# BlackRock expands tokenization and crypto ETF filings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/blackrock-tokenization-of-financial-assets
> Updated: 2026-10-19T00:38:48.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

BlackRock is increasingly integrating tokenized assets into financial infrastructure. Initial developments included the launch of a tokenized version of BlackRock shares, designated as the $BLK token, on the Solana blockchain via Backpack Securities. Following this, the firm expanded its use of tokenization to include model portfolios in partnership with Ondo Finance and tokenized share classes for Treasury liquidity funds using the Securitize platform. BlackRock also tokenized $311 billion in European money market funds through JPMorgan’s Kinexys platform on Ethereum.

Building on this momentum, BlackRock is deepening its blockchain integration by focusing on tokenization to enable 24-hour transfers of fund shares and allowing tokenized assets to serve as collateral within the traditional financial ecosystem. The firm’s flagship tokenized Treasury fund, BUIDL, has grown to approximately $2.3 billion in assets.

In tandem with its tokenization push, BlackRock is expanding its cryptocurrency footprint through new product filings. The firm has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the iShares Bitcoin Managed Protect ETF (ticker: PBIT), a structured product designed to provide downside protection against Bitcoin volatility using options and fixed-income securities, albeit with capped potential gains. The proposed fund will not hold Bitcoin directly but will utilize options linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to target an initial loss threshold of approximately 10% per tranche. While BlackRock views Bitcoin as a potential tool for diversification, other institutions like JPMorgan remain skeptical, citing its status as a speculative asset with unstable market correlations.

## Claims

- BlackRock filed with the SEC for the iShares Bitcoin Managed Protection ETF (PBIT). (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The fund will use options and fixed-income securities rather than holding Bitcoin or spot ETFs directly. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The ETF will cap potential gains in exchange for the downside protection. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The fund aims to provide downside protection by targeting an initial loss threshold of approximately 10% per tranche. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- BlackRock’s BUIDL tokenized money-market fund has grown to approximately $2.3 billion since its 2024 launch. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The registration for the new ETF is expected to take effect approximately 75 days after the October 19 filing. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- JPMorgan views Bitcoin as a speculative asset and advises against its inclusion in diversified portfolios due to unstable correlations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- BlackRock increased its stake in Intesa Sanpaolo to 7.3%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- BlackRock increased its stake in UniCredit to 8.92%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- BlackRock has tokenized $311 billion in European money market funds using JPMorgan’s Kinexys platform. (single source)
- US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net outflow of $635.6 million on October 22. (single source)
- BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recorded an outflow of $254.1 million. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: BlackRock files for Bitcoin ETF with downside protection

BlackRock has filed for a new Bitcoin ETF (PBIT) that uses options to offer downside protection in exchange for capped gains. The firm is also expanding its tokenized fund infrastructure.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blackrock-expands-tokenized-fund-integration-into-financial-infrastructure

### 2026-10-01: BlackRock shares arrive on Solana via Backpack Securities tokenization

Backpack Securities has introduced tokenized BlackRock shares ($BLK) on the Solana blockchain, enabling 24/7 trading, while Stonebridge Financial Group significantly increased its BlackRock holdings.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blackrock-shares-arrive-on-solana-via-backpack-securities-tokenization

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Cite as: BlackRock expands tokenization and crypto ETF filings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/blackrock-tokenization-of-financial-assets