NASDAQ exchange. Investors use it for its convenience, deep liquidity, and access within a regulated market. As of early September 2025, the fund holds approximately $82.6 billion in assets, charges a 0.25% expense ratio, and uses Coinbase Custody Trust as its custodian. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.

What You Actually Own with IBIT​

When you buy a share of IBIT, you are buying a share of a commodity trust that holds Bitcoin. This structure is more like a gold trust than a traditional mutual fund or ETF governed by the 1940 Act.

The fund’s value is benchmarked against the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate – New York Variant (BRRNY), a once-a-day reference price used to calculate its Net Asset Value (NAV).

The actual Bitcoin is stored with Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC, with operational trading handled through Coinbase Prime. The vast majority of the Bitcoin sits in segregated cold storage, referred to as the “Vault Balance.” A smaller portion is kept in a “Trading Balance” to manage the creation and redemption of shares and to pay the fund’s fees.

The Headline Numbers That Matter​

• Expense Ratio: The sponsor fee for IBIT is 0.25%. Any introductory fee waivers have since expired, so this is the current annual cost.
• Size & Liquidity: With net assets of $82.6 billion as of September 2, 2025, IBIT is a giant in the space. It sees tens of millions of shares traded daily, and its 30-day median bid/ask spread is a tight 0.02%, which helps minimize slippage for traders.
• Where It Trades: You can find the fund on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol IBIT.

How IBIT Keeps Up with Bitcoin’s Price​

The fund’s share price stays close to the value of its underlying Bitcoin through a creation and redemption mechanism involving Authorized Participants (APs), which are large financial institutions.

Unlike many gold ETPs that allow for “in-kind” transfers (where APs can swap a block of shares for actual gold), IBIT was launched with a “cash” creation/redemption model. This means APs deliver cash to the trust, which then buys Bitcoin, or they receive cash after the trust sells Bitcoin.

In practice, this process has been very effective. Thanks to the heavy trading volume and active APs, the premium or discount to the fund’s NAV has generally been minimal. However, these can widen during periods of high volatility or if the creation/redemption process is constrained, so it’s always wise to check the fund’s premium/discount stats before trading.

What IBIT Costs You (Beyond the Headline Fee)​

Beyond the 0.25% expense ratio, there are other costs to consider.

First, the sponsor fee is paid by the trust selling small amounts of its Bitcoin holdings. This means that over time, each share of IBIT will represent a slightly smaller amount of Bitcoin. If Bitcoin’s price rises, this effect can be masked; if not, your share’s value will gradually drift downward compared to holding raw BTC.

Second, you’ll encounter real-world trading costs, including the bid/ask spread, any brokerage commissions, and the potential for trading at a premium or discount to NAV. Using limit orders is a good way to maintain control over your execution price.

Finally, trading shares of IBIT involves securities, not the direct holding of cryptocurrency. This simplifies tax reporting with standard brokerage forms but comes with different tax nuances than holding coins directly. It’s important to read the prospectus and consult a tax professional if needed.

IBIT vs. Holding Bitcoin Yourself​

Choosing between IBIT and self-custody comes down to your goals.

• Convenience & Compliance: IBIT offers easy access through a brokerage account, with no need to manage private keys, sign up for crypto exchanges, or handle unfamiliar wallet software. You get standard tax statements and a familiar trading interface.
• Counterparty Trade-offs: With IBIT, you don't control the coins on-chain. You are relying on the trust and its service providers, including the custodian (Coinbase) and prime broker. It’s crucial to understand these operational and custody risks by reviewing the fund’s filings.
• Utility: If you want to use Bitcoin for on-chain activities like payments, Lightning Network transactions, or multi-signature security setups, self-custody is the only option. If your goal is simply price exposure in a retirement or taxable brokerage account, IBIT is purpose-built for that.

IBIT vs. Bitcoin Futures ETFs​

It’s also important to distinguish spot ETFs from futures-based ones. A futures ETF holds CME futures contracts, not actual Bitcoin. IBIT, as a spot ETF, holds the underlying BTC directly.

This structural difference matters. Futures funds can experience price drift from their underlying asset due to contract roll costs and the futures term structure. Spot funds, on the other hand, tend to track the spot price of Bitcoin more tightly, minus fees. For straightforward Bitcoin exposure in a brokerage account, a spot product like IBIT is generally the simpler instrument.

How to Buy—And What to Check First​

You can buy IBIT in any standard taxable or retirement brokerage account under the ticker IBIT. For best execution, liquidity is typically highest near the U.S. stock market's open and close. Always check the bid/ask spread and use limit orders to control your price.

Given Bitcoin’s volatility, many investors treat it as a satellite position in their portfolio—an allocation small enough that they can tolerate a significant drawdown. Always read the risk section of the prospectus before investing.

Advanced Note: Options Exist​

For more sophisticated investors, listed options on IBIT are available. Trading began on venues like the Nasdaq ISE in late 2024, enabling hedging or income-generating strategies. Check with your broker about eligibility and the associated risks.

Risks Worth Reading Twice​

• Market Risk: Bitcoin’s price is notoriously volatile and can swing sharply in either direction.
• Operational Risk: A security breach, key-management failure, or other problem at the custodian or prime broker could negatively impact the trust. The prospectus details the risks associated with both the "Trading Balance" and the "Vault Balance."
• Premium/Discount Risk: If the arbitrage mechanism becomes impaired for any reason, IBIT shares can deviate significantly from their NAV.
• Regulatory Risk: The rules governing cryptocurrencies and related financial products are still evolving.

A Quick Checklist Before You Click “Buy”​

Before investing, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I understand that the sponsor fee is paid by selling Bitcoin, which slowly reduces the amount of BTC per share?
• Have I checked today’s bid/ask spread, recent trading volumes, and any premium or discount to NAV?
• Is my investment time horizon long enough to withstand crypto’s inherent volatility?
• Have I made a conscious choice between spot exposure via IBIT and self-custody based on my specific goals?
• Have I read the latest fund fact sheet or prospectus? It remains the single best source for how the trust truly operates.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not financial or tax advice. Always read official fund documents and consider professional guidance for your situation.