Barclays disclosed a 48% increase in its holdings of BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF, and Citigroup also reported larger exposure. The filings show September positions, so they do not prove either bank is buying Bitcoin's recent weakness.
Barclays raised its stake in the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) by approximately 48.3% during the third quarter. The bank's November 6 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission put its holdings at approximately 3.94 million shares at the end of September 2026.
Those shares were valued at roughly $186.66 million. The position reflects September holdings rather than purchases made during November's market weakness.
Citigroup also adds IBIT exposure
Barclays reported 3,942,900 shares, compared with approximately 2.66 million in the previous quarter, an increase of roughly 1.28 million shares.
Citigroup disclosed approximately 521,000 IBIT shares, about 50% more than in the previous quarter. It also reported a new position in Fidelity's Bitcoin ETF worth approximately $119 million.
However, ETF exposure is not the same as direct Bitcoin accumulation. Banks may hold these instruments for client facilitation, market-making, hedging, and investment strategies, so the filings alone do not establish a directional bullish outlook at Barclays or Citigroup.
Bitcoin faces resistance near $75,000
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has faced selling pressure and is struggling to establish a sustained recovery above important resistance levels. Bitcoinist says the $72,000–$74,000 region deserves close attention.
A successful defense of that area would give buyers a chance to challenge the first significant resistance near $75,000. Above that, the next area to monitor is approximately $76,000–$77,500, and a confirmed breakout there could strengthen the case for another move toward $80,000.
On the downside, a decisive break below $72,000 would weaken the immediate recovery scenario and bring the psychological $70,000 region into focus. Bitcoinist adds that a rally without improving trading volume and stronger momentum could meet renewed selling pressure.
Source: Bitcoinist
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