BlackRock has taken a significant step towards staking integration for its ETF in the Ethereum market by submitting a 19b-4 amendment through Nasdaq.
Overview of Nasdaq Filing
This week, Nasdaq submitted an amendment 19b-4 that will allow the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) to stake some or all of its ether holdings through trusted providers. This amendment makes ETHA the first U.S. Ethereum ETF that could potentially offer staking rewards.
Staking Market and Ethereum ETFs
The fund aims to generate yield by participating in Ethereum's proof-of-stake validation system, which would enable ETHA to earn an annual return of 3% to 5%. This update follows the SEC's recent approval of the REX-Osprey Solana Staking ETF, which relied on a separate regulatory framework.
Future of Regulation and Competition
The SEC has not approved any staking fund under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; however, the Nasdaq filing reflects growing optimism that changes may occur by the fourth quarter of 2025. Analysts believe that staking integration could reduce Ethereum's circulating supply and increase its deflationary pressure.
BlackRock's submission could reshape the U.S. crypto investment landscape and activate competition among other major players such as Grayscale and Franklin Templeton.
