BlackRock expands its crypto ETF battlefield: After BTC and ETH, what's next?

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Author: SuperEx

Compiled by: Blockchain in Plain Language

Global asset management giant BlackRock, managing over $11.7 trillion in assets, is actively expanding in the cryptocurrency sector. Following the massive success of its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, BlackRock has launched an Ethereum ETF and is now planning to expand its product line: incorporating more major crypto assets like Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), and Solana (SOL) into its ETF roster.

The Bitcoin ETF's asset size has rapidly soared to over $70 billion, becoming the fastest-growing ETF in history. The Ethereum ETF followed closely, managing assets of $4 billion. BlackRock has clearly stated: "We will continue to explore which crypto assets are suitable for the ETF structure."

This report provides an in-depth analysis of BlackRock's strategy and its significance for the next stage of cryptocurrencies.



1. Why is BlackRock Expanding? Strategic Analysis

a) ETF as an Entry Point - Surging User Demand

The Bitcoin ETF quickly attracted billions of dollars in institutional capital inflow. Hedge funds, pension funds, and traditional wealth management institutions are joining in. The reason? ETFs provide a regulated, familiar, and low-friction cryptocurrency investment channel - a perfect springboard for big capital to enter.

b) Expanding Cryptocurrencies Aligns with Trends and Vision

BlackRock's interest is not new. In 2024, it launched a BUIDL Token-based money market fund with assets exceeding $3 billion. Their vision is to connect traditional finance with DeFi into a single Token-based ecosystem, with ETFs serving as the perfect bridge.

c) Leading, Not Following

While companies like Grayscale and VanEck have also submitted ETF applications for ADA, DOT, and SOL, BlackRock, with its powerful brand influence and capital scale, is not just a follower but likely to become the next dominant issuer in this field.



2. Which Cryptocurrencies Might Join the ETF Club?

  • Cardano (ADA): A smart contract platform emphasizing decentralization and governance, with regulatory-friendly characteristics.
  • Polkadot (DOT): A cross-chain interoperability protocol, viewed as Web3 infrastructure.
  • Solana (SOL): Known for ultra-fast transaction speeds and low fees, it's a hot candidate for ecosystem explosive growth. These assets have high market caps, active communities, and relatively clear compliance paths, making them strong ETF contenders.



3. What Does This Mean for the Cryptocurrency Market?

a) Major Tokens Receive "Asset Management Certification"

Being included in BlackRock ETF signals institutional trust. Demand from sovereign wealth funds, retirement plans, and traditional portfolios is expected to increase.

b) DeFi and Real-World Assets (RWA) Expansion Boosted

Increased focus on these assets means more attraction for on-chain applications, derivatives, and Token-based products. Developers and analysts will find new opportunities in DeFi-RWA hybrid innovations.

c) Token-ization Momentum Accelerates

BlackRock's own Token-based fund indicates its long-term strategy. Stocks, bonds, real estate, etc., are expected to be further Token-ized to achieve ETF-like liquidity, changing the nature of digital assets.



4. What Does This Mean for Ordinary Investors?

a) ETFs Lower Entry Barriers

No wallet needed, no seed phrases, no complex KYC processes. ETFs are as simple as stocks - just click to buy. This allows new investors to allocate crypto assets with non-crypto-native risk.

b) Investment Themes More Clear

BTC/ETH: Value Storage + Risk Hedging.

ADA/DOT/SOL: Technical Innovation + High-Return Staking. This enables investors to build flexible, risk-adjusted portfolios.

c) Research Resources Surge

BlackRock's institutional-level research will benefit retail investors. Crypto analysis driven by ETFs is expected to surge, further lowering the learning curve for entering the crypto market.



5. Risks and Challenges Remain

a) SEC Approval Still Uncertain

The US is more friendly to BTC and ETH. For mid-cap alternative Tokens, regulatory classification and approval remain unclear.

b) Volatility Won't Disappear

ETF Status ≠ Price Stability. SOL or ADA may still experience over 20% pullbacks in volatile markets. Don't let the "ETF" packaging mask inherent risks.

c) Token Mechanism Complexity

Unlike BTC, coins like DOT and SOL involve staking yields, governance roles, and technical details. ETF buyers may need to understand these assets' underlying structures more deeply.



6. What Should You Do Next?

  • Retail Investors: Closely monitor ETF applications. Once approved, early positioning in ETF-listed assets may bring returns. Choose safe trading platforms.
  • DeFi Developers: Ensure products are compatible with DOT/SOL mainnet to capture ETF-driven traffic and liquidity.
  • Institutional Players: Analyze risk premiums, staking mechanisms, governance Token economics - build strategic allocation models before ETF capital inflow.



Five Key Signals Behind BlackRock's Crypto ETF Expansion

  • Industry Trend: ETF as a Regulatory Bridge

After BTC and ETH ETF success, BlackRock is expanding its product line to provide compliant investment channels for traditional capital.

  • Strategic Logic: From Speculation to Structured Exposure

ETFs transform cryptocurrencies from "exotic assets" to "portfolio staples". DOT, SOL, and ADA are expected to follow BTC/ETH into institutional portfolios.

  • Market Impact: Injecting New Liquidity for Top Tokens

Crypto ETF expansion may trigger new capital inflows, increasing TVL, trading volume, and visibility of DeFi and L1/L2 ecosystems.

  • Investor Access: Low-Friction, High-Trust Crypto Entry

ETFs provide an ideal passive investment method for traditional investors without technical barriers. A new class of capital is seamlessly entering the crypto market.

  • Risk Reminder: Regulators Still Hold the Initiative
While BTC and ETH are approved, ADA/SOL/DOT still face regulatory uncertainty. Closely monitor the SEC's attitude and legal positioning.



Final Thoughts: Will ETFs Trigger the Next Web3 Supercycle?

From BTC's standalone success to ETH's DeFi boost, we may see mid-cap L1 Tokens introduced through compliant ETF channels.

BlackRock is not just creating products - it's trying to define crypto capital structures.

If DOT, ADA, or SOL ETFs become a reality, they might ignite:

  • The next wave of institutional capital inflow,
  • Reactivation of developers and liquidity,
  • And a new narrative for Token-ized asset classes.
Web3 is about to become more structured and mainstream.

Article link: https://www.hellobtc.com/kp/du/06/5914.html

Source: https://s.c1ns.cn/xo7S2

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Disclaimer: The content above is only the author's opinion which does not represent any position of Followin, and is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, investment advice from Followin.
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