Ethereum News Today: SharpLink appoints BlackRock alumnus Chalom to drive Ethereum-centric DeFi, 44.46% 60-day ETH surge

Joseph Chalom, a former BlackRock executive and former Head of Digital Asset Strategy, has joined SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO, marking a strategic pivot toward Ethereum-centric financial strategies and institutional-grade decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. The appointment, effective July 24, 2025, reflects SharpLink’s commitment to leveraging Ethereum’s blockchain infrastructure to enhance shareholder value and expand institutional access to digital assets [1]. Chalom’s prior experience at BlackRock, where he oversaw digital asset strategies, positions him to operationalize SharpLink’s treasury through Ethereum staking and re-staking mechanisms, aligning with broader market trends toward institutional adoption of crypto-native tools [2].

The leadership shift underscores a corporate strategy realignment, with SharpLink aiming to transform its Ethereum (ETH) reserves into a long-term value-generating asset. By establishing a compliant institutional DeFi gateway, the company seeks to bridge traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems, enabling institutional investors to access Ethereum yields while adhering to regulatory frameworks. This move mirrors prior institutional forays into crypto, such as BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, which saw significant asset growth post-launch. Industry figures, including Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, have praised the strategic direction, though regulatory clarity remains pending [3].

Chalom emphasized the transformative potential of Ethereum and decentralized technologies in a statement, highlighting his intent to collaborate with SharpLink’s leadership team to “shape the next era of digital finance.” The initiative aligns with Ethereum’s current market dynamics: ETH traded at $3,717.19 on July 25, 2025, with a 2.40% 24-hour gain and a 44.46% rise over 60 days, reflecting sustained investor confidence [4]. Coincu research notes that integrating traditional and digital finance has historically driven institutional participation, suggesting further appreciation in this sector as adoption accelerates [5].

The collaboration’s success hinges on executing Ethereum staking strategies that balance risk management with yield optimization. By activating its ETH reserves, SharpLink aims to generate recurring revenue streams while mitigating volatility risks through re-staking protocols. This approach could position the company as a key player in the DeFi space, where institutional-grade security and compliance are critical differentiators. However, the absence of formal regulatory guidelines for DeFi remains a potential hurdle, requiring ongoing dialogue with policymakers to ensure operational sustainability.

SharpLink’s strategic shift aligns with broader industry momentum toward Ethereum’s layer-2 solutions and restaking ecosystems, which have gained traction among institutional players seeking scalable, secure, and interoperable financial infrastructure. Chalom’s appointment signals confidence in Ethereum’s ability to serve as a foundational asset for the next phase of DeFi innovation, particularly as the network’s upgrades enhance its utility for institutional-grade applications.

Source: [1] [title1] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68837fcbd9d19935252ece36/], [2] [title2] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68837fcbd9d19935252ece36/], [3] [title3] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68837fcbd9d19935252ece36/], [4] [title4] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68837fcbd9d19935252ece36/], [5] [title5] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68837fcbd9d19935252ece36/].