Hong Kong-based Avenir owns $1.3 billion worth of Bitcoin ETF

Pioneering Bitcoin ETFs in Hong Kong

Avenir, a Hong Kong-based asset management firm, has become well-known in the Asian digital finance industry for its risky investment strategy in digital assets. Bitcoin (BTC), the world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is currently valued at around $117,000 per BTC as of August 15, 2025. Financial institutions remain interested in the coin due to its high liquidity and long-term growth potential. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), especially spot funds such as BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), have become a popular way for institutions to participate in the market without actually owning BTC.

At the time of writing, Avenir’s stake in Bitcoin ETFs has grown to $1.3 billion. Analysts report that the company has increased its holdings from approximately 14.7 million IBIT shares in March 2025 to 16.5 million shares. This is a significant increase in value, which has helped support Bitcoin prices over the past few months. The deal was made through institutional investment channels, taking advantage of Hong Kong’s friendly regulatory environment. Bitcoin ETF trading has been allowed since April 2024.

Hong Kong is cementing its position as Asia’s crypto financial hub, with regulations designed to encourage responsible innovation. Avenir’s increased ownership reflects growing confidence in the potential of BTC, especially as the region sees the participation of other institutions such as Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala. The crypto market reacted positively to the announcement, with BTC prices rising slightly and discussions on social media platforms, with many expressing optimism about institutional investment in Asia.

Impact on East Asia ETFs

Avenir is now one of the largest institutional investors in BTC thanks to its $1.3 billion Bitcoin ETF. This makes the company the leading firm in Hong Kong. This not only increases its net worth but also gives the company the opportunity to profit from long-term fluctuations in the price of BTC. This move shows that more Asian financial institutions are accepting Bitcoin. This could lead to more money flowing into ETFs, reducing the supply of Bitcoin and helping to keep the price above $115,000. It could also attract other asset managers in the region to participate, making BTC more liquid and trustworthy.

Avenir promotes the institutionalization of Bitcoin, increasing demand and reducing circulating supply, thereby putting upward pressure on the price. This could encourage other institutions in Asia, such as Singapore or Japan, to join, increasing liquidity and acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate investment asset. Opinions from the region’s crypto community, reflected in online discussions, are optimistic about Hong Kong’s growing role.

Evaluation and Conclusion

Hong Kong-based Avenir’s $1.3 billion Bitcoin ETF is a milestone, reflecting the company’s ambition to lead the institutionalization of cryptocurrencies in Asia. This event brings growth opportunities for Avenir and the Bitcoin market, despite the risks of price volatility and regulation.

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