Investing

What is Ethereum? How to invest in Ethereum with ETFs

Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency, it’s the backbone of Web3. Learn how investors can access Ethereum’s growth potential through ETFs and the benefits and downsides of this approach.

Ethereum is one of the world’s most popular cryptocurrencies, second only to Bitcoin. But unlike Bitcoin, which is often dubbed “digital gold,” Ethereum is more like a digital toolbox.

It lets developers build apps, run programs, and create digital assets, all on a decentralised blockchain. That’s why you might hear about Ethereum being the backbone of things like NFTs, Web3, and smart contracts.

The currency that powers the network is called Ether (ETH). People use ETH to pay fees when they interact with apps or send money across the Ethereum network.

Why investors care about Ethereum and its growth potential

It’s bigger than money, Ethereum is the platform behind many innovations in finance (DeFi), gaming, and digital ownership.

Ethereum is evolving; in 2022, Ethereum shifted to a more eco-friendly system that cut its energy use by more than 99%.

It has long-term potential, many see it as a key piece of the future internet (Web3). For investors, that makes Ethereum a growth story, not just a currency.

What is an Ethereum ETF?

Buying Ethereum directly means setting up a crypto wallet and dealing with exchanges, which can be intimidating. An ETF solves that problem, providing exposure to the underlying asset, without the associated administration. 

An Ethereum ETF lets you invest in ETH through a regular brokerage account, just like buying a conventional index fund.

What are the benefits of investing in Ethereum ETFs?

  • Easy to buy and sell through your broker 
  • Regulated and transparent. These ETFs are listed on the Cboe or ASX and operate under the same regulatory framework as other exchange traded funds.
  • No need for private keys or wallets

What are the downsides of an Ethereum ETF?

  • You don’t own Ethereum directly
  • You miss out on “staking rewards” (extra ETH you can earn by locking up coins)
  • Fees may be higher than holding ETH yourself. Like other ETFs, they can also trade at a small premium or discount to the value of the underlying Ethereum they hold.

Most popular Ethereum ETFs for investors in 2025

Ticker CodeETF NameSize ($ m)Exchange
EETHGlobal X 21Shares Ethereum ETF$74.4Cboe Australia
QETHBetaShares Ethereum ETF$16.9ASX
IETHMonochrome Ethereum ETF$5.2Cboe Australia
Source: ASX and Cboe. Data as at 31 July 2025.

Stockspot offers the Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF (EETH) as part of its thematic range.

Should you invest in Ethereum or Ethereum ETFs?

Ethereum ETFs including EETH (which features in the Stockspot Cryptocurrency theme), give investors a simpler bridge into crypto markets. But they aren’t for everyone.

  • If you’re curious about crypto but want all your asset ownership in one place, an Ethereum ETF is a great option.
  • If you’re more tech-savvy and want to explore staking or are comfortable with the security around ownership, owning ETH directly might be better suited to you.

Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency, it’s a platform powering a new wave of digital innovation. With the rise of Ethereum ETFs, everyday investors now have an easier way to get exposure.

Just remember: like any investment, Ethereum comes with risks. Keep it as one piece of a well-diversified portfolio and be aware of the importance of rebalancing volatile assets.

How to buy an Ethereum ETF

Buying an Ethereum ETF is simple, but the process depends on how hands-on you want to be.

If you prefer to do it yourself, you can buy Ethereum ETFs through most online brokers in the same way you’d buy shares or index funds. You’ll need a brokerage account, and you’ll be responsible for deciding how much to allocate, monitoring your investment, and handling the tax reporting.

For investors who want a simpler option, Stockspot offers an Ethereum ETF as part of its Cryptocurrency Theme. This means you don’t need to pick or trade ETFs yourself. If selected, Stockspot automatically includes the Ethereum ETF in a well-diversified portfolio, rebalances it for you, and takes care of all the tax reporting. It’s an easy way to get exposure to Ethereum while still investing in a balanced portfolio that spreads your risk across different assets.

Explore Stockspots Cryptocurrency Themes
  • Chris Brycki

    Founder and CEO

    Chris has over 25 years of investment experience and spent most of his early career as a Portfolio Manager at UBS. Chris has been a member of the ASIC Digital Advisory Committee and volunteers as a member of the Investment Committee for the NSW Cancer Council. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Finance Co-op Scholarship) from UNSW.


Founder and CEO

Chris has over 25 years of investment experience and spent most of his early career as a Portfolio Manager at UBS. Chris has been a member of the ASIC Digital Advisory Committee and volunteers as a member of the Investment Committee for the NSW Cancer Council. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Finance Co-op Scholarship) from UNSW.

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