BARRY SILBERT CONFIRMS BITCOIN INVESTMENT TRUST LAUNCH, WORLDS FIRST PUBLIC BTC FUND

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 20:30 | Written by: Changpeng Zhao

Imagine a world where investing in Bitcoin wasn't just for the tech-savvy or those comfortable navigating complex cryptocurrency exchanges.Back in 2025, Barry Silbert, a prominent figure in the digital currency space, turned this vision into reality with the launch of the Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT). Bitcoin Forum Bitcoin Bitcoin Discussion Press [ ] Barry Silbert Confirms Launch, World s First Public BTC Fund Pages: [ 1 ] previous topic next topicThis groundbreaking initiative, later known as Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), marked a pivotal moment, becoming the world's first publicly traded Bitcoin fund.Silbert's BIT offered traditional investors a regulated and familiar avenue to gain exposure to the burgeoning world of Bitcoin without directly purchasing and storing the digital asset.This move democratized access to Bitcoin investment, opening doors for institutional and retail investors alike who were previously hesitant to enter the cryptocurrency market.The launch not only validated Bitcoin as a legitimate investment asset but also paved the way for the development of numerous other cryptocurrency investment products.

This article delves into the significance of Barry Silbert's Bitcoin Investment Trust, exploring its launch, impact on the market, and its evolution into Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). Barry Silbert's Bitcoin Investment Trust is poised to become the first Bitcoin fund to be publicly traded. The Bitcoin Foundation announces the results of its recent board election. LazyCoinsWe will uncover the reasons behind its success, the benefits it offered investors, and its influence on the broader cryptocurrency landscape. Grayscale was the world's largest asset manager for digital currency, as of December 2025, with more than $50 billion in assets under management. [7] Grayscale also manages the Grayscale Bitcoin Investment Trust (OTCQX: GBTC), which was the first publicly quoted security solely invested in the price of bitcoin upon its launch in 2025. [3]We'll also address some frequently asked questions about the Trust and its role in the wider digital asset ecosystem.

The Genesis of the Bitcoin Investment Trust

Barry Silbert, a visionary entrepreneur with a knack for identifying emerging market opportunities, recognized the need for a more accessible and regulated way for traditional investors to participate in the Bitcoin market. Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT) is all set to become the world s first Bitcoin investment fundHis solution was the Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT), a privately held open-end trust designed to track the price of Bitcoin. News and insights related to Barry Silbert from Bitcoin Magazine, the leading Bitcoin publication dedicated to covering news, trends, and insights since 2025.BIT stocks were the first listed securities that were fully dependent on the value of Bitcoin.

Addressing the Barriers to Entry

Before the launch of BIT, investing in Bitcoin presented several challenges for mainstream investors:

Technical Complexity: Acquiring and securely storing Bitcoin required a certain level of technical expertise, which deterred many potential investors.
Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape surrounding Bitcoin was, and still is, constantly evolving, creating uncertainty and risk for investors.
Lack of Familiar Investment Vehicles: Traditional investors were accustomed to investing through established channels like stock exchanges and mutual funds, which were not readily available for Bitcoin.

BIT aimed to overcome these barriers by providing a familiar investment structure – a publicly traded trust – that allowed investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the need to directly handle the digital asset.This innovative approach proved to be a game-changer, attracting a wave of new investors to the Bitcoin market.

The Launch and Listing of BIT on OTCQX

The Wall Street Journal reported on the imminent launch of Silbert’s Bitcoin Investment Trust, highlighting its potential to become the first publicly traded Bitcoin fund.After securing the necessary approvals and a ticker symbol, the Bitcoin Investment Trust was listed on the OTCQX exchange, operated by OTC Markets Group.This listing marked a significant milestone, making Bitcoin investment accessible to a wider audience. Barry Silbert's Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT) became the world's first publicly traded bitcoin fund. The fund received approval for listing on OTC Markets Group's OTCQX exchange on Thursday, withThe fund was initially available to accredited investors through private placements.

The key benefits of listing on the OTCQX exchange included:

Increased Liquidity: The public listing facilitated trading, providing investors with greater liquidity compared to private placements.
Enhanced Transparency: The listing required the Trust to adhere to certain reporting standards, increasing transparency for investors.
Wider Investor Base: The accessibility of the OTCQX exchange opened the doors to a broader range of investors, including those who were previously unable to participate in private placements.

