BlackRock has officially submitted a Form S-1 registration statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF, set to trade under the ticker ETHB. This filing, made on December 8, 2025, marks a strategic expansion for the asset manager as it ventures deeper into the crypto investment landscape.
If approved, the fund will offer investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to Ether’s price performance while simultaneously capitalizing on staking rewards. This would distinguish it from BlackRock’s existing iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, creating a new investment vehicle in the burgeoning market of staked crypto ETFs.
The envisioned staked ETH fund is poised to list on Nasdaq, following a series of SEC approvals for spot Ether ETFs in May 2024. While some crypto ETFs have recently introduced staking features, notably from Grayscale and Fidelity, the proposed BlackRock fund could herald a significant shift in how institutional investors approach digital asset staking.
Noteworthy is the recent growth in staking products offered by major players in the crypto ETF space. Grayscale Investments has already woven staking capabilities into its spot ETH and mini ETH trusts, while Fidelity has made strides with its Solana ETF, which also incorporates staking. Additionally, other companies like Canary Capital are looking to capitalize on the trend with their own staked product offerings.
Specifically, BlackRock intends to stake a portion of its Ether holdings, dependent on regulatory considerations that might influence its operational framework. The firm has underscored its commitment to maintaining the trust’s status as a grantor trust for federal tax purposes, showcasing its cautious yet strategic approach as it navigates this evolving regulatory landscape.
Current Landscape of Staking ETFs
Despite the potential benefits of staking, only a handful of crypto staking ETFs currently exist in the United States. Most of the approved spot Ether ETFs lack staking features, leaving a gap that BlackRock aims to fill. This move could set a precedent for future product launches in the sector, especially as interest in integration of staking across various platforms continues to rise.
Managing a favorable portfolio, BlackRock controls some of the largest spot crypto ETFs in the market today, including the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and the iShares Ether ETF (ETHA), boasting approximately $17 billion in assets. These established funds give BlackRock a solid foundation to build upon as it introduces the new staked Ethereum vehicle.
Future Implications of BlackRock’s Filing
BlackRock’s recent filing adds to an exciting and transformative chapter in the cryptocurrency market, where traditional financial institutions increasingly harness the potential of digital assets. Following a previous update from Nasdaq to add staking features to existing products, the introduction of a dedicated staked Ethereum ETF could not only enhance investor options but also stimulate broader acceptance of staking as a viable asset strategy.
This announcement sends a clear signal to market participants regarding the growing legitimacy of crypto investment products and their integration into mainstream financial offerings. As regulatory attitudes shift and more products enter the market, investors can expect an innovative and competitive environment for crypto-focused investment vehicles.
The anticipation surrounding BlackRock’s proposed staked Ethereum ETF underscores the company’s proactive approach in leading the charge within the crypto investment sphere, promising an intriguing development for both seasoned investors and those newly exploring the opportunities in digital currency markets.
