A new era for crypto investors
Grayscale has officially launched the first US spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) that include staking, offering investors a way to earn passive income directly through traditional brokerage accounts. The crypto asset management giant introduced staking for its Ethereum and Solana funds, marking a milestone for regulated crypto investment products in the United States.
Ethereum and Solana ETPs with staking
The firm announced that both the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) are now the first US-listed spot crypto funds to support staking rewards. This move allows investors to gain exposure to Ethereum while participating in its staking economy — an opportunity typically limited to direct crypto holders.
Grayscale also confirmed that its Solana Trust (GSOL) has enabled staking and is awaiting regulatory approval for uplisting to an ETP. Once approved, it will become one of the first spot Solana ETPs to integrate staking, further expanding institutional access to blockchain rewards.
A step toward long-term value creation
According to Grayscale, adding staking capabilities aims to provide investors with exposure to the long-term value accrual of blockchain networks like Ethereum and Solana, while keeping the funds’ core investment objectives intact.
“Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first-mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver,” said Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg. “As the world’s leading digital asset-focused ETF issuer by assets under management, we’re uniquely positioned to turn new opportunities like staking into tangible value for investors.”
Regulatory framework and investor clarity
Both ETHE and ETH products are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, distinguishing them from traditional mutual funds governed by the Investment Company Act of 1940. This structure mirrors the same regulatory framework used for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs approved earlier this year, allowing these products to hold digital assets directly.
However, Grayscale clarified that while the funds hold crypto assets such as Ethereum and Solana, “an investment in ETHE and ETH is not a direct investment in digital assets.”
The rise of staking-based ETPs in the US
Grayscale’s move positions it as a pioneer in bringing staking-based crypto investment opportunities to regulated markets. By blending traditional finance accessibility with blockchain rewards, the company is setting a new precedent for crypto ETFs and ETPs in the United States.
With Ethereum and Solana continuing to lead the proof-of-stake ecosystem, Grayscale’s staking-enabled products could signal a broader shift in how institutional and retail investors engage with crypto networks — not just by holding, but by earning from them.
