Emre Yumlu 
Joseph Chalom, former Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, believes the foundation of the global financial system will ultimately be built on the Ethereum (ETH) network. According to Chalom, Ethereum is evolving far beyond being just a blockchain—it’s becoming the digital infrastructure of Wall Street.
Ethereum Emerging as the Core of Financial Infrastructure
Chalom emphasized that major financial institutions increasingly rely on Ethereum for its trust, liquidity, and security. He stated that this confidence will play a critical role in shaping the future of financial systems. “Ethereum isn’t just a network; it’s the digital backbone of global finance,” Chalom noted, suggesting that the technology is set to underpin both traditional and decentralized systems in the years ahead.
From BlackRock to Sharplink: A Career Bridging Traditional and Digital Finance
During his tenure at BlackRock, Chalom played a key role in the growth of the company’s Aladdin portfolio management platform and later led initiatives that expanded the firm’s involvement in digital assets.
He contributed to several notable projects, including BlackRock’s investment in Circle, its partnership with Securitize, and the successful launch of IBIT, the firm’s spot Bitcoin ETF.
Currently serving as Co-CEO of Sharplink, a digital asset management firm, Chalom continues to advocate for Ethereum’s role in the digital transformation of finance.
Ethereum as a Productive Asset
According to Chalom, Ethereum represents more than a decentralized network—it’s a yield-generating asset. With its staking mechanism offering around 3% annual returns, he views ETH as a productive component within the financial ecosystem.
Sharplink reportedly holds over $3 billion worth of Ether in its portfolio, with plans to stake a significant portion of those holdings to generate additional income.
“Soon We Won’t Say DeFi or TradFi — Just Finance”
Looking ahead, Chalom predicts that the distinction between decentralized (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi) will gradually fade. “Over time, these labels will disappear. We’ll simply call it finance — and Ethereum will be the infrastructure behind it,” he said.
Chalom’s perspective highlights a growing consensus in the industry: Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency but a cornerstone of the next generation of global financial innovation.
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