Grayscale Now First Spot Ethereum ETF Issuer to Offer Staking

Grayscale Investments has now introduced a staking feature for its spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. This update allows investors to earn extra rewards from their Ethereum (ETH) holdings. The move makes Grayscale the first company in the U.S. to offer staking through spot crypto ETFs. This marks an important step for digital asset investment in the country.

Grayscale Leads the Way with Ethereum ETF Staking

Grayscale announced that its Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH) now support staking. These two products are the first U.S.-listed spot crypto ETFs to include this feature.

Staking allows investors to earn network rewards while still holding their crypto assets. Grayscale said the change is part of its plan to bring new and useful crypto investment options to both individual and institutional investors.

Grayscale also confirmed that its Solana Trust (GSOL) has started staking. GSOL is a closed-end fund that gives investors access to Solana (SOL) through traditional brokerage accounts. 

The company is waiting for regulatory approval to convert GSOL into an exchange-traded product. If approved, GSOL could become one of the first spot Solana ETFs with staking in the U.S., giving investors a chance to earn rewards while holding SOL.

Grayscale Ensures Secure and Professional Staking Process

According to Grayscale, the staking process will be handled by institutional custodians and validator partners. These partners will manage the technical side of staking and help protect the security of the Ethereum and Solana networks.

This approach ensures that Grayscale’s staking activities support the stability and strength of the blockchain networks while reducing risks for investors. 

In a recent statement, Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg said the company’s goal is to bring meaningful innovation to the market. He also noted that Grayscale plans to expand staking features to more of its investment products as the crypto market continues to grow.

A Growing Market for Crypto ETFs

Grayscale’s move comes at a time when the U.S. market for crypto ETFs is quickly developing. In June, REX-Osprey launched the first U.S. ETF offering Solana exposure with native staking rewards under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs, however, are the first under the Securities Act of 1933, the same framework used for Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs. Once its Solana Trust is approved and converted, it could also be among the first Solana ETFs to offer staking under this same structure.

Likewise, other major asset managers, including VanEck, Franklin Templeton, Canary Capital, and Bitwise, have also added staking options to their filed spot Solana ETFs with the U.S. SEC. The SEC is expected to review and possibly approve these applications shortly after the ongoing government shutdown is resolved.

If approved, these new ETFs would expand regulated access to staking in the U.S., strengthening the role of crypto in traditional finance.