In recent days, large institutional investors have significantly increased their interest in Ethereum, investing substantial capital in digital assets and pushing the cryptocurrency well beyond the $4,000 threshold. According to data collected by Coin Metrics, this interest is primarily driven by pension funds and hedge funds that see Ethereum as a strategic medium to long-term asset.
This significant growth has been favored by an increasing accumulation dynamic and the growing interest in Ethereum ETFs, opening a crucial phase for the second most capitalized cryptocurrency globally.
Industry analysts note that the correlation between institutional inflows and Ethereum’s performance has strengthened significantly in 2025, highlighting how the activity of institutional financial operators is profoundly influencing the digital sector.
Arthur Hayes between sales and reinvestments: evolving strategy on Ethereum
Arthur Hayes, former CEO known for BitMEX, has attracted the spotlight with significant moves in a few weeks. Despite a recent sale of 2,373 ETH for about 8.3 million dollars at an average price of $3,500 per ETH, Hayes subsequently reinvested over 10.5 million dollars to regain Ethereum at higher quotations. This indicates a strategic choice of accumulation, in clear countertrend to the price movement.
In parallel, Hayes made purchases on DeFi tokens such as LDO, ETHFI, and PENDLE with the following quantities:
- 425,000 tokens LDO, with an estimated value of approximately 557,000 dollars
- 420,000 ETHFI, equivalent to approximately 517,000 dollars
- 185,000 PENDLE, equivalent to over 1.02 million dollars
It must be said that previously Hayes had expressed the possibility of Ethereum price drops to 3,000 dollars. However, the growing demand from institutional investors has led to a rapid change in his choices. This episode highlights how sentiment among the main market players can change quickly in such a dynamic context.
Companies increase Ethereum reserves: numbers and key players
The involvement of companies on Ethereum is rapidly expanding. BitMine Immersion Technologies emerges as a leader with a holding exceeding 833,137 ETH, an amount estimated at over 2.9 billion dollars according to the latest estimates. In second place is SharpLink Gaming with nearly 521,900 ETH. In total, 17 listed companies have accumulated more than 1.7 million ETH, with a total value close to 7 billion dollars.
Some of these companies have recently launched capital increase campaigns and filed documentation with the SEC, aiming to further expand their ETH reserves. The goal is to exceed 5 billion dollars in digital assets and consolidate Ethereum as a long-term strategic reserve.
ETF on Ethereum growing: record inflows and comparison with Bitcoin
A key element for the market is represented by the spot ETFs on Ethereum, with recent net inflows reaching about 461 million dollars in just one day. A figure that surpasses the capital inflow of Bitcoin ETFs, which in the same time frame collected about 403 million.
The fund BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA ETF) recorded inflows of over 100 million dollars in just 24 hours, bringing the assets managed in Ethereum to more than 11 billion dollars.
Thanks to this momentum, Ethereum reached the level of 4,300 dollars, the highest weekly maximum since 2021, with a weekly growth exceeding 10% (data June-July 2025).
Technical analysis: Wyckoff breakout and medium-term targets
From the technical analysis, positive signals emerge for Ethereum. The indicators point to a breakout from the Wyckoff accumulation pattern, with the breaking of a resistance that lasted about eighteen months. Among the main data, we find:
- SOPR Index: at the annual maximum, signal of intense profit-taking activity
- Addresses with more than 10,000 ETH: approximately 919 active, a reduced number but growing compared to previous months
According to Glassnode, the Wyckoff breakout opens the possibility of extensions up to 6,000–8,000 dollars in the medium term. This outlook is favored by the formation of a multi-year triangle, which suggests potential new all-time highs.
Ethereum surpasses Mastercard in market capitalization
With the latest growth in capitalization, Ethereum has reached 519 billion dollars, surpassing Mastercard, which stands around the same value. The overtaking represents a significant indicator of the evolution of the global financial market.
Projections on institutional purchases for 2025
The interest from institutional investors towards Ethereum remains constant. The forecasts for 2025 indicate the possibility of even more substantial investments, driven by the success of ETFs and the balance sheets of listed companies, as well as an increase in on-chain transactions. However, analysts do not rule out possible temporary corrections between 3,200 and 3,600 dollars.
According to Polymarket, the probability that Ethereum maintains prices above 4,000 dollars is at 96%, while the possibility of surpassing the all-time high of 4,878 dollars by the end of the year is estimated at 76%. Currently, the price is still about 13% away from the November 2021 record.
How large institutional investors accumulate
The institutional accumulation strategies follow different directions:
- Gradual accumulation through ETFs and OTC operations conducted by intermediaries such as Galaxy Digital, FalconX, and BitGo. Market experts emphasize how these platforms maintain strict KYC and AML policies, ensuring transparency and security.
- Increase in ETH reserves on corporate balance sheets
- Often coordinated maneuvers that anticipate significant technical breakouts
A recent signal concerns a purchase by a whale of over 221,166 ETH for almost 950 million dollars, clear evidence of long-term institutional confidence.
Contained gas fees boost the Ethereum network
A further signal of health concerns the drop in gas fees on Ethereum, which have recently fallen to average values around 0.60 dollars, as noted by Etherscan. This indicates a more efficient and accessible on-chain activity. This level, combined with the record influx of capital, fuels cautiously positive expectations for new short-term highs.
Future scenarios: possible correction, but the trend remains positive
The overall sentiment remains favorable. Institutional interest shows no signs of weakening, and the flows towards ETF Ethereum and corporate reserves continue to grow.
Ethereum confirms its role as a protagonist in the emerging digital economy, driving the entire cryptocurrency sector towards milestones that until recently seemed distant.
