Solana ETF Debuts with $33 Million Trading Volume, Token Price Rises 4%

The REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF, launched by REX Shares and Osprey Funds, marks a significant advancement for Solana-related investment products in the U.S. This fund offers direct exposure to Solana along with on-chain staking, attracting early interest from both institutional and retail investors.

On its opening day, the ETF generated $33 million in trading volume and ended with about $1 million in assets under management. The fund’s debut exceeded expectations typically seen for new ETFs, particularly when compared to earlier Solana or XRP futures-based products. The momentum might continue, with inflows potentially reaching $10 million in the days following its launch. The ETF recorded $8 million in trading volume within the first 20 minutes of trading, indicating strong demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles that offer additional yield features. About $12 million was committed on the first day alone, reflecting solid interest from both institutional and retail investors.

The REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF stands out by combining staking rewards with strong regulatory safeguards. Around 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in spot SOL, with over half of those actively staked to earn on-chain yield. Anchorage Digital, a federally regulated crypto custodian, holds and stakes the fund’s Solana assets, ensuring strong investor protections. The fund operates under the strict Investment Company Act of 1940, meeting high regulatory compliance standards. This compliance sets it apart from many crypto ETFs still awaiting approval under looser frameworks. Nathan McCauley, CEO of Anchorage, described the fund as a key breakthrough in opening the door for institutions to invest in crypto securely and within a regulated framework, emphasizing staking as the next important phase in crypto ETFs.

Solana’s token price reacted positively to the product’s debut, rising more than 4% within 24 hours, reflecting growing confidence and increased attention following the launch of this new regulated investment. However, institutional interest appears more measured. The day-one trading activity fell short of expectations based on the market capitalization comparison between Solana and Bitcoin. This muted response likely reflects that institutional investors have yet to fully explore or adopt Solana in their strategies. The lack of appetite shows institutional investors are still very early in their understanding of SOL.

While many cryptocurrency ETFs remain under regulatory review, the REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF successfully launched through adherence to a regulated framework that provides enhanced protections for investors. Unlike traditional spot ETFs, this product combines direct Solana holdings with on-chain staking to generate additional returns. This approach positions it uniquely among crypto funds, combining rigorous custody rules with staking benefits. Despite the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s cautious stance toward many crypto investment products, this fund exemplifies progress in bridging digital assets with traditional finance.