BlackRock, led by former trader Larry Fink, would thus be exposed to cryptocurrencies for the first time, a BlackRock spokesperson confirmed to AFP.
The world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, made a first step towards possible investments in bitcoin, by adding this virtual currency to the list of financial products in which you can invest.
The decision to BlackRock gives more legitimacy to this highly volatile cryptocurrency.
According to documents transmitted to the authorities of the financial markets on Wednesday , two funds managed by the firm open the possibility of investments in bitcoin.
BlackRock, led by former trader Larry Fink, would thus be exposed to cryptocurrencies for the first time, a BlackRock spokesperson confirmed to AFP.
The group, however, is still cautious.
BlackRock would only target forward contracts based on this cryptocurrency that can be converted into dollars and exchanged on a platform of the CME company, where financial products are traded.
The firm was pushed to this idea by the demand of some investors, but continues to consider the virtual currency as a speculative asset and does not foresee for the moment to open to other cryptocurrencies, highlighted a source close to BlackRock.
The group, which manages $ 8.677 trillion in pension funds, large fortunes, sovereign funds and local communities, nevertheless warns of the persistent risks of investing in bitcoin.
This virtual currency created by anonymous and managed by a decentralized network is particularly volatile and its price is difficult to determine, highlights BlackRock.
In recent months, it shot up to $ 40,000 per unit in early January, before falling to $ 31,000 today.
The firm stressed that bitcoin could be subject to regulatory changes.
Janet Yellen , Joe Biden's future Treasury Secretary, told Congress on Tuesday that cryptocurrencies are "primarily used" to finance illicit activities and represent "a particular concern."
The government should examine the means to limit their use and make sure they do not become a mechanism to launder dirty money, he added.
