- BlackRock expects Ethereum to lead real-world asset tokenisation in 2026 due to its dominant market share and strong infrastructure.
- Institutional adoption continues to grow despite Ethereum’s recent price struggles.
Ethereum’s price may have struggled in recent months, but institutional confidence in the network remains firm. In its 2026 outlook, BlackRock highlighted Ethereum as a key beneficiary of the expanding tokenisation of real-world assets, even as market prices remain well below previous highs.
Despite slower price action, Ethereum continues to strengthen its position as core blockchain infrastructure for global finance.
Ethereum’s Commanding Lead in Real-World Asset Tokenisation
According to BlackRock, Ethereum currently hosts about 66% of all tokenised real-world assets. This dominance places it far ahead of competing networks. Binance’s BNB Chain follows with 10%, while Solana accounts for 5%. Arbitrum and Stellar each hold 4%, and Avalanche stands at 3%.
Combined, these networks remain well below Ethereum’s overall share. BlackRock views this early lead as difficult to challenge, especially as institutions prioritise security, liquidity, and proven infrastructure.
Jay Jacobs, BlackRock’s US head of equity exchange-traded funds, noted that Ethereum appears well-positioned to benefit from the next phase of tokenisation growth. The outlook suggests that adoption, rather than short-term pricing, remains the primary driver of long-term value.
Price Weakness Fails to Deter Wall Street
Ethereum is trading near $3,000, almost 40% below its all-time high set in August. Over the past year, the asset has declined about 10%, even as technology stocks and gold reached record levels.
However, major financial institutions continue to build exposure. JPMorgan selected Ethereum for its first tokenised money market fund, a sector valued at $9 trillion. Morgan Stanley has also filed for an Ethereum-based exchange-traded fund.
Investor demand remains visible through ETFs. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust ETF holds roughly $11 billion in assets under management. Similar products from Grayscale and Fidelity have also attracted billions.
Digital asset treasury firms are further tightening supply. Bitmine, led by Tom Lee, recently added $100 million worth of Ethereum, raising its total holdings to $13 billion. These long-term positions, often staked, reduce circulating supply and may support future price discovery.
Ethereum’s Role in a Broader Investment Shift
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has described the network as “civilisational infrastructure,” reflecting its expanding role beyond crypto markets.
BlackRock’s outlook also points to rising interest in artificial intelligence and defence technologies. While AI continues to draw attention, investors may increasingly diversify into areas linked to digital and national infrastructure.
Within this landscape, Ethereum stands out as a foundational layer for financial innovation. Price performance may fluctuate, but institutional adoption continues to reinforce its long-term relevance in global markets.
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