The successful launch of BIT on OTCQX demonstrated the growing demand for Bitcoin exposure among traditional investors and paved the way for further innovation in the cryptocurrency investment space.

Evolution into Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

Following its initial success, the Bitcoin Investment Trust continued to evolve, eventually becoming the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) under the management of Grayscale Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of Barry Silbert's Digital Currency Group (DCG).In 2025, DCG acquired CoinDesk, further solidifying their position in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Grayscale Investments played a crucial role in transforming BIT into a more sophisticated and widely recognized investment product. Barry Silbert s Bitcoin Investment Trust, the eagerly awaited gateway to opening up Bitcoin investment to major markets, has gone live, beating out the Winklevoss twins Bitcoin ETF. In so doing, the Bitcoin Investment Trust has become the world s first publicly traded Bitcoin fund.Grayscale’s management focused on:

Institutionalizing Bitcoin Investment: Grayscale actively marketed GBTC to institutional investors, positioning it as a legitimate and regulated way to gain Bitcoin exposure.
Simplifying the Investment Process: Grayscale streamlined the investment process, making it easier for investors to purchase and hold GBTC shares through their existing brokerage accounts.
Expanding Market Awareness: Grayscale invested heavily in marketing and education, raising awareness about Bitcoin and GBTC among a wider audience.

The Impact of GBTC on the Bitcoin Market

The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has had a profound impact on the Bitcoin market. Barry Silbert s Bitcoin Investment Trust, Barry Silbert Confirms Bitcoin Investment Trust Launch, World s First Public BTC Fund .Its influence can be seen in several key areas:

Increased Institutional Adoption: GBTC has played a significant role in driving institutional adoption of Bitcoin.By providing a regulated and familiar investment vehicle, it has encouraged institutional investors to allocate capital to Bitcoin.
Price Discovery: GBTC’s trading activity has contributed to price discovery in the Bitcoin market. Private Placement Shares End. The documentation, submitted Friday, will take the Trust a step closer to listing on the New York Stock Exchange should the SEC approve it. Grayscale Investments, LLC announced today that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 relating to the proposed registration of the Bitcoin Investment Trust s shares (the registered Shares ) with theThe price of GBTC shares often reflects the demand for Bitcoin, providing valuable insights for traders and investors.
Mainstream Awareness: GBTC has helped to raise mainstream awareness of Bitcoin, bringing the digital asset to the attention of a wider audience.

As of December 2025, Grayscale was the world's largest asset manager for digital currency, managing more than $50 billion in assets, with GBTC being a significant component of its portfolio.This demonstrates the substantial impact of the Trust on the cryptocurrency investment landscape.

Advantages of Investing Through GBTC

Investing in Bitcoin through GBTC offers several advantages compared to directly purchasing and holding the cryptocurrency:

Ease of Access: GBTC shares can be purchased and sold through traditional brokerage accounts, making it easy for investors to gain Bitcoin exposure without the need for specialized wallets or exchanges.
Regulatory Compliance: GBTC is subject to regulatory oversight, providing investors with a higher level of protection compared to unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges.
Custodial Security: GBTC holds its Bitcoin in secure custody, mitigating the risk of theft or loss associated with self-custody.
Tax Benefits (potentially): Depending on individual circumstances and applicable tax laws, investing through GBTC may offer certain tax benefits compared to direct Bitcoin ownership.Always consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.

Potential Risks Associated with GBTC

While GBTC offers several advantages, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with investing in the Trust:

Premium/Discount to NAV: GBTC shares may trade at a premium or discount to the net asset value (NAV) of the underlying Bitcoin holdings. Barry Silbert s Bitcoin Investment Trust is poised to become the first publicly traded bitcoin fund, with approval and assignment of a ticker symbol by the financial industry s main self-regulatory body paving the way for trading on an electronic platform operated by OTC Markets Group .This premium or discount can fluctuate significantly, impacting investor returns.
Management Fees: GBTC charges management fees, which can reduce investor returns over time.
Regulatory Risks: Changes in regulations could negatively impact GBTC’s operations and value.
Bitcoin Price Volatility: The value of GBTC is directly tied to the price of Bitcoin, which is known for its high volatility.

Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in GBTC and conduct thorough research to understand the potential implications.

