BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Sees $1B Weekly Outflows Amid Market Pullback
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recorded approximately $1.01 billion in outflows between May 18–22, 2026, the largest weekly redemption wave of the year. On-chain data from Arkham Intelligence showed 13,000–15,000 BTC moved to Coinbase Prime for settlement. The outflows were part of a broader $1.26 billion total U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF exodus that week, with Fidelity's FBTC and Ark Invest's ARKB also affected. Analysts clarified the selling was driven by investor redemptions, not a strategic exit by BlackRock. The SEC has since approved in-kind redemptions for IBIT, allowing future exits without forced Bitcoin sales. Bitcoin fell to $74,300 before recovering to $77,000, absorbing the selling pressure. April 2026 had been the strongest month for spot Bitcoin ETFs with $1.97 billion inflows. BlackRock concurrently filed a second tokenized fund with the SEC, signaling continued digital asset expansion. CEO Larry Fink's October 2025 praise of crypto recirculated amid the news.
Key facts
- BlackRock's IBIT saw $1.01 billion in outflows from May 18–22, 2026.
- 13,000–15,000 BTC were moved to Coinbase Prime for redemption settlement.
- Total U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF outflows that week were $1.26 billion.
- Outflows also hit Fidelity's FBTC and Ark Invest's ARKB.
- Bitcoin price fell to $74,300 then recovered to $77,000.
- April 2026 had $1.97 billion net inflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs.
- SEC approved in-kind redemptions for IBIT after the outflow week.
- BlackRock filed a second tokenized fund with the SEC that same week.
Entities
Institutions
- BlackRock
- iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
- Arkham Intelligence
- Coinbase Prime
- Fidelity
- Ark Invest
- SEC
- CBS
- NFT Plazas
Locations
- United States