Ethereum News Today: Standard Chartered Backs Ethereum Treasury Firms Over ETFs for Better Value

Standard Chartered has issued a recommendation suggesting that Ethereum treasury companies may represent a more compelling investment opportunity than U.S. spot Ether (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The assessment is based on recent market dynamics, including valuation trends and supply absorption rates. Since June 2025, both Ethereum treasury firms and ETH ETFs have collectively absorbed roughly 1.6% of Ethereum’s supply, signaling robust institutional demand [1]. However, the bank argues that treasury companies currently provide superior value, particularly due to their net asset value (NAV) multiples, which are just above 1, offering a more efficient avenue for capital deployment than ETFs [2].

Geoffrey of Standard Chartered underscored that Ethereum treasury companies are increasingly favored by investors for their strong liquidity and normalized NAVs, which support a more direct exposure to ETH holdings compared to the indirect route provided by ETFs [4]. This view is reinforced by broader market trends, with some analysts noting that combined purchases by ETFs and treasury companies have absorbed over 3% of Ethereum’s supply since June 2025, highlighting a growing institutional appetite for the cryptocurrency [7].

The bank’s analysis aligns with a broader market narrative that Ethereum is gaining strength, with recent price movements suggesting potential for the asset to reach $4,000 [8]. Standard Chartered’s conclusion that Ethereum treasury companies are “very investable” reflects confidence in their ability to outperform ETFs, especially as exchange reserves decline to multi-year lows [5]. The firm’s stance is supported by analysts who note that ETH treasury stocks, given their liquidity and normalized valuations, may outshine ETFs in the current market environment [6].

These developments highlight a shift in institutional strategy, where direct exposure to Ethereum through treasury firms is being prioritized over indirect ETF investments. The recommendation is not a dismissal of ETFs but rather a strategic consideration of where value may be most efficiently captured in the evolving Ethereum market.