BlackRock is looking to add staking functionality to its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), a move that could position it as the first U.S.-listed spot ether ETF offering staking rewards.
In a revised 19b-4 filing submitted Thursday by Nasdaq, BlackRock proposed allowing the trust to stake its ETH holdings—enabling it to earn yield by helping validate transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. If approved, ETHA would become a dual-purpose vehicle: offering spot ETH exposure and on-chain staking returns.
This update follows similar moves by issuers like Grayscale and Franklin Templeton, all waiting on SEC clarity regarding staking within ETF structures. While none have received approval yet, BlackRock’s filing suggests growing confidence that regulatory hurdles may soon ease.
Launched in June 2024, ETHA has already attracted over $7.2 billion in assets, making it one of the most successful crypto ETF launches to date. Shares closed at $25.42 on Thursday.
Adding staking could enhance ETHA’s appeal by mirroring how crypto-native investors generate yield—without requiring investors to manage wallets or interact with protocols directly.
If the SEC signs off, BlackRock’s pivot could reshape the competitive landscape for Ethereum-based ETFs, unlocking a new layer of passive income potential for traditional investors.
