Solana News Today: Regulators Greenlight a New Era—Investors Get Staking Access Without the Tech Headache

VanEck, one of the leading asset managers in the cryptocurrency space, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a novel exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on Solana staking rewards, called the JitoSOL ETF [1]. This development marks a significant step in the evolution of liquid staking products and reflects growing institutional confidence in staking mechanisms within the blockchain industry. The ETF will allow investors to gain exposure to staking rewards without the technical complexities of staking Solana (SOL) tokens directly, aligning with broader industry trends toward liquid staking solutions [2].

The timing of VanEck’s filing is notable in light of recent regulatory developments. In late August 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a statement clarifying that liquid staking activities—where crypto holders deposit assets with a provider in exchange for liquid staking tokens (LSTs)—generally do not constitute securities offerings under federal law [2]. The agency emphasized that these activities are administrative in nature and do not involve entrepreneurial or managerial efforts by the liquid staking provider, which is a key criterion in the Howey test for determining if an investment constitutes a security [2]. This regulatory clarity is expected to remove a major barrier for institutional adoption, paving the way for more products like VanEck’s JitoSOL ETF.

VanEck’s proposal leverages the growing popularity of liquid staking as a mechanism to preserve liquidity while still earning staking rewards. In this model, investors deposit SOL with a service provider, which then stakes the tokens on behalf of the investor and issues LSTs in return. These LSTs can be traded or used in other DeFi applications, while the underlying tokens continue to generate staking rewards. The JitoSOL ETF is designed to offer exposure to this entire process in a regulated, tradable format, potentially attracting a broader range of investors, including those previously hesitant to engage directly with the technical aspects of staking.

The potential market for such an ETF is substantial. With the SEC’s recent guidance, the regulatory environment for liquid staking has become more favorable, enabling new product innovation and increasing market participation. The Ethereum network alone has over $100 billion in staked assets, and similar figures are emerging for other proof-of-stake blockchains like Solana [1]. As the industry continues to grow, liquid staking solutions are expected to play an increasingly vital role in maximizing capital efficiency for investors.

VanEck’s JitoSOL ETF also aligns with broader policy trends outlined in a recent White House report on digital assets, which emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and creating clear regulatory pathways for digital financial technologies [3]. The report, titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” advocates for a market-driven approach that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability. It calls for a functional taxonomy for digital assets and recommends legislative and regulatory reforms to support the development of digital asset markets. The report also highlights the potential of stablecoins and other digital payment solutions to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. dollar in the global financial system.

VanEck’s filing for the JitoSOL ETF is a direct response to these evolving market and regulatory conditions. By offering a regulated vehicle for Solana staking rewards, the ETF not only fills a niche in the current product landscape but also reflects the growing legitimacy of staking as an investment strategy. If approved, the JitoSOL ETF could serve as a model for future ETFs targeting other proof-of-stake blockchains, further expanding the range of investment opportunities available to retail and institutional investors.

Source:

[1] title1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sec-just-changed-game-liquid-134603901.html)

[2] title2 (https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/fin-tech/1667112/sec-statement-on-liquid-staking-helpful-guidance-with-a-caveat)

[3] title3 (https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/news-and-insights/digital-assets-white-house-policy-report.html)