Ex-BlackRock Digital Assets Lead Joins SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO Amid $1.3B Ethereum Holdings
Introduction: A Major Move in Institutional Crypto Adoption
In a significant development for institutional crypto adoption, Joseph Chalom, the former digital assets lead at BlackRock, has been appointed as Co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming, a company holding one of the largest corporate Ethereum treasuries. SharpLink has accumulated 360,807 ETH (worth approximately $1.3 billion) and generated 567 ETH in staking rewards, reinforcing its commitment to Ethereum-based financial strategies.
Chalom, who played a pivotal role in launching BlackRock’s $10 billion iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), will now spearhead SharpLink’s Ethereum-focused growth initiatives. His appointment signals growing institutional confidence in Ethereum’s infrastructure for treasury management, staking, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
This article explores the implications of Chalom’s move, SharpLink’s Ethereum strategy, and how institutional players are shaping the future of blockchain-based finance.
Joseph Chalom’s Transition from BlackRock to SharpLink
A Key Architect of BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF Success
Joseph Chalom was instrumental in developing BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), which became the third-fastest ETF in history to reach $10 billion in assets under management (AUM). His expertise in structuring institutional-grade crypto products made him a sought-after leader in digital asset adoption.
Why SharpLink? Aligning with Ethereum’s Growth Vision
Chalom stated:
“I am joining SharpLink because I see a powerful opportunity to help shape the future of financial infrastructure and decentralized finance […] SharpLink’s commitment to aligning its strategic direction with the Ethereum ecosystem reflects a bold and forward-thinking vision.”
His move underscores a broader trend of traditional finance (TradFi) executives migrating to blockchain-native firms, accelerating institutional integration with decentralized ecosystems.
SharpLink’s $1.3 Billion Ethereum Treasury Strategy
One of the Largest Corporate ETH Holdings
SharpLink has amassed 360,807 ETH ($1.3 billion at current prices), positioning itself among the top corporate holders of Ethereum. The company has also earned 567 ETH through staking, demonstrating an active approach to yield generation on its holdings.
Why Ethereum? Institutional Appeal for Treasury Management
SharpLink’s strategy highlights three key advantages of Ethereum for institutions:
- Staking Rewards: Passive income via Ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism.
- Scalable Treasury Operations: Smart contracts enable automated, transparent financial management.
- Asset Tokenization: Potential for real-world asset (RWA) integration on Ethereum’s blockchain.
This aligns with broader institutional interest, as seen with firms like MicroStrategy (holding Bitcoin) and Tesla (previously holding Bitcoin and Dogecoin)—though SharpLink is doubling down on Ethereum specifically.
Institutional Confidence in Ethereum: A Growing Trend
Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: Different Institutional Use Cases
While Bitcoin remains the dominant store-of-value asset for corporations, Ethereum is increasingly favored for its utility in:
- DeFi & Staking: Institutions earn yields without selling assets.
- Tokenization: RWAs like bonds and equities can be issued on-chain.
- Smart Contract Automation: Reducing operational costs in treasury management.
SharpLink Chairman Joseph Lubin’s Perspective
Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and Chairman of SharpLink, praised Chalom’s appointment:
“Few executives in the world have had the kind of impact Joseph has had in unlocking institutional adoption of digital assets.”
Lubin’s involvement further strengthens SharpLink’s ties to core Ethereum development through his role at ConsenSys, a leading blockchain software company.
Solaxy: Building Infrastructure for Institutional Ethereum Adoption
As companies like SharpLink expand their crypto treasury strategies, infrastructure providers like Solaxy are emerging to support institutional needs. Solaxy is developing tools for:
- Multi-chain liquidity integrations
- High-growth DeFi and memecoin exposure
- Scalable treasury management solutions
The ongoing $SLXY token presale offers early investors access to this growing ecosystem, potentially benefiting from increased institutional demand for Ethereum-based services.
Conclusion: What This Means for Crypto Markets & What to Watch Next
Key Takeaways:
- Joseph Chalom’s move from BlackRock to SharpLink reinforces institutional confidence in Ethereum as a treasury asset.
- SharpLink’s $1.3 billion ETH holdings highlight corporate interest beyond Bitcoin—focusing on yield generation and DeFi applications.
- Infrastructure projects like Solaxy could play a crucial role in supporting institutional adoption as demand grows.
What to Watch Next:
- Will more TradFi executives follow Chalom into blockchain-native firms?
- How will SharpLink leverage its ETH holdings—more staking, DeFi integrations, or tokenization?
- Can Solaxy and similar projects capture institutional demand for crypto treasury tools?
As institutions deepen their involvement in crypto, Ethereum continues to solidify its position as the leading smart contract platform for enterprise adoption—making developments like these critical for long-term market growth.