coindesk.com
BlackRock has now joined the race to launch a staked ether ETF, registering the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF in Delaware on Nov. 19, according to a state filing highlighted by Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas.
The registration is only an initial step and not yet a formal application under the Securities Act of 1933, but it signals that the world’s largest asset manager is preparing to seek approval for a yield-bearing ether product.
BlackRock's move comes weeks after VanEck registered a similar trust tied to Lido’s staked $ETH, positioning issuers for the next phase of competition once regulators give clarity on whether staking can be included in U.S. ETFs.
The first wave of spot $ETH ETFs launched in 2024 without staking after the SEC told issuers to strip the feature, citing its view that certain staking services could constitute unregistered securities offerings.