On October 6, 2025, Grayscale Investments announced a significant industry first by activating staking for its spot Ethereum and Solana investment products, allowing investors to earn rewards through traditional brokerage accounts.
A New Era for Crypto Investment Products
Grayscale has launched the first U.S.-listed spot crypto Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) to integrate staking functionality. This strategic move applies to three key products: the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE), the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH), and the Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL).
With this update, these funds now offer a dual benefit: exposure to the underlying asset’s spot price and the ability to earn additional yield through staking rewards. Grayscale’s CEO, Peter Mintzberg, described this as the “first mover innovation” the firm was built to deliver, leveraging its position as a leading digital asset manager to create tangible value for investors.
This development marks a pivotal step in bridging the world of traditional finance with the dynamic potential of blockchain-based rewards.
How Staking Works in Grayscale’s ETPs
For investors, the process is seamless. Grayscale handles the technical complexities of staking passively through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers. This approach aims to secure the underlying blockchain networks while generating rewards for the funds.
The staking rewards accrue within the funds’ Net Asset Value (NAV). For the Ethereum products, this translates to an estimated annual staking yield of around 2.06%. It is important to note that these ETPs are structured under the Securities Act of 1933 and are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, meaning they do not carry the same regulatory protections as traditional mutual funds.
This model provides a simplified and institutional-grade avenue for earning staking yields, transforming these ETPs into yield-generating instruments.
Why This Move Matters for the Market
Grayscale’s initiative fundamentally changes the value proposition of crypto ETPs. Unlike spot Bitcoin ETFs, which only offer price exposure, staking-enabled products provide a structural advantage by generating yield. This income-generating potential could make them particularly attractive in a diversified portfolio.
The launch also signals growing regulatory maturity. It follows recent guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that helped clarify the legal boundaries for staking services, reducing uncertainty and paving the way for such innovations.
By offering a regulated and accessible path to staking rewards, Grayscale is not just launching a new product feature but is actively expanding the definition of what a crypto investment vehicle can be.
