Ethereum News Today: SharpLink Appoints BlackRock's Chalom as Co-CEO to Expand Ethereum Staking and Yield Strategies

Joseph Chalom, a former BlackRock executive instrumental in shaping the firm’s digital asset strategy, has been appointed co-CEO of SharpLink effective July 24, 2025, marking his transition to a firm that has become the largest corporate holder of Ethereum (ETH) [1]. SharpLink’s rebranding from a performance marketing company to an Ethereum treasury entity in May 2025 has positioned it with 360,807 ETH—surpassing even the Ethereum Foundation in holdings [5]. Chalom’s tenure at BlackRock included pivotal roles in launching products such as the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), as well as the tokenization fund BUILD [2]. His appointment signals a strategic pivot for SharpLink to leverage Ethereum’s infrastructure for institutional capital, emphasizing staking, restaking, and yield optimization rather than passive asset holding [3].

Chalom’s vision for SharpLink aligns with Ethereum’s post-merge shift to proof-of-stake mechanics, aiming to activate ETH through decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and on-chain activity. This approach reflects broader industry confidence in Ethereum’s role beyond speculative trading, potentially stabilizing its price by reducing circulating supply and enhancing utility [3]. ConsenSys CEO Joe Lubin, who joined SharpLink’s board as chairman, described the move as a “massive” endorsement of Ethereum’s long-term viability [3]. The company’s hybrid model—a publicly traded equity tied to Ethereum treasury—could attract investors seeking exposure to crypto-native yields while mitigating volatility through diversified strategies [3].

SharpLink’s current ETH holdings, equivalent to roughly 0.2% of the total supply, position it to influence on-chain governance and activity. However, the firm has yet to disclose specific timelines for deploying staking or yield strategies, underscoring the evolving nature of institutional participation in blockchain ecosystems [5]. Chalom’s departure from BlackRock in June 2025 highlights a trend of institutional leaders shifting from passive investment vehicles to active engagement with protocol development and token economics [3]. While BlackRock remains a leader in crypto ETPs, its former executives are increasingly involved in direct blockchain stewardship, mirroring similar moves by major financial institutions expanding their digital asset divisions [3].

The appointment raises questions about regulatory and market dynamics. SharpLink’s equity structure, which blends traditional finance with blockchain-native assets, introduces complexities around token price fluctuations impacting corporate valuation. Analysts note this model could bridge traditional and decentralized finance, though regulatory clarity on corporate token holdings remains a risk factor [3]. For Ethereum, the shift underscores growing institutional recognition of its utility as a functional asset rather than a speculative one, potentially boosting demand through active utilization in staking and DeFi applications [3].

Chalom’s leadership at SharpLink represents a pivotal moment in corporate Ethereum adoption. By rebranding as a treasury company and activating its ETH holdings, the firm aims to democratize access to crypto-native yields for institutional investors. This strategy, coupled with Chalom’s fintech expertise, could accelerate Ethereum’s integration into traditional investment frameworks, reflecting a maturing market where active asset management and yield maximization drive value creation [3].

Sources:

[1] [SharpLink Welcomes BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Joseph Chalom as Newly Appointed Co-CEO] (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/25/3121755/0/en/SharpLink-Welcomes-BlackRock-Digital-Assets-Pioneer-Joseph-Chalom-as-Newly-Appointed-Co-CEO.html)

[2] [BlackRock veteran Joseph Chalom named co-CEO of ...] (https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/blackrock-veteran-joseph-chalom-named-coceo-of-sharplink-gaming-93CH-4153268)

[3] [Just In: BlackRock Veteran Becomes Co-CEO of Top ...] (https://u.today/just-in-blackrock-veteran-becomes-co-ceo-of-top-corporate-eth-holder)

[5] [SharpLink Gaming's Strategic Shift: Leveraging Chalom's ...] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/sharplink-gaming-strategic-shift-leveraging-chalom-fintech-expertise-unlock-ethereum-driven-growth-2507/)