• Strategy added 89,599 BTC in 2026, while BlackRock’s IBIT increased holdings by about 8,484 BTC.
• Strategy’s 2026 Bitcoin accumulation is more than 7x BlackRock’s, based on year-to-date growth in holdings.
• BlackRock still leads in total BTC held, but Strategy is now about 20,000 BTC away from the top spot.

Strategy has accumulated significantly more Bitcoin than BlackRock in 2026, adding 89,599 BTC year-to-date compared with roughly 8,484 BTC for BlackRock’s IBIT. The aggressive buying has narrowed the gap between the two largest holders, placing Strategy within roughly 20,000 BTC of overtaking the ETF.

Strategy Adds 89,599 BTC in 2026

Strategy’s filings show the company increased its holdings from 672,500 BTC at the end of 2025 to 762,099 BTC by March 22, 2026. The company continued purchases throughout March, including a 1,031 BTC buy between March 16 and March 22 worth about $76.6 million.

Total holdings now stand at 762,099 BTC, acquired for approximately $57.69 billion at an average purchase price of $75,694 per Bitcoin. The rapid accumulation highlights Strategy’s continued focus on Bitcoin as a treasury reserve, with purchases accelerating early in 2026.

BlackRock Still Leads Total Holdings

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remains the largest holder in absolute terms. Holdings data show IBIT controlled about 782,474.8 BTC as of April 2, 2026. The fund started the year with roughly 773,990.5 BTC, resulting in a net increase of about 8,484 BTC.

Despite maintaining the top position, IBIT’s growth has been modest compared with Strategy’s aggressive purchases. The difference between the two now stands near 20,000 BTC, bringing Strategy closer to overtaking the ETF in total Bitcoin held.

The comparison has drawn attention across the Bitcoin market because it shows how much of the 2026 corporate accumulation story still centers on Saylor’s company. It also places Strategy within reach of IBIT’s total Bitcoin balance.

Market Structure Remains Mixed

The gap between Strategy and IBIT has developed during a year when ETF demand has not moved in a straight line. BlackRock’s product page shows IBIT had net assets of about $52.41 billion as of April 2, 2026. At the same time, the fund posted a negative year-to-date NAV return through April 1, reflecting the weaker Bitcoin price trend seen in early 2026. 

Across the wider ETF market, March brought a recovery after a weak start to the year. Reports show U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.32 billion in net inflows in March, ending four months of outflows. 

That recovery did not fully change the year-to-date ranking in Bitcoin accumulation, where Strategy’s direct treasury buying has still outpaced IBIT’s growth by a wide margin. 

Related: Michael Saylor Unveils Bitcoin Digital Credit Strategy at Strategy World

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.

Source: https://coinedition.com/michael-saylor-strategy-buys-more-bitcoin-than-blackrock-in-2026/

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