BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) is planning to create an exchange-traded fund that holds ethereum (ETH-USD), according to a Thursday filing by Nasdaq (NDAQ).

Ethereum (ETH-USD) itself is surging as BlackRock (BLK) seeks to broaden its commitment to crypto, up 9% to $2.06K -- the highest level since mid-April.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) also posted solid intraday gains, at one point jumping past the $37K mark, as optimism around an approval for a U.S. ETF to invest directly in the highest-profile crypto asset continued to intensify.

Recall that BlackRock (BLK) is one of the assets managers seeking to list a spot bitcoin (BTC-USD) ETF, that, in turn, could widen access to crypto to retail investors.

The firm's plan was seen in a filing by Nasdaq (NDAQ), where BLK wants to list the ether ETF.