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BlackRock just raised a red flag—and it’s powered by quantum mechanics.
In a May 9 regulatory filing, the asset giant updated its iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) disclosures to include a new threat: quantum computing. The filing warns that future advances in this emerging tech could break the cryptographic algorithms securing Bitcoin and other digital assets.
“If quantum computing advances, it could undermine the cryptographic algorithms used by Bitcoin,” the filing states.
This marks the first time BlackRock has explicitly cited quantum computing as a risk to its flagship Bitcoin ETF, which now holds \$64 billion in net assets—making it the largest spot Bitcoin ETF on the market.
Why it matters:
Quantum computers could theoretically crack private keys, making Bitcoin wallets vulnerable.
If that happens, the core security model of blockchain would collapse.
This could lead to mass theft, lost confidence, and a total upheaval of crypto as we know it.
But let’s not panic yet…
Experts like James Seyffart from Bloomberg say this is just standard risk disclosure. Companies must mention all possible risks—no matter how unlikely—to remain compliant.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs are thriving. On May 8, they hit a new milestone: over \$41 billion in net inflows.
“Lifetime net flows is the #1 metric to watch,” said Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas. “Very hard to grow, pure truth.”
Still, the quantum threat isn’t pure sci-fi. Back in February, Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino predicted that quantum breakthroughs could one day unlock lost Bitcoin wallets—including possibly Satoshi’s.
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