Ethereum News Today: SharpLink appoints BlackRock's digital assets head as co-CEO to boost Ethereum treasury strategy.

SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBET), a major corporate holder of Ethereum (ETH), has appointed Joseph Chalom, former Head of Digital Assets Strategy at BlackRock, as co-chief executive officer. The move, announced on July 25, 2025, marks a strategic shift for the company, which has positioned itself as one of the largest publicly traded entities to adopt Ethereum as a primary treasury reserve asset [1]. Chalom’s appointment is effective immediately, following his 20-year tenure at BlackRock, where he led the development of digital assets initiatives, including the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2024 as the first Ethereum spot exchange-traded fund [1]. ETHA currently holds over $10 billion in assets, making it the largest fund of its kind [1].

Chalom’s career at BlackRock also included pivotal roles in launching the spot Bitcoin ETF IBIT and tokenized fund BUIDL. His departure from the asset management giant underscores a growing trend of institutional talent migrating to crypto-native entities. SharpLink’s current CEO, Rob Phythian, will transition to president while remaining on the board [1]. Joseph Lubin, SharpLink’s chairman and Ethereum co-founder, emphasized Chalom’s influence in institutional adoption, calling his appointment a validation of the company’s Ethereum treasury strategy. “Few executives have had the kind of impact Joseph has had in unlocking institutional adoption of digital assets,” Lubin stated, highlighting Chalom’s role in BlackRock’s strategic entry into crypto markets [1].

Chalom cited SharpLink’s vision for Ethereum-driven financial infrastructure as a key factor in his decision to join. “I see a powerful opportunity to help shape the future of decentralized finance,” he remarked, noting the company’s alignment with Ethereum’s ecosystem [1]. SharpLink, headquartered in Minneapolis, currently holds 360,807 ETH as of July 24, 2025, accounting for 36% of its targeted 1 million ETH reserve. The company, which launched its Ethereum treasury initiative in May 2025, has signaled further purchases to meet its goals [1].

The appointment reflects broader institutional confidence in Ethereum, particularly as the network navigates upgrades to its proof-of-stake model. Chalom’s expertise in bridging traditional finance and crypto markets could accelerate Ethereum’s integration into mainstream portfolios. However, the move also raises questions about regulatory scrutiny, given the SEC’s ongoing oversight of crypto asset classifications. SharpLink’s focus on Ethereum treasury reserves, while unconventional compared to gold or fiat, aligns with a strategy of long-term value retention through blockchain-based assets [1].

Chalom’s transition from BlackRock to SharpLink underscores the evolving landscape of institutional crypto adoption. His track record in launching landmark ETFs positions him to navigate regulatory and market challenges for the company. Meanwhile, the appointment of Lubin, a co-founder of ConsenSys, reinforces SharpLink’s commitment to Ethereum’s technical and strategic development. As the company expands its ETH holdings, the success of its treasury strategy will hinge on Ethereum’s ability to maintain stability and utility amid shifting market dynamics [1].

Source: [1] [title1: BlackRock’s head of digital assets joins Ethereum treasury company SharpLink] [url1: https://invezz.com/news/2025/07/25/blackrocks-head-of-digital-assets-joins-ethereum-treasury-company-sharplink/].