Ethereum News Today: Joseph Chalom Joins SharpLink as Co-CEO to Drive Ethereum-Centric Financial Infrastructure

Joseph Chalom, formerly BlackRock’s Head of Digital Asset Strategy and architect of the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), has joined SharpLink Gaming, Inc. as Co-CEO, effective July 24, 2025. This leadership shift underscores SharpLink’s strategic pivot toward Ethereum-centric financial infrastructure, leveraging Chalom’s expertise in institutional-grade digital asset solutions. As a major holder of Ether (ETH), SharpLink aims to integrate on-chain yield mechanisms into its treasury operations, creating a bridge between traditional capital and blockchain-based opportunities [1].

Chalom’s career at BlackRock included pioneering digital asset partnerships with Nasdaq, Coinbase, and BNY Mellon, as well as launching products like ETHA, which now manages over $10 billion in assets. His appointment signals a commitment to tokenized finance, stablecoins, and AI-driven analytics on Ethereum. SharpLink’s current CEO, Rob Phythian, will transition to President, ensuring operational continuity while Chalom focuses on strategic expansion [2].

Joseph Lubin, Ethereum co-founder and SharpLink chairman, emphasized Chalom’s role in advancing institutional adoption. “Few executives have unlocked institutional adoption like Joseph,” Lubin said, noting that Ethereum’s “profound, transformative” potential aligns with SharpLink’s vision of redefining global finance [3]. Chalom reiterated this vision, highlighting his focus on native staking and restaking mechanisms to maximize shareholder value. His track record includes bridging traditional and digital finance through initiatives like BUIDL and the development of fast-growing Ethereum-based exchange-traded products (ETPs) [4].

The move positions SharpLink to capitalize on Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities, packaging on-chain yield strategies into a public equity vehicle (ticker: SBET). This approach mirrors broader trends in tokenized finance, where decentralized infrastructure replaces custodial barriers with transparent, programmable systems. By democratizing access to yield opportunities, SharpLink aims to expand Ethereum’s appeal to institutional investors and traditional markets [5].

Market reactions have been mixed. While SharpLink’s stock experienced intraday volatility following the announcement, analysts attribute this to investor speculation rather than operational changes. Chalom’s institutional credibility and experience with BlackRock’s digital ecosystem are seen as potential catalysts for investor confidence, though success will depend on macroeconomic conditions, regulatory clarity, and the scalability of Ethereum-based yield models [6].

Chalom’s leadership reflects Ethereum’s growing influence in traditional finance (TradFi). As institutions increasingly seek blockchain’s efficiency and interoperability, SharpLink’s focus on Ethereum-native solutions aligns with a broader industry shift toward decentralized finance (DeFi) primitives. By integrating these technologies into public markets, the company aims to redefine asset management and risk diversification in the digital economy [7].

Sources:

[1] [BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Chalom Joins SharpLink](https://www.marketsmedia.com/blackrock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink/)

[2] [BlackRock's Head Of Digital Asset Strategy To Join](https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46638233/blackrocks-head-of-digital-asset-strategy-to-join-ethereum-treasury-company-sharplink)

[3] [Joseph Chalom Appointed Co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming](https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Joseph+Chalom+Appointed+Co-CEO+of+SharpLink+Gaming%2C+Inc.+to+Drive+Digital+Finance+Innovations)

[4] [BlackRock Digital Assets Head Joins SharpLink Gaming](https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SBET/sharp-link-welcomes-black-rock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-xn0j4nkpp0oh.html)

[5] [Ethereum News Today: SharpLink Appoints ex-BlackRock](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-sharplink-appoints-blackrock-leader-expand-ethereum-treasury-stock-drops-6-2507/)

[6] [Joseph Chalom Joins SharpLink as Co-CEO, Jumps Ship](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink-gaming-as-co-ceo-jumps-ship-from-blackrock/ar-AA1JiCup?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds)

[7] [Joseph Chalom Joins SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO, Jumps Ship](https://www.dlnews.com/articles/people-culture/blackrock-crypto-chief-joseph-chalom-jumps-ship-for-sharplink-gaming/)