Ethereum News Today: BlackRock Alum Joseph Chalom Appointed SharpLink Co-CEO to Leverage Ethereum's 90-Day 107.82% Surge and 360K ETH Holdings

Joseph Chalom, a former BlackRock executive instrumental in launching the firm’s digital asset initiatives, has been appointed co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming, Inc., effective July 24, 2025. This move underscores a strategic shift for the rebranded company, which now holds 360,807 ETH—surpassing even the Ethereum Foundation in holdings—and aims to leverage Ethereum’s infrastructure for institutional capital [3]. Chalom’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for SharpLink, transitioning from a performance marketing firm to a corporate entity focused on activating ETH through staking, restaking, and yield optimization rather than passive asset holding [5]. His tenure at BlackRock included pivotal roles in the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), and the tokenization fund BUILD, positioning him to bridge traditional finance and blockchain ecosystems [2].

Chalom’s leadership aligns with SharpLink’s vision to enhance Ethereum’s utility beyond speculative trading. The company’s hybrid model—a publicly traded equity tied to a corporate ETH treasury—targets investors seeking crypto-native yields while mitigating volatility through diversified strategies [3]. ConsenSys CEO Joe Lubin, now SharpLink’s board chairman, called the appointment a “massive” endorsement of Ethereum’s long-term viability [3]. The firm’s 0.2% stake in Ethereum’s total supply could influence on-chain governance and activity, though specific timelines for deploying staking or yield strategies remain undisclosed [5].

The appointment signals broader institutional confidence in Ethereum’s functional role. By activating its treasury through staking and DeFi applications, SharpLink aims to reduce circulating supply and enhance ETH’s utility, potentially stabilizing its price [3]. This aligns with Ethereum’s post-merge shift to proof-of-stake mechanics, which prioritizes active participation in decentralized protocols. The company’s strategy could democratize access to crypto-native yields for institutional investors, accelerating Ethereum’s integration into traditional investment frameworks [3].

Chalom’s transition from BlackRock in June 2025 reflects a trend of institutional leaders moving from passive investment vehicles to active engagement with blockchain protocols [3]. While BlackRock remains a leader in crypto ETPs, its former executives are increasingly involved in direct blockchain stewardship, mirroring similar moves by major financial institutions expanding digital asset divisions [3]. Analysts note SharpLink’s equity structure—blending traditional finance with blockchain-native assets—introduces complexities around token price fluctuations impacting corporate valuation. Regulatory clarity on corporate token holdings remains a risk factor [3].

Ethereum’s current market dynamics highlight its growing institutional adoption. With a market cap of $451.86 billion and a 90-day surge of 107.82%, the asset has shown resilience despite a 42.63% drop in 24-hour trading volume [3]. Chalom’s role in launching BlackRock’s ETH product significantly boosted Ethereum’s credibility, aligning with major institutional investments and catalyzing market interest [3]. The Coincu research team suggests his involvement signals potential for a stronger digital finance framework driven by institutional entities, with historical trends indicating increased Ethereum adoption could bolster regulatory norms, market trust, and technological advancements [3].

SharpLink’s rebranding in May 2025 reflects institutional confidence in Ethereum’s utility. The company’s hybrid model aims to attract investors seeking crypto-native yields while mitigating volatility through diversified strategies [3]. Analysts caution that regulatory clarity on corporate token holdings remains a risk factor, as the model bridges traditional and decentralized finance [3].

Source: [1] [SharpLink Welcomes BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Joseph Chalom as Newly Appointed Co-CEO] (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/25/3121755/0/en/SharpLink-Welcomes-BlackRock-Digital-Assets-Pioneer-Joseph-Chalom-as-Newly-Appointed-Co-CEO.html) [2] [BlackRock veteran Joseph Chalom named co-CEO of ...] (https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/blackrock-veteran-joseph-chalom-named-coceo-of-sharplink-gaming-93CH-4153268) [3] [Just In: BlackRock Veteran Becomes Co-CEO of Top ...] (https://u.today/just-in-blackrock-veteran-becomes-co-ceo-of-top-corporate-eth-holder) [5] [SharpLink Gaming's Strategic Shift: Leveraging Chalom's ...] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/sharplink-gaming-strategic-shift-leveraging-chalom-fintech-expertise-unlock-ethereum-driven-growth-2507/)