Ethereum is increasingly recognized as Wall Street’s preferred platform for tokenized assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure. Analysts highlight its maturity, decentralization, and resilience against centralization-related risks as key factors fueling this trend. Notably, Ethereum’s co-founder Joseph Lubin has made bold predictions, projecting a potential 100-fold rally in ETH as it solidifies its status as the go-to settlement layer for financial institutions.
In this evolving landscape, Bitcoin continues to assert itself as a digital store of value. In contrast, Ethereum is carving out a niche as the backbone for industries transitioning to cryptocurrency. Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat and chairman of BitMine, hailed Ethereum as a “truly neutral chain” during the Korea Blockchain Week 2025’s Impact conference. According to Lee, Wall Street is inclined to operate strictly on neutral platforms, aligning with the needs of institutional players and policymakers alike.
Lee pointed out that the U.S. government’s previous pro-Ethereum stance, particularly during the Trump administration, has been reflected in various legislative efforts, such as the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts. These initiatives aim to establish federal frameworks that support Ethereum’s ecosystem, particularly in areas like proof-of-human technology and decentralized payments. He noted, “A lot of that work is going to be done on Ethereum,” linking its role in emerging technologies like AI and robotics to a burgeoning token economy.
Furthermore, Lee envisions a “super cycle” for Ethereum that could span 10 to 15 years, anticipating that the token will surpass previous all-time highs and reach between $10,000 and $12,000 by year-end, with the potential for even higher valuations in the long run.
Meanwhile, digital asset treasuries (DATs), which historically favored Bitcoin, are now allocating significant resources to Ether. This shift is fostering structural demand for ETH, reportedly outpacing net new supply. Analyst Max Shannon stated, “ETH treasuries are no longer a side story,” asserting their emergence as foundational elements in the capital markets of the cryptocurrency space.
A recent report from Bitwise Asset Management further corroborated the rising appetite for ETH, noting that this demand is bolstered by real yield generated from transaction fees and maximal extractable value (MEV). This contributes to a narrative of scarcity surrounding ether, reinforcing its appeal as both a reserve asset and a productive financial instrument.
Bitwise also observed a variety of strategies among Digital Asset Treasuries, including corporate accumulation, staking, and the divestiture of Ether by foundations to fund ecosystem initiatives. Looking ahead, Bitwise predicts a consolidation of influential “mega whale” and “whale” DATs, presenting a landscape where Ethereum functions not merely as a speculative investment but as a programmable treasury asset that integrates corporate finance with on-chain economics.
As institutions continue to embrace Ethereum’s capabilities, the future seems bright for its recognition as a robust vehicle for innovation in the financial sector.
