because they need to have reserves to prove they can open up a ETF market
they need to have the reserves to even be able to offer baskets of shares that represent the coins
they cant sell unbacked shares to then buy coins they do not yet have.. as thats against the purpose of a ETF
its why the winkle twins(gemini) grabbed loads of coins before filing a ETF many many years ago. its why grayscale did too
I was convinced from some other discussions that the purchase of BTC occurs only when the ETF is approved and when their clients express interest in such an investment. But let's say you are right, is there some amount of BTC for the purpose of proving that they as a company are ready to offer such an ETF?
Tin-foil hat conspiracy theory.
Because BlackRock probably knows that they already have the approval as good as secured, then why not slowly start accumulating some coins for their personal wallets. It's also the same with some of those nefarious people behind the SEC too, why not? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
We already know they're not trustworthy, no?