Grayscale launches first staking spot crypto ETPs in US
Grayscale Investments has introduced staking for its Ethereum ETFs, marking the first such feature for U.S.-listed spot crypto exchange-traded products. The move also activates staking in its Solana Trust. This innovation aims to provide investors with exposure to network rewards through traditional brokerage accounts.
On October 6, 2025, from its base in Stamford, Connecticut, Grayscale Investments announced a pioneering step in the digital asset space. The Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ticker: ETHE) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ticker: ETH) have become the first U.S.-listed spot crypto ETPs to enable staking. Additionally, the Grayscale Solana Trust (OTCQX: GSOL) has activated staking, offering one of the limited ways for investors to access Solana (SOL) staking via traditional brokerage accounts. Pending regulatory approval, GSOL is expected to uplist as an exchange-traded product, potentially becoming one of the first spot Solana ETPs with staking enabled.
ETHE and ETH provide spot Ether exposure but are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, meaning they lack the same regulatory protections as traditional ETFs. GSOL, meanwhile, trades on OTC Markets Group and carries significant risks, including potential total loss of investment due to the nascent nature of the Solana protocol.
"Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver," said Peter Mintzberg, Chief Executive Officer of Grayscale. "As the #1 digital asset-focused ETF issuer in the world by AUM, we believe our trusted and scaled platform uniquely positions us to turn new opportunities like staking into tangible value potential for investors."
Grayscale, which manages approximately $35 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025, will handle staking passively through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers. This approach secures the underlying protocols and supports network resilience while aligning with the funds' objectives of spot exposure to Ether and Solana. The company has also released a report, "Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards," to educate investors on staking mechanics and benefits.
Looking ahead, Grayscale plans to extend staking to more products, emphasizing education, transparency, and investor-focused practices as the digital asset ecosystem evolves.