Harvard University Takes Major Step in Bitcoin ETF

Harvard University, through its endowment management arm Harvard Management Company, has increased its holdings in the iShares Bitcoin Trust to approximately 6.8 million shares, totaling about $442.8 million. As a result, the Bitcoin ETF has become the largest public investment in Harvard’s portfolio, surpassing its stake in Alphabet/Google.

This move, at least nominally, reflects a significant shift in the traditionally conservative academic institution’s stance, prioritizing regulated cryptocurrency exposure over at least some major tech stocks. Given Harvard’s substantial allocation in the Bitcoin ETF, analysts view this increase as a strong show of confidence in cryptocurrency ETFs by the institution.

Of course, this still amounts to less than 1% of the university’s total endowment. In this regard, the investment is entirely in a regulated ETF, rather than direct cryptocurrency holdings, but it highlights the growing institutional attention on Bitcoin as part of a diversified portfolio.