In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency investment, REX Shares has filed for Ethereum and Solana staking ETFs, with analysts suggesting that their launch is just around the corner. This maneuver, described as a “regulatory end-around,” could soon offer investors a novel pathway to participate in the staking economy of these popular cryptocurrencies.
A New Frontier for Crypto ETFs
Staking ETFs are a relatively uncharted territory in the investment world. They promise to provide exposure to the yields generated by staking—where investors lock up a portion of their holdings to support the network operations of a blockchain and earn rewards in return. According to James Seyffart, a seasoned ETF analyst, the launch of these products is not just imminent; it could herald a new era of crypto-based financial instruments. “The regulatory landscape for crypto is always a bit of a maze, but this approach might just clear a path for others to follow,” Seyffart observed. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance.
The potential for such ETFs is massive, given the popularity of Ethereum and Solana. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has been at the forefront of the staking revolution, especially after its transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Meanwhile, Solana, known for its high-speed transactions and low fees, has attracted significant attention from developers and investors alike.
Regulatory Maze and Market Impact
The regulatory environment for crypto ETFs has been notoriously complex, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) historically cautious about approving such products. However, REX Shares’ approach might circumvent some of the traditional hurdles, opening the door for new kinds of crypto investment vehicles. “This could be a game-changer,” remarked Caroline Bowden, a crypto market strategist. “If REX Shares can pull it off, it might encourage other firms to explore similar avenues.” This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the introduction of staking ETFs could significantly impact the broader market. By allowing more investors to access staking rewards without directly holding the underlying assets, these ETFs could democratize access to crypto yields. This might also lead to increased liquidity and stability for both Ethereum and Solana, as more funds flow into these networks.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Historically, the crypto market has been a rollercoaster of volatility and innovation. The emergence of staking has been one of the standout trends, with platforms like Lido and EigenLayer becoming household names for crypto enthusiasts. These platforms have made staking more accessible, allowing users to earn APY on their holdings without the technical complexities traditionally associated with the process.
Looking ahead, the potential launch of Ethereum and Solana staking ETFs raises intriguing questions about the future of crypto investments. Will this pave the way for other cryptocurrencies to be included in similar ETFs? Could we see a wave of staking ETFs across different blockchains, each offering unique benefits and risks?
The crypto community is watching closely, with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While some see this as a natural evolution of the market, others are cautious about the regulatory implications and potential risks. Nevertheless, the impending launch of these innovative financial products seems to underscore the growing maturity of the crypto space.
This development could signal the start of a broader trend, where traditional financial products increasingly intersect with the decentralized world of cryptocurrencies. As June 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on REX Shares and the SEC to see if this regulatory end-around will indeed set a precedent for future crypto ETFs, potentially transforming the investment landscape.
Source
This article is based on: ETH, SOL 'very rare' staking ETFs may launch imminently — Analysts
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
