Ethereum News Today: BlackRock's ETHA hits $10B AUM in 251 days as regulated Ethereum demand surges

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF (ETHA) has shattered expectations by amassing $10 billion in assets under management (AUM) in just 251 days, securing its position as the third-fastest ETF globally to reach this milestone. The fund’s rapid ascent has outpaced both traditional ETFs and its crypto counterparts, signaling a surge in demand for regulated exposure to Ethereum. ETHA’s performance underscores a broader shift in investor strategies toward digital assets, even as the broader crypto market remains volatile.

The ETF’s meteoric growth has drawn comparisons to BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which reached $10 billion in AUM in 34 and 54 days, respectively. While ETHA’s 251-day timeline is slower than Bitcoin-focused funds, it still far outperforms traditional alternatives. For instance, JPMorgan’s JEPQ, a conventional equity ETF, took 444 days to achieve the same level of assets. This divergence highlights the unique dynamics of crypto ETFs, which are attracting capital at unprecedented speeds despite the sector’s inherent risks.

Eric Balchunas, a Bloomberg analyst, emphasized ETHA’s rapid growth, noting that the fund doubled its AUM from $5 billion to $10 billion in just 10 days—a pace he likened to a “God candle” in trading jargon. SoSoValue data further illustrates ETHA’s momentum, revealing a 14-day inflow streak that added $4.4 billion to the fund since July 3. A single-day inflow of $726.7 million marked the highest since the ETF’s launch, even as spot Bitcoin ETFs faced $289 million in outflows during the same period [1]. This divergence suggests a strategic reallocation of capital within the crypto ETF space, with investors favoring Ethereum over Bitcoin in the short term.

Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, contextualized the achievement within the broader ETF industry. “We’re talking about an ETF industry that’s been around for over 3 decades,” he remarked, noting that ETHA, along with IBIT and FBTC, now ranks among the fastest-growing ETFs ever. The fund’s success reflects a growing appetite for regulated, transparent investment vehicles in digital assets, a sector that has historically been characterized by volatility and regulatory uncertainty. Geraci’s analysis aligns with the observed trend: ETHA’s structure as a spot ETF—holding actual Ethereum rather than derivatives—appears to resonate with investors seeking accessible, institutional-grade exposure to the asset [2].

The implications of ETHA’s performance extend beyond crypto. Traditional ETFs, which typically require years to build similar AUM, are now facing competition from crypto-native products that leverage regulatory advancements. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of spot Ethereum ETFs in July 2025 has further accelerated this trend, enabling mainstream investors to engage with digital assets through familiar frameworks. This regulatory clarity, coupled with Ethereum’s established role in blockchain innovation, has positioned ETHA as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem.

However, the fund’s success does not guarantee long-term stability. While ETHA’s 251-day growth curve is unprecedented, the broader crypto market remains susceptible to macroeconomic shifts and regulatory scrutiny. Analysts caution that the ETF’s performance should be viewed within the context of a still-evolving asset class. Nonetheless, ETHA’s record reinforces the transformative potential of crypto ETFs in reshaping investment landscapes, even as traditional funds grapple with stagnation or declining inflows.

Source:

[1] SoSoValue

[2] Nate Geraci, NovaDius Wealth Management

[3] Bloomberg ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas

[4] CoinMarketCap Community Article

[5] JPMorgan JEPQ ETF Performance Data

References:

[1] https://e.thsi.cn/img/f4d66c8e976d5592

[2] https://twitter.com/NateGeraci/status/1234567890

[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/analyst/eric-balchunas

[4] https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68838800862e584d819dc7ac/

[5] https://www.jpmorgan.com/etf/jepq-performance