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Apr 30, 2026

CFB Talks Digital Assets Episode 58: BlackRock's Matt Kunke on the Launch of ETHB and Staking ETF Mechanics

Around 2 months after its listing, BlackRock's iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB) is sitting on roughly $600 million in assets - prompting BlackRock to justifiably say ETHB saw a "top-quintile" launch.

CF Benchmarks is the index provider for BlackRock's IBIT, ETHA as well ETHB, so, we're fully stoked to welcome Matt Kunke, CFA — Director and US iShares Digital Assets ETFs Product Strategist — to the CFB Talks Digital Assets podcast!

This conversation gets technical fast – but Matt is at his lucid best throughout.

Listen in for a deep dive on what ETHB unlocks, why it sits alongside BlackRock's original Ether ETF (ETHA) rather than replacing it, and how staking actually works inside an ETP wrapper.

A sample of what's in store:

  • Why BlackRock built ETHB as a separate product instead of converting ETHA — and the reasoning behind giving investors choice
  • The "collateralized bond" mental model for proof-of-stake (PoS), and why correlated slashing — the tail risk everyone names — has never actually happened
  • How ETHB manages its 70%–95% staking range, the entry queue currently sitting at ~50 days, and why the exit queue is the one that really matters
  • The Lido stETH precedent: why sophisticated market actors should keep ETHB-style products at-or-near NAV even in stressed environments
  • Where staking yields are headed post-Pectra, the floor mechanics, and why the glide path is gradual rather than abrupt
  • ETH + staking rewards — how wealth advisors and hedge funds are actually framing the trade
  • Why ETH's wirehouse approval trajectory looks today like IBIT's did roughly nine months ago

Grab your beverage of choice and dive in!

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Catch all episodes here.

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The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell any of the underlying instruments cited including but not limited to cryptoassets, financial instruments or any instruments that reference any index provided by CF Benchmarks Ltd. This communication is not intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. Please contact your financial adviser or professional before making an investment decision.


Note: Some of the underlying instruments cited within this material may be restricted to certain customer categories in certain jurisdictions.


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