Digital asset management giant Grayscale has launched staking for its spot Ethereum ETFs in the US. According to the company, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH) now offer investors the opportunity to earn income not only from Ether price movements but also from staking rewards.
With this move, ETHE and ETH became the first spot crypto ETFs to trade on US exchanges to enable staking. Grayscale also launched staking for Solana Trust (GSOL). While GSOL is still a closed-end investment vehicle, the company has filed an application with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to convert this product into an ETF.
Grayscale stated that the staking service will be operated "passively" through professional custodians and validator partners. This will contribute to network security and validation processes while also creating long-term return potential for investors. Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg said in a statement, “Enabling staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds reflects Grayscale’s innovative approach. As the world’s largest provider of digital asset-focused ETFs, we aim to deliver tangible value to our investors through new opportunities like staking.”
Crypto ETFs Gain Momentum in the US
With this development, Grayscale has achieved a significant first in the US spot crypto ETF space. Previously, in July, REX-Osprey launched its Solana-based staking ETF under the Investment Company Act of 1940. However, this product was not considered under the 1933 Act, which is generally the basis for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Therefore, Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs become the first spot crypto ETFs in the US to integrate staking under the 1933 Act.
Furthermore, Grayscale’s Solana product, GSOL, is expected to be one of the first spot Solana ETFs to include staking if approved. The company plans to expand staking to its other products as the digital asset ecosystem develops.
This move coincides with the SEC approving general listing standards for crypto ETFs. However, the ongoing US government shutdown may further delay staking approvals, particularly for Ethereum ETFs.
The price of Ethereum (ETH) rose around 1 percent in the last 24 hours to trade around $4,580, while Solana (SOL) rose 0.5 percent to $233.
Recent data on institutional funds indicates that increasing institutional demand for Ethereum and Solana products is supporting this rise.
