Where Will iShares Ethereum Trust ETF Be in 5 Years?

As an equity researcher, I’m often asked about the future of cryptocurrencies, specifically Ethereum (ETH). If I were to channel my inner Yoda, I’d say predicting its next five years is…challenging. The crypto market is incredibly dynamic, and constantly changing, making long-term forecasts particularly difficult. He’d be spot on, of course.

Honestly, trying to predict Ethereum’s price directly feels like a waste of time. I’d rather invest in something that *tracks* Ethereum’s performance, like the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). Why spend hours researching the cryptocurrency itself when the ETF will essentially mirror its movements? It just makes more sense to me to focus on the ETF and skip the extra layer of analysis.

It’s true that Yoda couldn’t have predicted cryptocurrencies – the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) didn’t even exist yet when he was gone. While no one can say for sure what will happen with these assets by 2030, I have some ideas about where Ethereum is headed, and the ETF definitely warrants a closer look.

What Vitalik Buterin wants to build by 2030

During a September conference for Ethereum developers, founder Vitalik Buterin shared a clear look at the future of the cryptocurrency, outlining plans for the next few years.

Both users and developers will benefit from lower costs and quicker processing of Ethereum smart contracts. Crucially, the network itself will become more scalable, meaning it can handle a much larger amount of activity without any issues.

Efforts to improve Ethereum’s speed aren’t just focused on upgrading the main Ethereum network itself. They also include several ‘Layer-2’ blockchains, which help speed things up. Ideally, it will soon be simple to transfer data and connect apps across these different Layer-2 platforms. Currently, popular Layer-2 systems like Arbitrum and Optimism are quick individually, but they don’t work well together. However, that’s starting to change.

Ultimately, we want using Ethereum to feel effortless and intuitive. Our aim is for apps built on Ethereum to be as commonplace and easy to use as the apps you already use every day, like those made with Java, Python, or C#. If you’re not familiar with those programming languages, that actually highlights why we need to improve the user experience! The Ethereum community envisions a future where you can use the platform constantly, without even realizing it’s there.

Vitalik Buterin believes Ethereum can become more decentralized, making it easier for anyone to run the network with standard equipment like laptops and smartphones. While this is mainly a technical improvement, it will ultimately lead to a smoother and more reliable experience for all Ethereum users. Imagine faster, more secure transactions verified by everyday devices – that’s the future he envisions.

Transaction fees are where the money is

Here’s the core idea behind the improvements we’re making: In five years, Ethereum will be significantly more capable and user-friendly – so much so that everyday people could use it routinely without even thinking about it. While widespread adoption might take a bit longer, the underlying technology should be ready by 2030.

For me, the real potential of Ethereum comes down to this: the more people actually *use* it, the more valuable it becomes. It’s pretty simple – increased usage drives up the price, and that’s where I see the long-term gains.

This cryptocurrency isn’t meant to be a safe store of value like Bitcoin, which has a limited amount. Instead, it’s built to power everyday applications. Its underlying technology, called a blockchain, records transactions and can be used to manage things like money, ownership of items (both digital and real-world), and all the digital connections modern apps need to work worldwide.

Every time someone uses the Ethereum network, a small fee is created, which increases the value of Ethereum. If more people start using Ethereum’s tools, these fees could grow significantly.

That’s exactly what the user-focused platform upgrades are meant to do over time.

I’m not predicting a specific price for Ethereum by 2030, but I believe it will increase in value. If it doesn’t, it would represent a significant setback for Ethereum’s goals, the broader idea of Web3, and how we manage data today.

Why the ETF wrapper actually matters

And the ETF structure really can change how investors approach Ethereum:

The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF works just like a typical stock or ETF. You can purchase it through your brokerage account and keep it in your investment portfolio, including tax-advantaged accounts like an IRA. This isn’t possible with Ethereum itself, at least not currently.
As a portfolio manager, I’ve seen a significant shift in institutional interest towards cryptocurrency thanks to the ETF structure. The added regulatory oversight provides a level of comfort and security that many large investors – including institutions and high-net-worth individuals – were previously lacking. It’s really opened the door for wider adoption.
Similar to how Ethereum is constantly evolving, these new ETFs can also gain new capabilities. For instance, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) recently started offering staking, which allows holders to earn rewards – around 3% per year, like a dividend – a feature that wasn’t available just a few days ago. These kinds of improvements could attract investors and allow one ETF to become more popular than others.

In five years, I anticipate the price of Ethereum will increase significantly as its technology becomes commonplace and fades into the background of daily life. The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF will likely benefit from this, offering easier access for typical investors, and may even introduce some new capabilities. A key question is when we’ll see all Ethereum ETFs offering rewards through staking, similar to receiving dividends.

The world of cryptocurrency is constantly changing, but experts are now making predictions about Ethereum and its new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over the next five years. They foresee increased practical applications and a rise in value, with ETFs offering a convenient way to invest.

2025-10-08 01:54

What Vitalik Buterin wants to build by 2030

Transaction fees are where the money is

Why the ETF wrapper actually matters

Read More