Grayscale staking ETPs open a new path for Ethereum and Solana investors

Key Points

• Grayscale becomes the first US fund issuer to enable staking in spot crypto ETPs.

• Investors gain access to Ethereum and Solana staking rewards through brokerage accounts.

• New ETP structure bridges traditional finance and crypto investment models.

• The move may reshape how institutions approach blockchain-based yield opportunities.

Grayscale staking ETPs are changing how investors earn from digital assets.

The crypto asset manager has introduced staking features for its Ethereum and Solana products, marking a first for any US-based issuer. This move lets investors access blockchain rewards while keeping the convenience of traditional brokerage systems.

The firm’s Ethereum products, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH), now allow staking directly through brokerage accounts. This lets investors earn network rewards while holding shares, creating a bridge between crypto yield and regulated financial products.

A major step for crypto-based ETFs

This launch places Grayscale staking ETPs in a leading position. The company has blended two essential features: regulated exposure to digital assets and access to staking income. These products stand apart from conventional ETF structures since they allow users to gain staking rewards without handling digital wallets or interacting with crypto exchanges.

According to Grayscale’s CEO Peter Mintzberg, this development reflects the firm’s goal to turn innovation into value. “Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver,” he said.

Mintzberg added that being the world’s top digital asset-focused ETF issuer gives Grayscale the scale to create value through products like these.

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Expanding to Solana with staking

Grayscale has also introduced staking to its Solana Trust (GSOL), which is awaiting approval to become an exchange-traded product. Once approved, it would become the first spot Solana ETP to offer staking.

Investors using GSOL can already earn staking rewards through their holdings. This structure adds another layer of yield generation and supports the Solana network’s long-term security. Grayscale said the move is designed to help investors gain from both the market performance and the network growth of Solana.

From my perspective, Grayscale is reshaping the line between traditional investments and blockchain opportunities. By adding staking to its ETP lineup, it connects passive income models with regulated asset management, which is a smart step for any crypto investment firm aiming to attract cautious investors.

Grayscale staking ETPs redefine investor access to Ethereum and Solana

Both ETHE and ETH operate under the Investment Company Act of 1940, ensuring strong regulatory oversight. Yet, Grayscale clarifies that these funds do not represent direct investments in Ethereum or Solana. Instead, they hold digital assets whose performance reflects the networks’ market value.

By staking a portion of these assets through institutional validators, Grayscale allows investors to indirectly participate in network validation while earning staking rewards. The staking process supports blockchain integrity and gives investors a stream of additional income that reflects real network productivity.

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Building institutional trust in crypto

The introduction of Grayscale staking ETPs could bring more traditional investors into the crypto sector. It eliminates technical barriers such as setting up wallets or running validator nodes. For institutions, this offers a simple, compliant way to access yield from Ethereum and Solana networks.

This approach also boosts blockchain adoption at the financial level. As funds like ETHE and GSOL grow, their staking operations help secure both blockchains. In turn, network stability improves, and staking rewards become an organic return stream rather than a speculative gain.

Grayscale’s model positions staking as a legitimate and measurable financial activity. It aligns blockchain participation with regulated financial standards, which could influence future ETF designs.

Staking rewards become mainstream

This step represents more than a product update. It signals how staking rewards may soon be standard for crypto-based exchange products. As investors seek consistent returns without leaving regulated systems, Grayscale’s move provides an accessible path.

Industry analysts view the decision as an early sign of how financial products may evolve. If the model succeeds, other issuers might follow, expanding staking into global crypto investment portfolios.