BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF Achieves $10B Milestone Swiftly

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF (ETHA) has soared past $10 billion in assets under management in just 251 days, making it the third-fastest fund in history to reach this landmark.

The ETF’s rapid ascent highlights growing institutional and retail demand for regulated crypto investments and marks a turning point for digital assets on Wall Street.

The swift success of ETHA comes as digital asset products continue to set records, with spot cryptocurrency ETFs dominating the leaderboard for asset growth speed. This surge underscores the new era for crypto within mainstream finance.

The $10B Milestone: How ETHA Raced to the Top

BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF accelerated past $10 billion less than a year from launch, after an explosive inflow run that saw its AUM double from $5 billion to $10 billion in just 10 days.

This pace only trails two spot Bitcoin ETFs: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which took 34 days to hit the mark, and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which did so in 54 days.

ETHA’s rise places it well ahead of many traditional equity funds, including the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF, which reached $10 billion in 444 days.

Did you know?
Did you know? Only about 150 out of over 4,400 global ETFs have ever surpassed $10 billion in assets. BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF reached that mark in under a year.

Factors Powering Rapid Growth

Several key forces drove ETHA's meteoric momentum. Intensified investor demand from both major institutions and retail holders has fueled the sharp climb, as many seek secure and regulated digital asset exposure within mainstream asset management portfolios.

ETHA recently enjoyed a 14-day inflow streak in July, pulling in $4.4 billion in new capital, including a single-day high of $726.7 million. As Ethereum continues gaining adoption among fintechs and traditional finance for real-world tokenization, investor confidence is growing in its long-term utility.

ETF analysts point out that the three fastest ETFs to reach $10 billion in assets are all spot crypto funds, proving that crypto is rapidly becoming Wall Street's most sought-after frontier.

Setting a New Benchmark for Crypto ETFs

This achievement marks a watershed moment in the evolution of digital investment products. ETHA’s speed raises the bar for competitors and confirms that the mechanics of ETF investing, i.e., transparency, accessibility, and regulation, are enabling crypto to find a permanent place in diversified portfolios.

More asset managers and ETF providers are likely to follow suit, with a growing array of tokenized and blockchain-linked products expected to hit the market by 2026. Institutions that were previously hesitant are now taking stronger positions through regulated vehicles such as ETHA.

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Bitcoin ETF Sets the Pace

Although ETHA’s climb is remarkable, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) still holds the record for the fastest $10 billion milestone, hitting the mark in just 34 days in early 2024.

Fidelity’s FBTC followed closely at 54 days. These breakout funds have paved the way for ETHA and others that may follow, proving the mainstream appetite for institutional-grade crypto exposure.

Traditional Finance Impact and Industry Outlook

Historically, ETFs can take several years or never to reach the $10 billion AUM milestone. Out of more than 4,400 global ETFs, only around 150 have crossed that threshold. ETHA’s 251-day surge sets an important precedent.

Industry analysts now expect demand for tokenized investment vehicles to continue rising, as investors embrace crypto exposure without the complexities of direct custody or wallets.

BlackRock’s position as a dual front-runner, holding both the fastest Bitcoin and third-fastest Ethereum ETF records, reinforces its leadership in this space.

The speed and scale of ETHA’s adoption is driving a broader financial transformation, from how portfolios are structured to how asset flows are tracked. As capital continues shifting toward regulated crypto ETFs, ETHA’s next milestone may come even faster.