Ethereum News Today: VanEck's Staked ETH ETF: A Bridge Between Wall Street and DeFi

VanEck, a global asset manager, has taken a procedural step toward launching a staked Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF) by registering a statutory trust in Delaware. The proposed fund, named the VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF, would provide investors with exposure to ETH staked through Lido, a leading decentralized protocol in Ethereum staking. This move positions VanEck as a contender in the race to introduce the first U.S.-listed staked ETH ETF, which could expand institutional access to yield-bearing crypto assetsVanEck Registers Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Trust^[1].

Lido currently dominates Ethereum staking, with approximately $38 billion in total value locked (TVL)-about one-third of all staked ETH. The protocol allows users to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity via derivative tokens called stETH. The proposed ETF would mirror traditional interest-bearing asset funds but substitute bonds or cash with staked ETH, offering a regulated vehicle for investors to participate in Ethereum's proof-of-stake system without technical barriersVanEck Registers Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Trust^[1]. This structure could attract institutional investors seeking exposure to crypto yields while avoiding direct validator managementVanEck Registers Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Trust^[1].

The Delaware registration does not constitute a formal application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but it signals VanEck's intent to pursue approval. The SEC's regulatory stance on staking products has been cautious, though recent guidance in August 2025 suggested certain liquid staking models, like Lido's stETH, may not require securities registration. This development has bolstered confidence in staking-linked products, with VanEck's filing aligning with a more favorable regulatory environmentVan Eck Files for LIDO Staked Ethereum ETF with the SEC^[3].

Market reactions to the news have been positive. Lido's native token, LDO, surged over 7% in the 24 hours following the announcement, extending a 20% rally over the past week. Trading volumes for LDO also spiked, with derivatives trading rising 45% to $426.9 million and open interest increasing 6.6% to $222.60 million. These metrics indicate heightened investor optimism about the potential approval of the ETF and broader adoption of staking products.

VanEck's initiative reflects a strategic expansion beyond its existing spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The firm has previously led efforts to introduce crypto-based investment vehicles, and its staked ETH ETF could further differentiate its offerings. Competitors like BlackRock and Fidelity are also reportedly exploring similar staking-linked products, intensifying competition in the crypto ETF space. However, VanEck's early filing in Delaware-a jurisdiction known for favorable trust laws-positions it to potentially secure a first-mover advantage.

The proposed ETF also aligns with Lido's broader growth strategy. In September 2025, Lido DAO approved a treasury-backed buyback program to reduce LDO supply, with up to 70% of new inflows allocated for repurchases. This initiative, coupled with integrations into Layer-2 networks and validator decentralization efforts, reinforces Lido's market position. Analysts have projected LDO could reach $1.34–$1.75 in the short term, with longer-term targets of $2–$3 if the ETF is approved.

Regulatory uncertainty remains a key risk. While the SEC's August 2025 guidance provided clarity on liquid staking models, final approval for the ETF is not guaranteed. Delays in the SEC's processing of applications-exacerbated by recent government shutdowns-have already impacted other crypto ETF timelinesWill the SEC Grant the Long-awaited Staking Approval for Ethereum?^[2]. Additionally, questions about custodial arrangements and the classification of staking rewards as securities could prolong the review processVan Eck Files for LIDO Staked Ethereum ETF with the SEC^[3].

If approved, the VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF could mark a pivotal moment in crypto adoption, bridging traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi). By enabling institutional and retail investors to access staking yields through a familiar ETF structure, the product could accelerate mainstream acceptance of Ethereum's proof-of-stake model. For now, the Delaware registration represents a critical first step in what could become a transformative offering for the crypto marketVanEck Registers Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Trust^[1].