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

Grayscale Investments, the world's largest digital asset-focused investment platform by assets under management (AUM), announced on October 6, 2025, the launch of its first U.S.-listed spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) with staking capabilities. The Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE), Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH), and Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL) now enable investors to earn staking rewards while maintaining exposure to Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL). These products represent a milestone in the U.S. crypto market, offering institutional-grade staking infrastructure through traditional brokerage channelsFWP - SEC.gov^[1].

ETHE and ETH, which collectively hold $8.25 billion in AUM, and GSOL, with $122.5 million in assets, are structured to provide investors with passive income from staking without direct management of underlying assets. By leveraging institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers, Grayscale aims to secure blockchain networks while aligning with the core objectives of its funds: spot exposure to Ether and Solana. The firm emphasized that staking is integrated into the funds' operations, allowing investors to benefit from network resilience and long-term value accrualGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].

Peter Mintzberg, Grayscale's CEO, highlighted the innovation as a strategic extension of the firm's leadership in digital asset investing. "Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first-mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver," he stated. With $35 billion in AUM as of September 30, 2025, Grayscale positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized infrastructure, leveraging its scale to offer "tangible value potential" for investorsGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[3].

The regulatory framework for ETHE and ETH remains distinct from 40 Act-registered ETFs, as they are not subject to the same protections or oversight. Investors are cautioned about the risks, including potential loss of principal, though the firm underscores its commitment to transparency and education. A new report, Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards, details the mechanics and benefits of staking for institutional and retail participantsFWP - SEC.gov^[1].

GSOL, currently quoted on OTC Markets, is pending regulatory approval to transition to an exchange-traded product. If approved, it would become one of the first spot Solana ETPs with staking, further expanding Grayscale's footprint in the U.S. crypto market. The firm plans to extend staking capabilities to additional products while prioritizing investor education and reporting standardsGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].

The launch underscores growing institutional interest in crypto, with staking emerging as a key differentiator for ETPs. As the digital asset ecosystem evolves, Grayscale's approach reflects a broader trend of integrating blockchain's utility-such as consensus mechanisms and validator networks-into traditional investment vehicles. This development may influence regulatory discussions around crypto asset classification and market access, particularly as the U.S. and EU continue to refine their regulatory frameworksGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[3].