BlackRock Files for In-Kind ETH ETF Redemptions, Adds $18.9 Million in Ethereum

• BlackRock filed to allow in-kind redemptions for its Ethereum ETF, enabling direct ETH transactions.
• The firm added 7,976 ETH worth $18.9M, bringing total holdings to over 1 million ETH.
• Its Bitcoin trust now holds 614,639 BTC after buying 41,452 BTC in two weeks.

BlackRock has filed an amendment to its S-1 registration for the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), seeking to enable in-kind creation and redemption of ETF shares for its Ethereum ETF. This in-kind mechanism allows authorized participants to exchange ETF shares directly for Ethereum (ETH), bypassing the need for cash transactions. 

BlackRock Seeks In-Kind ETH Redemptions to Cut Costs and Track Price Efficiently

The proposed in-kind process aims to enhance tax efficiency, reduce trading costs, and improve liquidity. By facilitating direct ETH transactions, the ETF can better track Ethereum’s market price and minimize capital gains taxes associated with asset sales. 

Currently, the ETHA ETF operates on a cash-based system, where ETF shares are created or redeemed using cash, necessitating the buying or selling of ETH in the market. The proposed in-kind model would allow for direct ETH transactions, streamlining operations and potentially offering cost benefits. 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not yet approved this in-kind mechanism for crypto ETFs. Approval is pending, and if granted, would mark a significant shift in ETF operations involving cryptocurrencies. 

In a related development, BlackRock recently acquired approximately 7,976 ETH, valued at around $18.9 million, increasing its total Ethereum holdings to over 1 million ETH, worth approximately $2.9 billion. 

BlackRock Adds Bitcoin Fuel to Ethereum Move

Meanwhile, BlackRock increased its exposure to Bitcoin through its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which acquired 41,452 BTC worth approximately $3.92 billion over the past two weeks. This brings the trust’s total holdings to 614,639 BTC, valued at around $58.07 billion. The move highlights BlackRock’s expanding presence across major crypto assets, following its recent filing for in-kind redemptions on Ethereum.

BlackRock’s recent Bitcoin purchase reflects its continued acquisition of digital assets under constrained supply conditions. The move comes after the 2024 halving, which reduced Bitcoin’s issuance rate. With fewer new coins available, large purchases affect market liquidity more directly.

Together with MicroStrategy, BlackRock has effectively removed tens of thousands of BTC from circulation. This reduces the available supply and may impact market dynamics. At the same time, BlackRock is pursuing regulatory approval for its crypto ETFs while increasing its direct holdings.