In a significant move for institutional cryptocurrency investment, Goldman Sachs has disclosed its expanded exposure to digital assets, which now exceeds $1.1 billion in Bitcoin, $1 billion in Ethereum, $153 million in XRP, and $108 million in Solana. This strategy marks a shift towards utilizing spot crypto ETFs instead of direct ownership, aligning with a trend among major financial institutions looking for regulated access to these digital currencies.
According to crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett, Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of Goldman Sachs” digital asset strategy, with the bank owning approximately 20.7 million shares of BlackRock“s IBIT ETF, valued at over $1 billion. Ethereum follows closely, contributing another billion dollars to the bank”s portfolio. Notably, the allocations to XRP and Solana ETFs, first reported in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicate a deliberate move towards diversification beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies.
The breakdown of Goldman Sachs” XRP investments reveals a calculated approach. The bank”s exposure amounts to around $152 million, evenly distributed across various issuers. Their holdings include 2 million shares of the 21Shares XRP ETF valued at $35.9 million, 1.9 million shares each in the Bitwise XRP ETF ($39.8 million) and Franklin XRP Trust ($38.4 million), along with more than 1 million shares in Grayscale”s XRP ETF, valued at approximately $37.9 million.
In contrast, the investment in Solana is more concentrated. Of the $108 million allocation, roughly $45 million is placed in the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF and $35.7 million in the Grayscale Solana Trust ETF, with smaller amounts in offerings from Fidelity, VanEck, 21Shares, and Franklin Templeton.
This strategic alignment towards digital assets comes as Goldman Sachs shifts from a previously skeptical stance to a more proactive role in the crypto market, especially following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024. The bank”s increasing involvement coincides with evolving regulatory discussions in Washington, where representatives have engaged in key meetings focused on stablecoin regulations. Additionally, CEO David Solomon is set to address the World Liberty Financial forum in Palm Beach next week, further emphasizing the bank”s positioning at the intersection of regulatory and market developments.
As Bitcoin faces market volatility, having recently dipped below $70,000, Goldman Sachs” expanding ETF investments indicate a robust institutional interest in the cryptocurrency sector. While the market grapples with uncertainty, the bank”s actions reflect a deepening conviction in the potential of digital assets.
