Grayscale Launches First U.S.-Listed ETFs Enabling Crypto Staking
Grayscale Investments, the world’s largest digital asset manager, has launched the first U.S.-listed platform-traded funds (ETFs) that enable cryptocurrency staking, a move that could redefine how investors gain exposure to blockchain-based yields. The new products expand Grayscale’s spot crypto ETF lineup to include ETH and Solana funds with staking capabilities, offering investors both price exposure and the opportunity to earn staking rewards.
Grayscale’s new ETFs include the Grayscale ETH Trust ETF (ETHE) and the Grayscale ETH Mini Trust ETF (ETH), both listed on NYSE Arca. In addition, the firm has activated staking functionality for its Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL), allowing investors to participate in Solana’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism through a regulated investment vehicle.
Introducing staking-enabled ETFs
According to Grayscale’s announcement on October 6, 2025, these funds represent the first U.S.-listed spot crypto ETFs that integrate staking rewards. Investors in ETHE, ETH, and GSOL will be able to earn yields generated from staking activities while maintaining full exposure to the underlying crypto assets. The staking operations will be managed through Grayscale’s network of custodians and Block confirmer partners to ensure compliance with U.S. securities and custodial standards.
The staking process involves locking up cryptocurrency to support network operations in platform for periodic rewards. By incorporating staking into ETF structures, Grayscale provides an accessible and compliant way for both institutional and retail investors to earn passive income from blockchain participation without managing complex technical processes or Secret keys.
Market significance and regulatory implications
This development follows a series of meetings earlier in 2025 between Grayscale and the U.S. Securities and platform Commission (SEC), including discussions with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. The meetings focused on the company’s proposed framework for integrating staking within regulated ETF structures. The SEC’s approval of these funds signals a potential shift in regulatory openness toward staking-based financial products.
Historically, the SEC has expressed caution over staking-related offerings, citing concerns around yield transparency and custodial risks. Grayscale’s model appears to have addressed these issues by using third-party Block confirmers and ensuring that all staking rewards and associated fees are disclosed to investors. This structure could serve as a blueprint for future staking-enabled ETFs across other digital assets.
Industry analysts believe Grayscale’s new products could attract a new wave of institutional interest, particularly from investors viewking yield exposure in a compliant format. By blending traditional ETF mechanics with blockchain yield generation, Grayscale may have set the stage for broader adoption of staking products in mainstream finance.
Grayscale’s launch underscores the growing convergence between decentralized finance (DeFi) and regulated capital markets. As the first firm to introduce staking-enabled ETFs in the U.S., Grayscale is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in digital asset management. The company’s approach provides investors with a secure, transparent, and convenient way to participate in on-chain income generation through ETH and Solana.
With these products now live, Grayscale’s pioneering move may encourage other asset managers to explore similar offerings, further integrating blockchain-based yield mechanisms into traditional financial markets. The development marks a significant step toward mainstream acceptance of staking as a legitimate investment strategy within the U.S. financial system.
