Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock: “Interest in Bitcoin Remains High Despite the Drop”

Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management company, made exclusive statements about the company’s new staking-backed Ethereum ETF (ETHB). Mitchnick stated that this new product is a “golden key” for institutional investors.

Mitchnick, highlighting the fundamental differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, stated that Bitcoin is positioned as “digital gold” and an alternative currency, while Ethereum is a technology-focused investment based on blockchain innovation. He noted that ETHB offers investors the opportunity to share not only in price increases but also in the economic functioning of the network (staking).

Mitchnick, noting that the launch of Bitcoin ETFs (IBITs) has provided a great convenience for investors, said, “An Ethereum ETF with added staking features becomes a clear solution that allows investors to access Ethereum in the easiest and most cost-effective way.”

Mitchnick noted that despite the volatility in the crypto markets, ETF investors have a long-term perspective, pointing out that even when the Bitcoin price fell by nearly 50% from its peak, inflows into IBIT (BlackRock Bitcoin ETF) remained positive. According to 2025 data, IBIT was the only fund among the top 20 most injected ETFs worldwide that appeared on the list despite negative returns.

Mitchnick stated that approximately 90% of ETF investors consist of financial advisors, individual investors, and institutional funds, and that this group tends to accumulate by “buying at the dip.” He added that the remaining 10% are generally hedge funds that arbitrage with futures contracts.

When asked about BlackRock’s appetite for other crypto assets, Mitchnick said that Bitcoin (60% market share) and Ethereum (10%+ market share) are the absolute dominant players in the market, and they will continue to evaluate other assets based on liquidity and use cases.

*This is not investment advice.