Ether vs Bitcoin Treasuries: A Comparative Analysis of Strategies in 2025

Companies and countries are increasingly including cryptocurrencies in their treasury strategies to hedge inflation, diversify currency exposure, and maintain liquidity. Bitcoin and Ether are popular options due to their unique characteristics and potential benefits. Bitcoin is seen as a digital gold standard, while Ether offers programmability and staking, generating annual returns of 3%-5%. Both cryptocurrencies have drawbacks, such as price volatility, but their advantages outweigh the negatives for many treasuries.

Companies and countries are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies into their treasury strategies to mitigate inflation, diversify currency exposure, and ensure liquidity. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) stand out as popular choices due to their unique characteristics and potential benefits.

Bitcoin, often referred to as the digital gold standard, has been adopted by various treasuries for its stability and global recognition. It serves as a reliable reserve asset, providing straightforward liquidity and acting as a hedge against inflation. For instance, the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve holds approximately 198,000-207,000 BTC The Avalanche Foundation is planning to raise $1 billion to support a cryptocurrency treasury company.^[1]. Companies like Strategy, which holds around 638,460 BTC, also favor Bitcoin for its long-term value preservation Ether vs. Bitcoin treasuries: Which strategy is winning^[2].

Ether, on the other hand, has gained traction due to its programmability and staking capabilities. By shifting to proof-of-stake (PoS), Ethereum introduced staking, which generates annual returns of 3%-5%. This makes ETH a productive asset that can generate income while serving as a store of value. As of September 10, 2025, 73 entities held 4.91 million ETH, worth $21.28 billion Ether vs. Bitcoin treasuries: Which strategy is winning^[2]. Companies like BitMine Immersion Tech (BMNR) hold 2.07 million ETH, valued at approximately $9 billion Ether vs. Bitcoin treasuries: Which strategy is winning^[2].

Some treasuries are adopting a dual strategy, holding both BTC and ETH to combine Bitcoin's stability with Ether's income-generating potential. The US federal government's Strategic Crypto Reserve, for example, holds both BTC and ETH The Avalanche Foundation is planning to raise $1 billion to support a cryptocurrency treasury company.^[1]. This approach allows treasuries to benefit from the strengths of both cryptocurrencies.

While both Bitcoin and Ether have their drawbacks, such as price volatility, their advantages outweigh the negatives for many treasuries. Bitcoin's stability and widespread trust make it a preferred choice for long-term wealth preservation, while Ether's income potential and programmable features attract those seeking growth and utility.

As of mid-2025, Bitcoin remains the leading choice, with over 1 million BTC held by companies and institutions. However, Ether is catching up, with increasing adoption by corporations, DAOs, and asset managers. The choice between Bitcoin and Ether depends on the goals of the treasury, with Bitcoin suiting those prioritizing capital security and Ether attracting those seeking growth and income potential.

Bitcoin ETFs and Ether ETFs have also seen renewed demand, with BTC ETFs experiencing their strongest inflows since July, and Ethereum funds reversing recent outflows Bitcoin, Ether ETFs Post Positive Flows as Prices Rebound^[3]. This trend underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class for treasury strategies.