Ethereum’s Future Brightens as BlackRock Seeks SEC Approval for Staking in ETF

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, BlackRock has taken a bold step towards integrating Ethereum staking into its proposed iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). Nasdaq recently filed an amended 19b-4 application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to include staking capabilities in the fund. This move would allow the ETF to participate in Ethereum's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, enabling it to generate yield beyond simple ether exposure. The proposal marks a major evolution in cryptocurrency investment products, as it combines the benefits of traditional ETFs with the innovative potential of blockchain technology. BlackRock's initiative follows similar proposals from other major asset managers like Franklin Templeton and Grayscale, indicating a growing institutional interest in Ethereum's staking ecosystem. As of July 2025, this development could potentially drive increased adoption of Ethereum and positively impact its market valuation. The SEC's decision on this matter will be closely watched by investors and industry participants alike, as it could set a precedent for future cryptocurrency-based financial products. This move underscores Ethereum's growing prominence in the financial sector and its potential to revolutionize how traditional investors interact with blockchain technology.

BlackRock Seeks SEC Approval for Ethereum Staking in ETF

Nasdaq has filed an amended 19b-4 application with the SEC to incorporate staking capabilities into BlackRock's iShares ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). The proposed feature would enable the fund to generate yield by participating in Ethereum's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, marking a significant evolution beyond simple ether exposure.

The MOVE follows similar proposals from asset managers like Franklin Templeton and Grayscale, reflecting growing institutional interest in blockchain-native revenue streams. SEC guidance classifying staking rewards as earned income rather than securities transactions has paved the regulatory path for such innovations.

ETHA currently holds $7.2 billion in assets under management, trading at $25.42 per share. The filing aligns with provisions in the potential CLARITY Act that explicitly permits staking activities, suggesting a strategic positioning by BlackRock ahead of anticipated regulatory developments.

SharpLink Gaming Seeks $5B to Expand Ethereum Holdings in Aggressive Strategic Pivot

SharpLink Gaming has filed to increase its stock offering from $1 billion to $6 billion, with $5 billion earmarked for Ethereum acquisitions. The Minnesota-based firm already holds 321,000 ETH ($1.1 billion), making it the largest corporate holder. Ethereum surged 6.37% to $3,653.72 following the announcement.

The move follows a $425 million private placement led by Consensys in June, with Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin joining as Board Chairman. This positions SharpLink at the intersection of gaming and decentralized finance, backed by Ethereum's Core development team.

Market observers note the filing's timing coincides with growing institutional interest in ETH as a strategic asset. The additional liquidity could accelerate Ethereum's push toward $4,000, particularly with staking yields and layer-2 adoption compounding demand.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Will ETH Price Hit $20K in this Altcoin Season?

Ethereum has emerged from a prolonged bearish phase, posting a 44.2% gain over the past month to trade at $3,640.83. The asset has surged 50.58% since the beginning of June, with weekly gains exceeding 21%—signaling a potential breakout as market sentiment shifts.

Analyst Colin Talks crypto projects ETH could reach $15,000-$20,000 in the next bull cycle, citing long-term chart patterns that mirror previous upward trajectories. The cryptocurrency currently trades 25.22% below its all-time high of $4,891.70 set in November 2021.

5 Reasons to Buy Ethereum (ETH) Today

Ethereum continues to solidify its position as a cornerstone of the decentralized economy, with its price holding firm above $3,000. Institutional interest is surging, evidenced by BlackRock's Ethereum spot ETFs attracting $192 million in net inflows on July 15 alone. The trend of eight consecutive days of positive ETF flows underscores growing confidence among traditional investors.

Yield-seeking institutions are also turning to Ethereum, with staking offering 3–4% annual returns. The combination of regulated ETF access, income potential, and asset legitimacy makes Ethereum an attractive option for diversified portfolios. Technical indicators and on-chain metrics further support the bullish case for ETH, positioning it as a standout in the crypto market.

Thinking About Investing in Ethereum? Here’s Why It’s Not Too Late!

Ethereum remains the world’s leading smart-contract platform, even as Bitcoin dominates headlines. Institutional adoption, technical upgrades, and bullish market indicators suggest ETH is poised for growth.

In 2025, Ethereum-focused funds attracted over $4 billion in inflows, including a record $990 million in a single week. Financial giants like Standard Chartered and BlackRock are expanding Ether services, with BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF now holding 1.65% of ETH’s circulating supply.

The Dencun and upcoming Pectra upgrades enhance scalability, while zk-rollups now process transactions faster than Ethereum’s mainnet. Layer-2 solutions are unlocking new potential for DeFi, NFTs, and tokenized real-world assets.

Bit Digital Stock Surges 6% After Major Ethereum Acquisition

Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTBT) saw its shares jump nearly 6% to $4.2499 following the announcement of a strategic Ethereum acquisition. The company purchased 19,683 ETH, bringing its total holdings to 120,306 ETH—a clear signal of its deepening commitment to Ethereum-based financial infrastructure.

The $67.3 million deployment into ETH underscores Bit Digital's pivot from mining to staking and decentralized finance (DeFi) strategies. Ethereum now forms the CORE of its treasury model, with staking rewards and institutional-grade blockchain participation driving long-term value creation.

Market reaction was immediate, with BTBT outpacing broader crypto equities. The move aligns with growing institutional demand for regulated exposure to Ethereum's ecosystem, particularly as traditional finance increasingly adopts its smart contract framework.