BlackRock has filed a new application with the U.S. SEC to add staking capabilities to its proposed iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). If approved, this would allow the ETF to generate passive income by staking ETH—a major step forward for institutional crypto adoption.
Nasdaq Submits Key Amendment for ETH Staking
In its latest filing, Nasdaq (which lists BlackRock’s ETF) requested two key changes:
- Removing a clause that previously blocked staking.
- Adding new language explicitly permitting ETH staking through trusted providers.
The filing states:
“The Sponsor may stake, or cause to be staked, all or a portion of the Trust’s ether through one or more trusted staking providers.”
Why This Filing Stands Out
BlackRock isn’t the first to seek staking for a crypto ETF—REX-Osprey’s Solana Staking ETF recently gained SEC approval. However, the timing suggests growing institutional confidence in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake model.
A Long Road Ahead for Approval
Despite the filing, experts warn the process could drag into 2026 due to:
- Regulatory scrutiny over staking risks.
- Precedent-setting delays in crypto ETF approvals.
