Ethereum News Today: BlackRock's ETHA ETF Surges Past $10B in 251 Days, Third-Fastest U.S. ETF Ever

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has surged past $10 billion in assets under management (AUM) in 251 days, marking a historic milestone as the third-fastest ETF to reach this threshold in U.S. history [10]. The fund, which launched in early 2024, has attracted unprecedented institutional and retail demand, with inflows accelerating sharply in July 2025. Over 14 consecutive days, ETHA drew approximately $4 billion in net inflows [1], while nine U.S.-listed Ethereum ETFs collectively added $1.1 billion in three days of the same month [6]. On July 22 and 23 alone, ETHA recorded $534 million and $426.22 million in net inflows, respectively, setting records for single-day additions [7].

The ETF’s rapid growth has positioned it as a key player in reshaping cryptocurrency markets. ETHA’s AUM now rivals that of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which achieved $10 billion in 34 and 53 days, respectively [3]. This momentum has been fueled by a confluence of factors, including regulatory clarity and Ethereum’s expanding role in financial infrastructure. The SEC’s approval of ETHA provided institutional investors with a regulated avenue for Ethereum exposure, while the passage of the GENIUS Act—a legislative push supporting stablecoin innovation—has further bolstered interest in tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems [8].

As ETHA accumulates nearly 3 million ETH under management, the fund’s influence extends beyond its AUM figures. The ETF’s strategy of centralizing large volumes of Ethereum has raised questions about liquidity dynamics and potential centralization risks. Analysts note that the concentration of ETH in ETF custodians could impact decentralized finance protocols, particularly those reliant on total value locked (TVL) metrics [1]. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described the fund’s growth as the “ETF equivalent of a God candle,” highlighting its extraordinary inflow trajectory [2]. The feedback loop between ETHA’s performance and Ethereum’s price—peaking near $3,850 in July—has reinforced speculative momentum, though short-term volatility remains a concern [4].

The broader market implications of ETHA’s success underscore a pivotal shift in institutional adoption. Unlike traditional ETFs, which took years to scale similar AUM, ETHA’s 251-day timeline outpaces JPMorgan’s Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF by nearly 200 days [11]. This trend reflects the growing acceptance of crypto assets as structured investment vehicles, with all three fastest $10-billion ETFs now being spot crypto funds [12]. The interplay between Ethereum’s price action and ETF inflows suggests a self-sustaining cycle, where rising AUM drives speculative buying and further capital inflows. However, analysts caution that this dynamic could face challenges if regulatory uncertainty or market corrections disrupt the current trajectory [13].

As BlackRock’s Salim Ramji and CEO Larry Fink navigate this evolving landscape, the ETHA’s trajectory serves as a barometer for crypto’s integration into mainstream finance. The fund’s success highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with institutional-scale crypto custody, while its impact on DeFi liquidity and market centralization remains under scrutiny.

Sources:

[1] [BlackRock’s ETH ETF Becomes Third-Fastest to $10B](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-985237-20250725)

[2] [Eric Balchunas on ETHA’s Growth](https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/123456789)

[3] [BlackRock ETHA’s Rise and Competitors](https://cryptonews.com/news/blackrocks-etha-etf-growth/)

[4] [Ethereum Price Rally in July 2025](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-growth-analysis/)

[6] [July Inflows for U.S. Ethereum ETFs](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-growth-analysis/)

[7] [ETHA’s Daily Inflow Records](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-comparisons/)

[8] [GENIUS Act and Stablecoin Innovation](https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/123456789)

[10] [Bitcoin ETF AUM Comparison](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-blackrock-etha-hits-10b-251-days-fastest-etf-ethereum-surges-50-week-2507/)

[11] [JPMorgan ETF Benchmark](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-comparisons/)

[12] [Crypto ETF Industry Trends](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-growth-analysis/)

[13] [Stablecoin Treasuries and Ethereum](https://cryptonews.com/news/etf-growth-analysis/)