- BlackRock launched a new staking-focused Ethereum ETF, the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB), which saw over $15.5 million in trading volume on its debut.
- The firm’s digital assets head stated BlackRock will take a “discerning approach” to new crypto ETF structures, despite acknowledging other “exotic” products may emerge.
- BlackRock is also developing a Bitcoin Premium Income ETF designed to generate yield by selling covered call options on Bitcoin futures.
- Investors in the firm’s flagship iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) have been “disproportionately long-term buy and hold,” often buying during market dips.
BlackRock’s digital assets head, Robert Mitchnick, stated the $14 trillion asset manager will avoid overly creative crypto ETF offerings, even as it launched a new staking-focused Ether fund on Thursday. Speaking on CNBC’s Crypto World segment on Friday, Mitchnick acknowledged that exotic structures from competitors may resonate but emphasized a measured strategy.
“We will take a discerning approach in thinking about where else we would expand in this,” Mitchnick said. He confirmed investor interest remains concentrated on Bitcoin and Ether, with only “pockets of interest” in other assets.
The newly launched iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB) enables yield through staking rewards alongside potential price gains. According to Farside Investors, it garnered $43.5 million in inflows on its first day.
Consequently, this marks BlackRock’s second Ether product, following the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). That fund has accumulated nearly $12 billion in inflows since July 2024.
Meanwhile, BlackRock is preparing a Bitcoin Premium Income ETF to sell covered calls on Bitcoin futures for yield. This product would trade away some upside potential compared to the firm’s spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT.
Mitchnick noted IBIT investors have been steadfastly long-term. “They’ve tended to opportunistically buy the dips,” he said, even amid broader selling pressure. Since its January 2024 launch, IBIT has taken in over $63 billion.
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