Investment Advisors Become Strongest Drivers of Ethereum ETF, Holdings Soar to $1.35 Billion

Latest market data indicates that institutional investors significantly increased their enthusiasm for Ethereum (ETH) in the second quarter, with a net addition of 388,301 ETH through ETFs. Among them, investment advisory firms played a key role, leading all institutional categories with holdings of up to $1.35 billion.

Close behind were hedge fund managers, with holdings valued at $687 million, corresponding to 274,757 ETH—a 104% increase compared to the first quarter, demonstrating rapid participation by hedge funds. Brokerage firms ranked third with holdings of $253 million, net adding 13,525 ETH this quarter, a 15.4% increase.

Among single institutional holders, Goldman Sachs led with Ethereum ETF holdings of $721.8 million, equivalent to 288,294 ETH. They were followed by Jane Street Group and Millennium Management, with holdings of $190.4 million and $186.9 million, respectively.

The concentrated participation of these top Wall Street institutions reflects Ethereum’s growing recognition in traditional investment portfolios. Notably, private equity firms and holding companies contributed holdings of $62.2 million and $60.6 million, respectively, while pension funds and banks showed a reduction in holdings this quarter.

Overall, by the end of the second quarter, the total institutional Ethereum ETF holdings tracked by Bloomberg Intelligence reached $2.44 billion, totaling 975,650 ETH. Market analysis expects institutional participation to further significantly increase in the third quarter.

Data from Farside Investors confirms this expectation, showing that Ethereum ETF inflows surged from $4.2 billion at the end of June to $13.3 billion at the end of August—a more than threefold increase, setting a historical record. In August alone, new inflows reached $3.7 billion.

This strong growth trend aligns with the increasing adoption of Ethereum in corporate treasury assets. According to data from Strategic ETH Reserve, 17 publicly listed companies currently hold a total of 3.4 million ETH, with a market value of nearly $15.7 billion.