
BlackRock’s Bold Move: Ethereum Gains Institutional Favor in 2025
In a groundbreaking shift, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has significantly increased its Ethereum (ETH) holdings in 2025, showing a clear tilt toward the second most popular cryptocurrency. Finbold’s research of Arkham Intel wallet clusters reveals that BlackRock has been accumulating Ethereum at a pace seven times faster than Bitcoin (BTC).
Tracking BlackRock’s Crypto Portfolio
As of January 1, 2025, BlackRock’s crypto portfolio included 552,550 BTC worth $51.16 billion and 1.07 million ETH valued at $3.59 billion. By September 2, their holdings ballooned to 737,350 BTC ($79.86 billion) and an impressive 3.78 million ETH ($16.58 billion). This represents a 33.44% increase in Bitcoin but a staggering 252.55% growth in Ethereum.
This aggressive ETH accumulation underpins a significant strategic pivot. Ethereum’s share of BlackRock’s portfolio value jumped from 6.6% at the start of the year to 17.2% by early September, underscoring its growing role among institutional players.
Why is BlackRock Betting on Ethereum?
Ethereum’s appeal to institutional investors lies in its robust ecosystem, which includes decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and its role in decentralized finance (DeFi). As Ethereum continues to innovate, launching ETH 2.0 upgrades and lowering transaction costs, it emerges as a compelling alternative to Bitcoin for institutions looking to diversify.
The move signals a broader trend where blue-chip allocators, historically fixated on Bitcoin, are now recognizing the immense potential beyond the primary cryptocurrency. Ethereum’s 30.8% price growth year-to-date has also played a role in enhancing its appeal.
Market Implications of This Strategic Reweighting
BlackRock’s ETH accumulation is not just a vote of confidence—it’s a market-moving event. A 2.71 million ETH purchase significantly impacts the cryptocurrency’s circulating supply, boosting liquidity and encouraging similar moves from other institutional players.
This shift also aligns with the growing maturity of Ethereum-linked financial products, such as ETFs and futures contracts, making ETH a more accessible and attractive asset class for institutional investors.
Investing in Crypto Like a Pro
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Conclusion
BlackRock’s deep dive into Ethereum marks a significant moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency. As institutional investors reweight their portfolios to include more ETH, the spotlight on its growing utility and potential strengthens. This story is a testament to how major financial players are shaping the future of digital assets.