Ethereum News Today: Grayscale Bridges Finance and Blockchain with Staking ETPs

Grayscale Investments has introduced staking for its Ethereum and Solana exchange-traded products (ETPs) in the United States, marking the first instance of a U.S.-listed spot crypto ETP offering this featureGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. The update applies to the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE), Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH), and Solana Trust (GSOL), which collectively manage $8.25 billion in assets under managementGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. ETHE holds $4.82 billion, ETH holds $3.31 billion, and GSOL holds $122.5 millionGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. This development enables investors to earn blockchain network rewards without directly holding or managing the underlying assets, aligning with the proof-of-stake mechanisms of Ethereum and SolanaGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1].

Grayscale's staking model operates passively through institutional custodians and a network of validator providers, ensuring network security while adhering to fund objectivesGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. For ETHE and ETH, rewards are distributed directly to investors, while GSOL integrates rewards into the fund's price over timeGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. The firm emphasized that this innovation enhances long-term value accrual for investors while maintaining exposure to Ether and Solana's spot pricesGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2]. Peter Mintzberg, Grayscale's CEO, stated the move reflects the firm's commitment to "first mover innovation" and its position as the world's largest digital asset-focused ETF issuer by AUMGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].

The Solana Trust (GSOL), currently traded over-the-counter, could transition to an exchange-traded product if regulatory approval is grantedGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. Pending uplisting, GSOL would become one of the first U.S.-listed Solana ETPs with staking capabilitiesGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. This aligns with broader industry trends, as multiple firms, including Grayscale, VanEck, and Bitwise, have filed for Solana ETFs, with the SEC expected to approve applications following resolution of the current government shutdown.

Grayscale's staking feature follows the SEC's recent approval of generic listing standards for crypto ETPs and guidance clarifying that staking does not violate securities laws. The firm plans to expand staking to additional products as the digital asset ecosystem evolvesGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. Analysts note that this move could attract traditional investors seeking yield in crypto markets, particularly as ETHE and ETH become the first U.S. spot ETPs under the Securities Act of 1933 to incorporate staking.

The initiative underscores Grayscale's role in bridging traditional finance and blockchain innovation. By leveraging its $35 billion AUM platform, the firm aims to deliver scalable, investor-focused solutions while prioritizing education and transparencyGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2]. As the market adapts to this shift, the integration of staking into ETPs may redefine accessibility and efficiency in crypto investingGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1].