BlackRock is preparing to enter the staked ether ETF market, taking an early step by registering the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust in Delaware on Nov. 19. The move — highlighted by Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas — signals that the world’s largest asset manager is laying the foundation for a yield-bearing ETH product.
The filing is a preliminary corporate registration rather than a formal ETF application under the Securities Act of 1933. Still, it indicates BlackRock plans to seek approval once the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides clarity on whether staking can be included in regulated funds.
BlackRock’s positioning follows VanEck’s recent registration of a trust linked to Lido’s staked ETH, reflecting growing interest among issuers as they anticipate the next wave of competition in the ether ETF market.
When the first spot ETH ETFs launched in 2024, staking was explicitly removed at the SEC’s direction. Regulators argued that certain staking programs could resemble unregistered securities offerings, forcing issuers to strip out yield features. BlackRock’s latest move suggests it expects that stance may eventually soften — opening the door for staked ether products in the U.S. market.
