Solana News Today: Grayscale Closes U.S. Staking Gap, ETP Investors Earn Rewards

Grayscale Investments has introduced staking capabilities to its Ethereum and Solana investment products, marking a first in the U.S. for spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). 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 management (AUM) Grayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. This move allows investors to earn staking rewards while maintaining exposure to the underlying cryptocurrencies, a feature previously absent in U.S.-listed crypto ETPs Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].

The staking functionality is implemented through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers, ensuring passive participation in securing the Ethereum and Solana blockchains. Grayscale emphasized that this approach aligns with the funds' core objectives-providing spot exposure to ether and solana-while generating additional returns for investors Grayscale debuts first Ethereum and Solana ETFs offering staking …^[3]. ETHE and ETH, which hold ether, have $4.82 billion and $3.31 billion in AUM, respectively, while GSOL, which holds solana, has $122.5 million in AUM Grayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1].

The firm's CEO, Peter Mintzberg, highlighted the innovation as a strategic milestone for Grayscale, the world's largest digital asset-focused investment platform with $35 billion in total AUM Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2]. "Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first-mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver," he stated, underscoring the platform's ability to scale and translate emerging opportunities into value for investors Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2]. The move also reflects Grayscale's broader commitment to expanding access to digital assets through traditional brokerage channels.

GSOL, currently traded over-the-counter (OTC), is positioned to become one of the first listed Solana ETPs with staking if approved for exchange trading. The firm has filed to convert GSOL to an exchange-traded product, pending regulatory approval Grayscale Adds Staking to Ethereum and Solana Investment^[1]. This development could further diversify institutional and retail investor access to Solana, a blockchain network known for its high transaction speeds and growing ecosystem.

The introduction of staking addresses a critical gap in the U.S. crypto market, where investors previously lacked tools to earn yields on their crypto holdings without directly managing private keys or validator nodes. By automating staking through institutional infrastructure, Grayscale mitigates operational risks while maintaining transparency. The firm also published an educational report, Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards, to demystify the process for investors Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].

Industry analysts note that this innovation could intensify competition in the crypto ETP space, particularly as other providers explore similar features. Grayscale's first-mover advantage positions it to capture market share in a sector projected to grow as institutional adoption of digital assets accelerates. The firm has indicated plans to extend staking to additional products, signaling a broader strategy to integrate yield-generating mechanisms into its portfolio Grayscale Launches First Staking Spot Crypto ETPs in U.S.^[2].