Harvard Diversifies Crypto Portfolio With Ethereum Investment

Harvard Management Company, which oversees the university’s endowment, has made a huge shift in its crypto holdings. The firm reduced its position in the iShares Bitcoin Trust by 21% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to recent SEC filings. At the same time, Harvard added an $87 million stake in the iShares Ethereum Trust for the first time.

This marks Harvard’s first direct exposure to Ethereum through an ETF. The move shows the endowment’s growing interest in Ethereum’s ecosystem, including decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract platforms.

Why Harvard is Pivoting to Ethereum

The shift highlights a strategic pivot in Harvard’s crypto strategy. Bitcoin has traditionally been seen as a store of value, similar to digital gold. Ethereum, on the other hand, offers more utility through its smart contracts and DeFi applications.

By adding Ethereum, Harvard is diversifying its crypto portfolio. Institutional investors increasingly view Ethereum not just as an asset, but as a platform that can support innovation in finance and technology. This aligns with broader trends of endowments and large funds expanding beyond Bitcoin to capture growth in blockchain ecosystems.

Harvard’s Crypto Portfolio Moves

Before the adjustment, Harvard held approximately 5.35 million shares in the iShares Bitcoin Trust. After selling part of its position, the holdings fell to 4.23 million shares. Meanwhile, the $87 million Ethereum position represents a new, sizable entry into the iShares Ethereum Trust.

These filings, part of SEC 13F disclosure rules, give investors and analysts a window into how major institutions are managing crypto exposure. Harvard’s decision reflects careful consideration of both risk and opportunity in digital assets.

Broader Implications for Institutional Crypto Investment

Harvard’s move may signal a broader trend among institutional investors. Many endowments, pension funds, and hedge funds are beginning to diversify into multiple cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin. Ethereum’s utility in supporting decentralized applications makes it an appealing choice.

As crypto markets mature, institutions are balancing traditional store-of-value assets with growth-oriented tokens like Ethereum. Harvard’s portfolio adjustment underscores this evolution, showing how top-tier investors are navigating the rapidly changing digital asset landscape.