BlackRock Takes First Step Toward a Staked Ether ETF

A new Delaware filing for the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust signals BlackRock’s intent to enter the yield-bearing ether market as issuers wait for SEC clarity on staking.

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Summary
  • BlackRock has registered the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF in Delaware, signaling its intent to enter the staked ether ETF market.
  • The registration is a preliminary step and not yet a formal application under the Securities Act of 1933.
  • BlackRock's move follows VanEck's similar registration, as issuers await regulatory clarity on including staking in U.S. ETFs.

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.

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Why it matters:

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