Ethereum News Today: BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Hits $10B in 251 Days, Third-Fastest U.S. ETF on Institutional Appetite

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has achieved a landmark milestone, becoming the third-fastest exchange-traded fund in U.S. history to amass $10 billion in assets under management. The fund reached this threshold in 251 days since its launch in early 2024, trailing only the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF (FBTC), which secured the same milestone in 34 and 54 days, respectively [1]. This rapid growth underscores the rising institutional appetite for Ethereum-backed products, driven by the blockchain’s proof-of-stake architecture and its role in decentralized finance (DeFi).

The surge to $10 billion was marked by explosive momentum in July 2025, with ETHA doubling from $5 billion to $10 billion in just 10 days, a pace Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described as “the equivalent of a God candle” in market terms [1]. During this period, the fund ranked among the top five in ETF inflows for both one-week and one-month timeframes. Ethereum ETFs, led by ETHA, collectively attracted $4.7 billion in monthly inflows, outpacing Bitcoin ETFs on multiple days, including a $602 million net inflow on July 17—surpassing Bitcoin ETFs’ $523 million on the same day [4].

BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF, which charges a 0.25% fee and tracks Ether’s price, has benefited from strategic advantages. The firm secured regulatory approval for the product in November 2023 and partnered with Coinbase Prime as its custodian. Growing investor confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value—coupled with institutional demand—has fueled its rapid adoption. Analysts attribute this trend to Ethereum’s technological upgrades, including its transition to proof-of-stake, which reduced energy consumption and enhanced scalability [1].

The fund’s trajectory also highlights a broader shift in crypto investing. While Bitcoin ETFs continue to dominate cumulative inflows, Ethereum ETFs have demonstrated faster growth rates, partly due to DeFi exposure and potential staking returns. BlackRock has filed to allow staking in ETHA, a move that could generate yield for the fund by locking up Ethereum holdings. This aligns with a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruling earlier in 2025, which clarified that staking rewards are treated as income, not securities, potentially accelerating approval [6].

ETHA’s success reflects a broader market rotation toward Ethereum-based assets. According to SoSoValue data, Ethereum ETFs recorded a 14-day inflow streak in July, with $4.4 billion entering the space since July 3, including a record $726.7 million single-day inflow [4]. By contrast, Bitcoin ETFs have faced a slowdown, with $289 million in outflows over three trading days as of July 21 [5]. Analysts note that this trend signals growing recognition of Ethereum’s unique value proposition compared to Bitcoin’s more limited use cases.

The milestone solidifies BlackRock’s leadership in the crypto ETF space, with its Bitcoin and Ethereum funds now forming the fastest-growing products in U.S. history. NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci emphasized that the top three fastest ETFs are all spot crypto funds, illustrating the sector’s transformative impact [3]. As the crypto market evolves, ETHA’s performance may serve as a barometer for institutional confidence in blockchain-based innovations, signaling a shift toward diversified digital asset portfolios.

Sources:

[1] [BlackRock’s Spot Ethereum ETF Hits $10B, Third Fastest](https://cointelegraph.com/news/blackrock-spot-ether-etf-third-fastest-10-billion-assets)

[2] [BlackRock's ETHA Becomes Third Fastest ETF to Hit $10B](https://coinpaper.com/10184/black-rock-s-etha-becomes-third-fastest-etf-to-hit-10-b)

[3] [BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Now Third-Fastest to Reach $10B](https://crypto.news/blackrock-ethereum-etf-third-fastest-etf-hit-10b-2025/)

[4] [Ethereum ETFs See Sharp Inflows as Bitcoin ETFs Slow Down](https://coincentral.com/blackrock-ethereum-etf-grows-rapidly-with-5b-inflows-in-10-days/)

[5] [Bitcoin ETFs Record Outflows Amid July Volatility](https://coincentral.com/blackrock-ethereum-etf-grows-rapidly-with-5b-inflows-in-10-days/)

[6] [BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF Surges to $10.09B in 251 Days](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-blackrock-ethereum-etf-surges-10-09b-251-days-fastest-history-2507/)