Bernstein, a prominent brokerage firm, has recently showcased a bullish outlook on Ethereum (ETH). This perspective aligns with the significant purchase of Ethereum, worth approximately $66 million, by a noted crypto whale wallet – 0x7a9.
As Ethereum gains momentum, the focus shifts from Bitcoin’s ETF-driven rally to the potential for Ethereum’s institutional adoption and the approval of a spot exchange-traded fund by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The report from Bernstein highlights Ethereum as a prime candidate for SEC-approved spot ETFs. Moreover, the analysts believe there is a 50% likelihood of Ethereum ETF approval by May, with near certainty within a year.
Notably, giants in traditional finance, such as Franklin Templeton, Blackrock, and Fidelity, compete to launch Ethereum ETFs in the US, indicating bullish medium-term prospects for Ethereum. Still, the interest in Ethereum extends beyond ETFs. Institutions aim to use the Ethereum network to develop transparent, tokenized financial markets. This ambition goes well beyond simple asset gathering.
“Ethereum with its staking yield dynamics, environmentally friendly design, and institutional utility to build new financial markets, is well positioned for mainstream institutional adoption,” Bernstein analysts Gautam Chhugani and Mahika Sapra stated.
Likewise, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink voiced his support for an Ethereum ETF. He emphasized the transformative potential of tokenization in asset management and transactions. Fink’s backing highlights Ethereum’s increasing importance in digital finance, pointing towards a shift in investment strategies towards blockchain technologies.
However, Kevin de Patoul, CEO of a digital asset market maker – Keyrock, believes Ethereum ETF is far from a done deal.
The SEC has so far not provided clear guidance on Ether’s status as a security, which could complicate the approval process. Gensler said last year that all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin are a security. It looks likely that the SEC Chair will try to maintain this ambiguous stance for as long as possible. We think this is the wrong approach, and that investors deserve clarity on Ether’s regulatory status – whatever the Commission ultimately decides.
Gary Gensler was also the deciding vote 3-2 vote in the Commission’s attempt to approve a spot Bitcoin ETF, which shows that an Ether ETF is far from a done deal,” Patoul said.
Nonetheless, the recent acquisition of 22,719 ETH by the whale 0x7a9, at an average price of $2,893, underscores the growing investor confidence in Ethereum. This purchase includes significant transactions through Binance and 1inch, indicating a robust investment strategy.
Presently, the whale’s portfolio boasts 74,383 ETH and 5,485 stETH, valued at roughly $233.8 million. The whale has an unrealized profit of $12.38 million.