BlackRock Takes Step Toward a Staking Ethereum ETF
BlackRock is moving further into Ethereum’s staking world. The firm has registered a new trust in Delaware called the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF, an early step toward offering a staking-enabled Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The filing was completed on Nov. 19, according to Delaware state records. While this doesn’t yet include full product details, it lays the groundwork for a fund that could allow investors to earn staking rewards on Ethereum.
Why This Matters
Currently, BlackRock’s ETHA ETF, launched in July 2024, holds spot Ethereum but doesn’t stake it. Staking ETH could generate annual rewards of 3–5%, and adding this feature would make the fund more attractive to yield-focused investors.
Issuers offering staking must explain how validators are chosen, how rewards are tracked, and how they handle locked ETH—key points the SEC reviews closely.
Part of a Growing Trend
BlackRock isn’t alone. Grayscale recently got approval to add staking to its ETH funds, and other major firms—including Fidelity, 21Shares, Franklin Templeton, and REX-Osprey—are exploring similar products. REX-Osprey already offers a staked Solana ETF and a staked ETH version.
BlackRock’s digital assets head, Robert Mitchnick, said staking ETFs could attract $10–20 billion in new capital by mid-2026, potentially locking up a significant amount of Ethereum and affecting market liquidity.
Next Steps
The Delaware trust registration is just the beginning. BlackRock will still need to file a Form S-1 with the SEC before the ETF can launch publicly. Analysts and investors are now watching for that filing, which would mark the next step toward a yield-bearing Ethereum ETF.
