BlackRock’s suggestion that bitcoin be included at about 1 to 2 percent of an investment portfolio has reignited a debate over the level of bitcoin adoption.

On Aug. 19, U.Today reported that Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley (헌터 호슬리) argued BlackRock’s recommendation shows bitcoin is still in the early stage of adoption even in 2026.

The debate began with BlackRock’s asset allocation advice. It suggested investors could consider allocating 1 to 2 percent of their portfolios to bitcoin. Some assessed this as a sign that bitcoin is establishing itself as a long-term investment asset within the mainstream because the world’s largest asset manager presented a specific allocation ratio.

Market interpretations were mixed. Some took BlackRock’s proposal as a signal that bitcoin has already entered a mature asset stage. Horsley, in contrast, viewed the recommendation as showing that full-scale adoption is only just beginning.

Horsley acknowledged that even in 2026, when institutional demand has risen rapidly, it may not be readily accepted to view bitcoin as being in its early stage. Even so, he interpreted BlackRock’s recommendation as evidence that investment opportunities in bitcoin remain open. He argued there is still time for many investors to enter the bitcoin market.

The debate highlights contrasting views on bitcoin’s entry into the mainstream. One side sees expanding institutional participation and portfolio-inclusion discussions as a sign of market maturity. The other side assesses it as an early stage of adoption because the world’s largest asset manager has only now begun to present a specific investment ratio.

Some also argue there is room for further gains on the supply side. Some in the market believe that, with bitcoin supply limited, expanding inclusion in institutional portfolios could further underscore its scarcity. Horsley’s remarks also align with the view that bitcoin has room to absorb more global investment capital in the future.

At the heart of the debate is whether to see bitcoin’s current mainstream inclusion as the end point of adoption or the starting point of broader diffusion. With institutional demand continuing, attention is focused on whether BlackRock’s recommendation is a signal confirming market maturity or one that foreshadows further adoption.

Hard as it is to believe in 2026 — It's still early. https://t.co/CCjnCjFDHA