Ethereum News Today: First U.S. Staking ETPs Let Investors Earn Ethereum, Solana Yields

Grayscale Investments has introduced the first U.S.-listed exchange-traded products (ETPs) to offer staking capabilities for Ethereum and Solana, marking a significant milestone in the digital asset investment landscape. The firm's Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE), Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH), and Solana Trust (GSOL) now enable investors to earn staking rewards through traditional brokerage accountsGrayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. Collectively, these products manage $8.25 billion in assets under management (AUM), with ETHE holding $4.82 billion, ETH $3.31 billion, and GSOL $122.5 millionGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2]. The move positions Grayscale as the first provider to integrate staking into U.S.-listed spot crypto ETPs, expanding access to yield-generating opportunities for institutional and retail investorsGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[3].

Staking, a core mechanism in proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, allows participants to validate transactions and secure networks in exchange for token rewards. Grayscale will manage staking passively through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers, aiming to balance network security with fund objectivesWhy Grayscale's First US Staking ETPs Are a Big Step For Crypto^[4]. For Ethereum, this includes delegating assets to custodians such as Coinbase Custody or BitGo, which distribute funds to validators like Kiln and Figment. Rewards accrue within the funds' net asset value (NAV), enhancing tax efficiency for investorsGrayscale debuts first US spot crypto ETPs with staking^[5]. While Ethereum's staking yield currently stands at approximately 3%, the firm emphasizes that effective yields may be lower due to withdrawal delays and liquidity requirements for redemptionsGrayscale adds staking to Ethereum and Solana investment …^[6].

The regulatory framework for these ETPs remains distinct from traditional ETFs. ETHE and ETH are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, operating outside the regulatory protections of conventional mutual funds. GSOL, which trades over-the-counter (OTC), faces additional hurdles for uplisting to an exchange-traded product. If approved, it would become one of the first U.S.-listed Solana ETPs with staking capabilitiesGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[7]. Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg highlighted the initiative as a "first mover innovation," leveraging the firm's $35 billion AUM to deliver institutional-grade crypto accessGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[8]. The firm also published an educational report, Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards, to demystify the process for investorsGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[9].

Market analysts suggest the launch could reshape investor perceptions of Ethereum and Solana. Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, which offer only price exposure, staking-enabled ETPs provide yield potential, aligning with growing demand for income-generating crypto assetsWhy Grayscale's First US Staking ETPs Are a Big Step For Crypto^[10]. On-chain data indicates 36 million ETH-30% of the total supply-is now staked, reflecting institutional confidence and reduced liquidity in the marketWhy Grayscale's First US Staking ETPs Are a Big Step For Crypto^[11]. For Solana, rising interest in ETFs signals a shift toward diversification beyond Bitcoin, with Grayscale's GSOL positioned to capitalize on this trendGrayscale adds staking to Ethereum and Solana investment …^[12].

Grayscale plans to extend staking to additional products as the digital asset ecosystem evolves. The firm's approach emphasizes transparency, education, and investor-first practices, aligning with broader efforts to integrate crypto into mainstream portfoliosGrayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[13]. While risks remain-such as network vulnerabilities or regulatory uncertainties-the introduction of staking ETPs represents a step toward mainstream adoption of yield-bearing digital assetsGrayscale adds staking to Ethereum and Solana investment …^[14].