Solana News Today: Robinhood Introduces ETH and SOL Staking Amid Booming DeFi, Solana ETF Reaches $100M AUM in 12 Days

Robinhood has launched Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking services for U.S. investors, marking a strategic expansion of its cryptocurrency offerings. The feature allows users to earn rewards by locking their assets on the platform, with minimal stake requirements to ensure accessibility across a broad investor base. This move aligns with rising demand for passive income opportunities in decentralized finance and positions Robinhood to strengthen its competitive edge in the crypto market [1]. The platform’s integration of staking into its user-friendly interface mirrors broader industry trends, such as the rapid adoption of Solana-based products. For example, the REX-OSPREY Solana SSK ETF reached $100 million in assets under management (AUM) within 12 days of its July 2025 launch, combining spot Solana exposure with on-chain staking rewards to attract both retail and institutional participants [1].

The launch reflects growing institutional interest in Ethereum and Solana ecosystems. Recent developments include Ark Invest reallocating $175 million to an Ethereum partnership with BitMine Immersion, while reducing stakes in Robinhood and Coinbase [2]. This shift highlights capital flows toward blockchain infrastructure and staking opportunities, particularly as Ethereum’s market capitalization has surged amid increased whale activity and ETF inflows [3]. Solana’s resilience in a volatile market further underscores its appeal, with SOL trading near $200 and competing with BNB for the fifth-largest cryptocurrency ranking [4].

Robinhood’s staking feature simplifies participation for individual investors by eliminating the technical complexities of running validator nodes. This approach resonates with innovations like the tokenized money market fund collaboration between BNY Mellon and Goldman Sachs, which aims to enhance liquidity and utility for traditional assets [5]. By bridging traditional finance and decentralized protocols, Robinhood mirrors its recent foray into tokenized equity products for European markets, signaling a broader strategy to integrate crypto-native services [6].

The timing of the staking launch coincides with intensified competition in the crypto custody and yield space. Platforms like Coinbase and Solana-based exchanges are exploring hybrid products such as tokenized stocks and xStocks, enabling users to trade shares of companies like Meta and Tesla on blockchain networks [7]. While Robinhood’s focus remains on crypto-native staking, the industry’s innovation suggests a growing demand for hybrid financial tools that merge traditional and digital assets.

Analysts note that Robinhood’s move could lower barriers to entry for staking, accelerating mainstream adoption. However, regulatory challenges persist, including scrutiny of staking rewards and tax reporting complexities. For instance, tokenized stocks—such as those planned for U.S. customers—highlight gaps in existing tax frameworks, underscoring the need for clearer guidelines [8]. Despite these hurdles, the rapid growth of Solana-based funds and institutional investments in Ethereum indicates a maturing market where staking is becoming a standard investment vehicle.

Robinhood’s integration of ETH and SOL staking underscores its role as a gateway for retail investors to engage with blockchain networks. As the industry evolves, the platform’s ability to balance accessibility with compliance will be critical to its success in this expanding market.

Source: [1] [Solana ETF Skyrockets to $100 Million AUM in Just 12 Days](https://cryptoslate.com/solana-etf-skyrockets-to-100-million-aum-in-just-12-days/) [2] [Ark Invest Swaps Coinbase, Robinhood Stakes for Major $175M Ethereum Play](https://cryptoslate.com/ark-invest-swaps-coinbase-robinhood-stakes-for-major-175m-ethereum-play-with-bitmine-immersion/) [3] [Why Ethereum Is Surging: Expert Forecasts, Whale Buying](https://yellow.com/research/why-ethereum-is-surging-expert-forecasts-whale-buying-and-the-future-of-eth-in-2025) [4] [Solana Defies Market Drop, Touches $200](https://www.xt.com/ur/blog/post/solana-defies-market-drop-touches-200-as-altcoins-retreat-crypto-daybook-americas) [5] [Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon Collaborate on Tokenized Money Market Product](https://decrypt.co/331407/goldman-sachs-bny-mellon-tokenized-money-market-product) [6] [Tokenized Stocks Expose Major Tax Reporting Gap in Crypto](https://cryptoadventure.com/tokenized-stocks-expose-a-major-tax-reporting-gap-in-crypto-robin-singh) [7] [Real-Time Crypto News Aggregator](https://messari.io/news?id=7ce03dee-83cd-400f-8836-b59fcb26a199) [8] [Solana (Blockchain Platform)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solana_(blockchain_platform))