The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed receipt of BlackRock's application to allow staking for its spot Ethereum ETF. This development could potentially enable investors to earn yields on their Ethereum holdings through staking rewards.
*Key Details:*
- *Application Status*: The SEC has acknowledged the filing, and a 21-day public comment period has begun. The SEC now has up to 90 days to approve or disapprove the application.
- *Staking Benefits*: If approved, the fund would stake all or part of its Ethereum holdings, with rewards given to investors. This feature would allow investors to earn additional yields on their Ethereum holdings.
- *Industry Momentum*: Several other fund managers, including 21Shares, Grayscale, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton, are also seeking permission to incorporate staking into their Ethereum funds.
- *Regulatory Landscape*: The SEC had previously raised concerns about staking services, but recent developments suggest a potential shift in stance.¹ ²
*Potential Impact:*
- *Increased Institutional Investment*: Allowing staking in Ethereum ETFs could attract substantial institutional capital and redefine Ethereum's market positioning.
- *Growing Demand for ETH*: The amount of staked ETH has reached an all-time high, accounting for over 29% of the circulating supply, indicating growing demand for Ethereum.³