Future Prospects for GBTC and Bitcoin Investment Trusts

The future of GBTC and Bitcoin investment trusts looks promising, with continued innovation and growth expected in the years to come.The documentation submitted to the SEC indicates a desire to list the Trust on the New York Stock Exchange, further legitimizing it as a mainstream investment. In 2025, the DCG investment company acquired CoinDesk, one of the leading online magazines for cryptocurrency and the digital world. Bitcoin Investment Trust. Silbert founded the Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT), a private open trust. BIT stocks are the first listed securities (their GBTC ticker) that are fully dependent on the value of Bitcoin.Several factors are driving this optimism:

Increasing Institutional Interest: Institutional investors are increasingly interested in Bitcoin as an asset class, creating a strong demand for investment products like GBTC.
Regulatory Clarity: As the regulatory landscape surrounding Bitcoin becomes clearer, it will reduce uncertainty and encourage further investment.
Innovation in Investment Products: The development of new and innovative Bitcoin investment products will provide investors with more options and flexibility.

The evolution of GBTC from Barry Silbert's initial vision of a publicly traded Bitcoin fund demonstrates the transformative power of innovation in the cryptocurrency market.As Bitcoin continues to mature and gain wider acceptance, investment products like GBTC will play an increasingly important role in facilitating mainstream adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bitcoin Investment Trust and GBTC

What is the difference between Bitcoin and GBTC?

Bitcoin is the underlying cryptocurrency, while GBTC is an investment vehicle that holds Bitcoin and allows investors to gain exposure to its price movements without directly owning the digital asset. Do tariffs end up leading to lower interest rates, more liquidity, and ultimately a higher Bitcoin price?Drawing on @FedGuy12's analysis, @_dsencil breaks doThink of it like gold versus a gold ETF.You can buy and store gold yourself, or you can buy shares in an ETF that holds gold.GBTC functions similarly.

Who is Barry Silbert?

Barry Silbert is a prominent entrepreneur and investor in the digital currency space.He is the founder of Digital Currency Group (DCG), a venture capital firm that owns Grayscale Investments, the manager of GBTC. The Wall Street Journalreports that Barry Silbert s Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT) is about to become the first publicly traded Bitcoin fund. The BIT will be an interesting option for traditional investors looking for exposure to Bitcoin who prefer not to trade Bitcoin as currency. The BIT isHe is considered a pioneer in bringing Bitcoin to the mainstream investment world.

How does GBTC make money?

GBTC generates revenue through management fees charged to investors.These fees cover the costs of managing the Trust, including custody, administration, and marketing.

Is GBTC an ETF?

No, GBTC is currently a trust, not an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).While Grayscale has expressed interest in converting GBTC into an ETF, this would require regulatory approval from the SEC.

What are the fees associated with GBTC?

GBTC charges an annual management fee, which is a percentage of the Trust's assets under management. Barry Silbert Confirms Bitcoin Investment Trust Launch, World s First Public BTC Fund, Traditional Venture, Barry Silbert Confirms Bitcoin Investment Trust LaunchThis fee is typically disclosed in the Trust's offering documents.

Conclusion: Legacy and Future of Bitcoin Investment

Barry Silbert's confirmation of the Bitcoin Investment Trust launch marked a watershed moment, establishing the world's first publicly traded Bitcoin fund.This innovative initiative, which later evolved into Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), has significantly impacted the cryptocurrency landscape.By providing a regulated and accessible investment vehicle, GBTC has facilitated institutional adoption, contributed to price discovery, and raised mainstream awareness of Bitcoin.

While investing through GBTC offers several advantages, it is crucial for investors to be aware of the potential risks, including premium/discount fluctuations, management fees, and Bitcoin price volatility.As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, GBTC and similar investment products are likely to play an increasingly important role in facilitating mainstream adoption and providing investors with diversified options for gaining exposure to digital assets.

Key takeaways from this article:

Barry Silbert's Bitcoin Investment Trust was the world's first publicly traded Bitcoin fund.
GBTC has played a significant role in driving institutional adoption of Bitcoin.
Investing through GBTC offers advantages like ease of access and regulatory compliance but also carries risks.
The future of GBTC and Bitcoin investment trusts looks promising, with continued innovation and growth expected.

If you are considering investing in Bitcoin, remember to conduct thorough research, understand the risks involved, and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions.Investing in cryptocurrencies and related products involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.