Ethereum News Today: Investors Gain Staking Rewards via Grayscale's Pioneering ETPs

Grayscale Investments has launched the first U.S.-listed spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) with staking capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the digital asset investment landscape. The firm announced that its Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH) now enable investors to earn staking rewards, while the Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL) has also activated staking. These products offer direct exposure to Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) while allowing participants to benefit from network security and yield generation through staking Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[1].

The ETHE and ETH ETPs are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, distinguishing them from traditional ETFs. However, they provide institutional-grade custody and transparency, with Grayscale leveraging a network of validator providers to secure the Ethereum and Solana blockchains. Staking is managed passively, aligning with the funds' core objective of delivering spot price exposure while enhancing long-term value accrual for investors Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[1]. Peter Mintzberg, Grayscale's CEO, emphasized the innovation as a "first mover advantage," noting the firm's $35 billion in assets under management positions it to scale such opportunities for investors Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[1].

Regulatory developments have supported this expansion. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued guidance in August 2025 clarifying that liquid staking services-where users receive tokens representing staked assets-do not constitute securities under U.S. law, provided certain conditions are met. This guidance alleviated structural barriers for institutional adoption, with Grayscale positioning itself as a pioneer in navigating the evolving regulatory environment . The firm's staking of over 40,000 ETH, revealed via on-chain data, underscores its operational readiness and confidence in the regulatory path forward .

Investors should note the risks associated with these products. ETHE and ETH are subject to market volatility, and GSOL's speculative nature reflects the nascent stage of the Solana protocol. Grayscale has emphasized investor education, releasing a report titled Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards to explain staking mechanics and benefits. The firm also plans to extend staking to additional products as the ecosystem matures Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[1].

The SEC's recent approval of generic listing standards for commodity-based ETFs further signals regulatory openness to crypto innovation. Grayscale's move aligns with broader industry trends, including the rise of multi-asset crypto ETFs and increased institutional participation. However, the lack of staking rewards in existing multi-crypto ETFs, such as the Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC), highlights the distinct value proposition of staking-enabled products .

Grayscale's strategic focus on staking reflects its role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. By integrating staking into its ETP structure, the firm aims to offer investors a diversified approach to capturing blockchain growth while adhering to investor-first practices. As the SEC continues to refine its stance on crypto ETPs, Grayscale's early adoption positions it to shape the future of institutional-grade digital asset investing.