Solana News Today: VanEck's Solana ETF Aims to Unlock Institutional Staking Access

VanEck has submitted an updated filing for its proposed Solana Staking ETF, marking a significant step toward institutional access to the Solana (SOL) ecosystem. The fund, to be listed as VSOL on the Cboe BZX Exchange, will carry a management fee of 0.30%, a reduction from prior proposals Full Source Title^[3]. This ETF aims to track the price performance of SOL while incorporating staking rewards where legally permissible, positioning VanEck as one of the first issuers to integrate staking yield within a spot crypto ETF framework Full Source Title^[1]. The filing outlines that the VanEck Solana Trust will hold actual SOL tokens and reflect daily valuations based on the MarketVector Solana Benchmark Rate, a pricing index derived from leading trading platforms Full Source Title^[1].

The fund's structure will operate as a grantor trust, similar to other spot crypto ETFs, and will not register under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This approach supports both in-kind and cash transactions, enabling efficient liquidity management for institutional investors Full Source Title^[1]. VanEck Digital Assets, the sponsor, may stake up to 50% of the ETF's assets through third-party providers like Gemini Trust Company or Coinbase Custody, generating additional yield for investors Full Source Title^[2]. The custodians will manage assets in insured, regulated environments, with the filing also allowing for potential integration of liquid staking tokens (LSTs) if regulatory conditions evolve Full Source Title^[3].

VanEck's existing Solana ETN (VSOL) provides context for the new ETF. As of October 14, 2025, the ETN held approximately $121.81 million in net assets, with 82% of its Solana holdings staked. The gross staking yield was 5.63%, translating to a net yield of 4.22% after fees Full Source Title^[2]. The new ETF aims to build on this model by offering a lower-cost structure and enhanced flexibility. However, the SEC's review process remains delayed due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, with no fixed approval timeline under the Generic Listing Standards (GLS) framework Full Source Title^[3].

Market analysts suggest that the ETF's potential approval could influence Solana's price dynamics. Solana's recent price correction to around $200.31 has drawn technical analysis indicating a possible short-term bottom near $185, aligning with Fibonacci retracement levels Full Source Title^[1]. A successful retest of the $185–$200 range could validate a breakout from a year-long accumulation pattern, potentially driving the price toward $360–$425 Full Source Title^[1]. The SEC's expedited review of altcoin ETFs, including Solana, reflects growing regulatory confidence in the market's maturity and surveillance-sharing arrangements Full Source Title^[5].

VanEck's filing aligns with broader industry trends, as multiple asset managers-such as Bitwise, Grayscale, and Franklin Templeton-have also submitted Solana ETF proposals. The SEC's final decision on these applications is expected by October 16, 2025 Full Source Title^[6]. Market analysts, including Bloomberg's James Seyffart, estimate a 95% approval probability, emphasizing that delays are procedural rather than prohibitive . Once approved, the ETF could attract substantial institutional capital, mirroring the impact of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs on their respective markets .