REX Shares and Osprey Funds Launch First ETH Staking ETF in the U.S.

REX Shares and Osprey Funds have officially launched the first-ever Ethereum staking exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. The fund, traded under the ticker ESK, gives traditional investors a new way to access Ethereum (ETH). It is also designed to let them earn rewards from staking.

Ethereum Staking ETF Brings Monthly Rewards to U.S. Investors

According to the announcement, ESK is the first U.S. ETF to combine spot Ethereum exposure with staking distributions. 

This fund is also regulated and provides cost-effective access to ETH under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This structure sets it apart from most existing spot Ethereum ETFs, which operate under a different compliance framework.

The key innovation lies in staking. By including Ethereum staking, the fund pays out monthly distributions generated from staking rewards. 

This feature gives investors a steady return while holding Ethereum exposure in a traditional ETF format. It offers investors a convenient way to participate in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network without directly managing wallets or validators.

REX and Osprey Beat Giants With First Ethereum Staking ETF

The launch comes only weeks after the U.S. SEC delayed decisions on staking plans, even though the regulator had signaled progress on the matter earlier this year. 

BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton are all waiting to see if they can add staking to their Ethereum ETFs. Together, their spot Ethereum ETFs already hold nearly $25 billion in assets under management (AUM), with BlackRock’s ETHA leading the pack.

While those giants wait for regulatory approval, REX and Osprey have managed to move first by using the 1940 Act pathway. This strategy has allowed them to introduce staking benefits before larger rivals, positioning ESK as a first mover in the market.

REX and Osprey Push Boundaries With Staking ETFs and Bold New Filings

This is not the first time REX and Osprey have led the way in crypto ETFs. Just earlier, the firms introduced SSK, the first Solana ETF in the U.S. to offer staking-related distributions. They also broke new ground last week with the first Dogecoin ETF, giving investors regulated exposure to the popular meme coin.

Both the Solana and Ethereum staking ETFs followed the same regulatory playbook, showing consistency in how the firms bring staking products to market. The two firms are not stopping here. In August, they filed with the SEC to launch a spot BNB ETF with staking, which could become yet another U.S. first if approved.

By moving quickly and working within the 1940 Act framework, REX Shares and Osprey Funds are shaping the future of crypto ETFs.