Over the last 30 days, Ethereum whales and sharks—wallets holding between 1,000 and 100,000 ETH—have added a net total of nearly 1.5 million ETH, boosting their combined holdings by 3.70%. These large holders now control about a quarter of all Ether in circulation, signaling confidence in Ethereum’s value despite muted price action. Meanwhile, retail traders have been cashing out as ETH trades in a narrow range around $2,625, nearly 45% below its all-time high. On-chain data reveals growing activity in Layer 2 networks and Ethereum-based services, with transaction volumes surging for protocols like Ethereum Name Service and lending platforms. Institutional interest remains robust, with US spot Ether ETFs recording 19 consecutive days of inflows totaling $1.37 billion, primarily into BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust. The accumulation by large wallets and sustained institutional demand could set the stage for a potential price breakout when market conditions shift.
about Ethereum Whales Accumulate ETH as Retail Traders Cash OutiShares Ethereum Trust
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekBlackRock Updates ETH & Bitcoin ETFs, Eyes Staking
BlackRock has amended filings for its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) and iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), proposing in-kind creation for ETHA, which could streamline transactions for institutional investors. The firm also flagged quantum computing as a potential risk to Bitcoin’s security. Additionally, BlackRock is pushing for staking in Ethereum ETFs and has launched DLT Shares to bridge blockchain and traditional finance. The Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has seen significant inflows, with $4.7 billion in 16 days, signaling growing institutional interest. CEO Larry Fink even suggested Bitcoin could become a reserve currency amid concerns over the US national debt.
about BlackRock Updates ETH & Bitcoin ETFs, Eyes StakingBlackRock Seeks SEC Guidance on Crypto ETPs & Tokenization
BlackRock met with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force on May 9 to address regulatory concerns surrounding crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), staking, and tokenization. The firm presented its digital asset offerings, including the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), proposed iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), and BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), while seeking clarity on compliance under securities laws. Discussions covered in-kind redemptions, staking integration in ETPs, and interim regulatory standards. BlackRock also explored tokenization frameworks and exchange listing criteria under Section 6(b) of the Exchange Act. The meeting underscores the asset manager’s efforts to align its crypto strategies with evolving SEC expectations.
about BlackRock Seeks SEC Guidance on Crypto ETPs & TokenizationSEC Approves Ethereum ETF Options, Boosting Institutional Adoption
On April 9, 2025, the SEC approved options trading for multiple Ethereum spot ETFs, including BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust and Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust. This decision provides institutional investors with new hedging and speculative tools, further integrating Ethereum into the traditional financial system. The approval aligns with a more crypto-friendly regulatory approach under the current U.S. administration, which has also halted several enforcement actions against crypto firms and promoted stablecoin initiatives. Industry leaders like BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink see this as a step toward broader tokenization of assets.
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