Ethereum News Today: Ethereum's Rise: BitMine Surpasses $6.6B, Challenges Gold Standard Legacy

BitMine Immersion Technologies has announced that its cryptocurrency holdings have surpassed $6.6 billion, making it the second-largest crypto treasury globally and the largest holder of Ethereum (ETH) assets. As of August 17, 2025, the company reported holding 1,523,373 ETH tokens, valued at $4,326 per token, along with 192 Bitcoin (BTC) and $80 million in unencumbered cash [1]. The company's ETH holdings represent a $1.7 billion increase from the $4.9 billion reported just one week earlier [2]. This rapid growth is attributed to the addition of over 373,000 ETH tokens since its initial acquisition strategy launched on June 30, 2025 [3].

BitMine’s crypto treasury now ranks as the top ETH treasury and the second-largest crypto treasury globally, trailing only Strategy Inc (MSTR), which holds 628,946 BTC valued at $74 billion [1]. The company's institutional support has been a key driver of its success, with backing from prominent investors such as ARK’s Cathie Wood, MOZAYYX, Founders Fund, Bill Miller III, Pantera, Kraken, DCG, and Galaxy Digital [1]. These institutional partners have expressed confidence in BitMine’s mission to acquire 5% of the total ETH supply.

BitMine's stock has also gained significant traction in the equity markets. According to Fundstrat data, the company's stock has an average daily trading volume of $6.4 billion, making it the 10th most liquid US-listed stock among 5,704 companies [1]. This places BitMine ahead of financial powerhouses like JPMorgan and Alphabet in terms of trading liquidity. The company's stock has seen a 1,300% increase since the beginning of July [4], reflecting strong market interest in its crypto treasury strategy.

The company's CEO, Tom Lee, emphasized the transformative potential of Ethereum in the broader financial landscape. He drew a parallel between the regulatory developments surrounding crypto—such as the GENIUS Act and the SEC's Project Crypto—and the 1971 end of the gold standard, which marked a pivotal shift in financial systems [1]. Lee noted that Ethereum is playing a central role in the evolution of blockchain finance and the integration of artificial intelligence, which could reshape global markets over the next decade.

Ethereum has emerged as a key asset in the digital finance sector, with a growing number of institutional and retail investors expressing interest in its long-term value. According to Fundstrat, Ethereum is positioned as the biggest macro trade over the next 10-15 years due to its role in enabling tokenized assets and AI-driven blockchain applications [4]. The company has also forecasted a price range of $12,000 to $15,000 for ETH by the end of 2025, citing strong structural demand from ETF inflows and institutional investment [4].

Despite its rapid growth, BitMine faces risks associated with the highly volatile crypto market. The company has acknowledged potential challenges such as technological shifts, market competition, and fluctuations in the value of Bitcoin and Ethereum [1]. However, its aggressive acquisition strategy and strong institutional backing suggest a strategic focus on long-term value creation in the digital asset space.

Source: [1] BitMine Immersion (BMNR) is the 1 ETH treasury in the world, now 2nd largest crypto treasury globally and the 10th most liquid US stock, trading $6.4 billion per day on average (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitmine-immersion-bmnr-is-the-1-eth-treasury-in-the-world-now-2nd-largest-crypto-treasury-globally-and-the-10th-most-liquid-us-stock-trading-6-4-billion-per-day-on-average-302531968.html) [2] BitMine's Crypto Holdings Surpass 1.52 Million ETH To ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitmines-crypto-holdings-surpass-1-123858320.html) [3] Ether Treasury News: Bitmine's (BMNR) ETH Holdings Top ... (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/18/bitmine-s-ether-holdings-top-usd6-6b-stock-slides-7-alongside-eth-s-tumble) [4] Fundstrat Predicts Ethereum May Hit $15K By Year End (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-the-biggest-macro-trade-over-the-next-10-15-years-fundstrat)