Standard Chartered has forecast a potential tenfold increase in corporate Ethereum holdings, projecting that institutional adoption could elevate the asset class from its current 1% of total supply to 10% over the coming years. This analysis underscores Ethereum’s growing appeal in institutional portfolios, driven by its staking yields and decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities, which provide a competitive edge over Bitcoin [1]. The bank’s projection aligns with a surge in corporate treasury strategies incorporating ETH, as firms like BitMine Immersion Technologies and SharpLink Gaming integrate staking to generate passive income [2].

The shift is supported by macroeconomic and market dynamics. Ethereum’s staking rewards—currently around 3%—offer a yield-generation mechanism absent in Bitcoin, while its DeFi ecosystem diversifies treasury management options [3]. On-chain data further illustrates institutional momentum: the ETH/BTC ratio has risen sharply from 0.018 in April 2025 to 0.032 by July, reflecting a structural preference for Ethereum amid ETF inflows and corporate accumulation [4]. This trend is amplified by record open interest and network activity, though volatility persists due to selling pressure from large “whale” holders near $4,000 price levels [5].

Standard Chartered’s analysis highlights a broader reallocation of institutional capital into digital assets, particularly in jurisdictions where regulatory constraints limit direct crypto exposure. ETH’s compliance-friendly profile, combined with its utility as a yield-generating asset, positions it as a strategic alternative to traditional treasuries [6]. The bank maintains a year-end price target of $4,000, with ETH currently trading near $3,830, indicating confidence in sustained adoption [7].

However, the 10% threshold remains contingent on external factors. Analysts caution that while corporate demand has been robust, macroeconomic conditions and regulatory clarity in key markets could either accelerate or hinder this trajectory [8]. The current buying spree mirrors Bitcoin’s institutional adoption path, yet Ethereum’s market capitalization must continue to close the gap with Bitcoin for the forecast to materialize.

The projection also emphasizes Ethereum’s role in reshaping corporate treasury allocation. Institutions are increasingly viewing ETH not merely as a speculative asset but as a tool for diversification, leveraging its dual utility in staking and DeFi protocols. This shift is expected to intensify as more firms seek to balance risk and return in an evolving digital asset landscape [2].

Sources: [1] Ethereum News Today: Standard Chartered: Corporate Ethereum Holdings Could Potentially Reach 10% Amid Rising Institutional Demand

https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-standard-chartered-corporate-ethereum-holdings-surge-10x-10-staking-yields-defi-demand-2507/

[2] Firms Accelerate Ether Supply Accumulation in 2025 [3] Ethereum (ETH) Price: Smart Money Pulls Back as Network Activity Soars [4] Corporate Buying Spree Pushes ETH Closer to $4000

https://tradersunion.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/show/404520-corporate-buying-spree-pushes-eth/ [5] Ether Treasury Companies to Eventually Own 10% of Supply: Standard Chartered

https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/quote/SWOL-USD/news/ [6] How Bitcoin Treasury Companies Are Beating…

https://www.aol.com/bitcoin-treasury-companies-beating-bitcoins-183045242.html [7] Standard Chartered Projects Corporate Ethereum Holdings to Reach 10% of Supply

https://coinpedia.org/ [8] Crypto Charts 2 Minutes

https://finviz.com/crypto_charts.ashx?c=USD&p=i2&ty=c&v=1