Grayscale Launches Staking for Ethereum and Solana Products

Grayscale Investments launches staking for its ethereum and solana products, making ETHE and $ETH the first U.S.-listed spot crypto exchange traded products with staking access.

First US-Listed Staking ETPs

The digital asset-focused platform, Grayscale Investments, has announced the launch of staking capabilities for two of its flagship products—Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF ( $ETH). Revealed on Oct. 6, this move makes ETHE and $ETH the first U.S.-listed spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) to enable staking.

In addition to its ethereum offerings, Grayscale also confirmed in a media release that staking has been activated for its Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL), currently quoted on OTC Markets Group. Pending regulatory approval for GSOL’s uplisting as an ETP, this offering is poised to become one of the first spot solana products with staking access through traditional brokerage accounts.

While ETHE and $ETH are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and therefore lack the protections afforded to 40 Act-registered ETFs and mutual funds, they offer investors exposure to spot ether. GSOL, though not yet an ETP, provides similar access to spot solana.

Investor Risks and Protection

Grayscale, however, cautions that these products carry significant risk including potential loss of principal and do not represent direct investments in the underlying digital assets.

By integrating staking into its ethereum and solana products, Grayscale aims to offer investors a pathway to participate in the long-term value accrual of these blockchain networks.

“Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver,” said Peter Mintzberg, CEO 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’s staking strategy involves passive participation through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers. This approach not only helps secure the underlying protocols but also supports the broader resilience of the networks.

To complement its product innovation, Grayscale has released a new educational report titled Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards, aimed at demystifying staking for investors. The report outlines how staking works, its significance in blockchain ecosystems, and the potential benefits for participants.