Joseph Chalom Leaves BlackRock to Join SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO: A Strategic Shift in Ethereum’s Financial Ecosystem
- Why Did Joseph Chalom Transition from BlackRock to SharpLink Gaming?
- How Will SharpLink Gaming’s Leadership Restructure Impact Its Ethereum Strategy?
- What Makes SharpLink’s ETH Treasury Unique?
- How Is SharpLink’s SBET Token Performing Amid These Changes?
- What Are Chalom’s Key Achievements at BlackRock?
- How Does SharpLink Plan to Bridge TradFi and DeFi?
- What Challenges Could Derail SharpLink’s Vision?
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
In a bold career move, Joseph Chalom—the architect behind BlackRock’s pioneering crypto-tradfi products—has joined SharpLink Gaming as co-CEO. With 20 years at BlackRock, where he spearheaded institutional crypto adoption via products like the IBIT ETF and Ethereum’s BUIDL, Chalom now aims to position SharpLink as Ethereum’s financial hub. The company, holding the second-largest ETH treasury (360,809 ETH), plans to leverage staking for passive income while aligning with Ethereum’s global finance ambitions. Meanwhile, SharpLink’s SBET token trades at $22 amid leadership reshuffles and strategic partnerships.
Why Did Joseph Chalom Transition from BlackRock to SharpLink Gaming?
After two decades at BlackRock, Joseph Chalom is flipping the script. Known for launching the world’s first Bitcoin ETP and Ethereum’s BUIDL, Chalom tweeted on July 25, 2025: “I’m starting a new chapter.” His mission? To make SharpLink Gaming Ethereum’s financial nerve center. “I join with a clear goal: to build ethereum into the heart of global finance,” he stated. This isn’t just a job change—it’s a strategic bet on Ethereum’s institutional future. SharpLink’s existing ETH reserves (worth ~$1.2 billion at current prices) and staking infrastructure likely sweetened the deal.
How Will SharpLink Gaming’s Leadership Restructure Impact Its Ethereum Strategy?
Chalom’s arrival triggers a leadership shuffle. Co-founder Robert Phythian will shift to a “preferred role” (details still vague), while Chalom takes the reins on Ethereum integration. Consensys CEO Joe Lubin praised Chalom’s “unmatched impact” in institutional crypto adoption. SharpLink’s recent OTC purchase of 10,000 ETH from the Ethereum Foundation’s ICO reserves signals its commitment. The company now eyes a 1M ETH treasury—surpassing even the Ethereum Foundation’s holdings. Talk about ambition!
What Makes SharpLink’s ETH Treasury Unique?
With 360,809 ETH ($1.2B), SharpLink holds thecorporate ETH stash—trailing only an unnamed ICO giant. But here’s the twist: unlike ICOs that dump ETH for operating costs, SharpLink stakes 85%+ via liquid staking tokens (e.g., LsETH). Only 52.56 ETH sits idle in their wallet. This “HODL-and-earn” strategy aligns with Chalom’s vision: “We’re not speculators; we’re infrastructure builders.” The goal? Passive income from staking rewards while avoiding market volatility.
How Is SharpLink’s SBET Token Performing Amid These Changes?
SBET—SharpLink’s equity-token hybrid—trades at $22 on Injective Protocol, down from its July 2025 peak of $37.36. The tokenization of SBET shares (a first for gaming firms) adds liquidity but faces headwinds. Analysts at BTCC note: “SBET’s dip reflects broader crypto volatility, not fundamentals.” Meanwhile, SharpLink’s treasury growth could buffer future sell-offs. Pro tip: Watch for staking yield announcements—they might juice SBET’s price.
What Are Chalom’s Key Achievements at BlackRock?
Chalom’s BlackRock legacy reads like a crypto hall of fame:
- IBIT ETF: First Bitcoin exchange-traded product for institutions
- BUIDL: Tokenized money-market instrument (now a $7B ecosystem)
- Etha: BlackRock’s Ethereum yield product
How Does SharpLink Plan to Bridge TradFi and DeFi?
Chalom’s playbook involves using SharpLink’s treasury to:
1.for ~5% annual yield (current rate: 4.8%, per CoinMarketCap)
2.like SBET shares for cross-chain liquidity
3.with Ethereum L2s (think Arbitrum, Optimism) for scaling
The endgame? A seamless pipeline between Wall Street and Ethereum. “Liquidity shouldn’t care about chains,” Chalom quipped in a recent interview.
What Challenges Could Derail SharpLink’s Vision?
Risks lurk beneath the hype:
-: The SEC’s stance on staking-as-a-service remains murky.
-: A price crash could slash treasury value.
-SharpLink must deliver on tech promises. As one skeptic put it: “Holding ETH isn’t innovation—it’s just holding ETH.”
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Who is Joseph Chalom?
A 20-year BlackRock veteran who pioneered institutional crypto products like the IBIT ETF and BUIDL before joining SharpLink Gaming as co-CEO in July 2025.
How much ETH does SharpLink hold?
360,809 ETH (worth ~$1.2B), making it the second-largest corporate ETH treasury. Only 52.56 ETH remains unstaked.
What’s SBET’s current price?
$22 as of July 26, 2025—down from its July peak of $37.36. Tradable on Injective Protocol.
Why is staking ETH central to SharpLink’s strategy?
It generates passive income (4.8% APY) while avoiding ETH sales that could depress prices.
