Abu Dhabi Boosts Bitcoin ETF Holdings: A Bold Investment Strategy
In a landmark move, the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Co., has significantly increased its stake in the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) managed by BlackRock. According to a regulatory filing, ADIC upped its holdings from 2.4 million shares to nearly 8 million by the end of Q3 2025. This position was valued at an impressive $518 million as of September 30.
What makes this investment remarkable is its timing and scale. The fund made its purchase shortly before Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of $126,000 in early October, and just ahead of one of the sharpest corrections in the cryptocurrency market. Despite the volatility, ADIC’s decision underscores its belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value as a portfolio diversifier, akin to gold.
Aligning with Sovereign Wealth Goals
ADIC’s aggressive bet on Bitcoin ETFs reflects a broader strategy of diversifying its portfolio away from oil-based revenue. By treating Bitcoin as a treasury tool rather than a speculative asset, ADIC acknowledges the role digital assets can play in long-term financial planning. A spokesperson from ADIC stated, “We see Bitcoin playing an increasingly important role alongside gold in both our near-term and long-term strategies.”
Bitcoin vs. Market Volatility
ADIC’s decision to increase its IBIT holdings comes at a time when many institutional investors are cautious about crypto’s volatile nature. In November 2025, the IBIT fund recorded a single-day outflow of $523 million, one of its largest since its inception in January 2024. Despite this, ADIC remains committed to Bitcoin’s potential as a store of value.
Notably, ADIC and its parent company Mubadala Investment Co. collectively hold over 16 million IBIT shares, placing Abu Dhabi’s exposure to Bitcoin ETFs firmly in the billion-dollar range. This move makes ADIC a pioneer among sovereign wealth funds exploring cryptocurrency investments at scale.
How to Secure Your Own Crypto Portfolio
If you’re inspired by ADIC’s strategy but are new to cryptocurrency investing, starting with regulated Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT can be a safer way to enter the market. Platforms like BlackRock offer ETFs designed for institutional and retail investors alike.
To further safeguard your crypto investment, consider pairing it with a high-performance cold wallet, such as the Ledger Nano X, to securely store your Bitcoin. This wallet ensures your assets remain safe from online threats, providing you peace of mind.
Conclusion
ADIC’s substantial allocation to Bitcoin illustrates the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a financial instrument for sovereign funds. As Abu Dhabi forges ahead with integrating digital assets into its investment portfolio, it sends a strong signal to governments and investors globally about the legitimacy and long-term potential of Bitcoin.
For those looking to expand their own financial horizons, following the example of institutional players like ADIC by adopting a diversified strategy might be the way forward in the evolving financial landscape.
