BlackRock, the largest asset management firm globally, has taken a significant step by registering the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust in Delaware. This move marks the company”s preparation for a staking-enabled exchange-traded fund (ETF) that will distribute rewards from ether (ETH) staking directly to its investors. This development represents BlackRock”s initial foray into yield-bearing cryptocurrency ETFs, differing from its existing spot-only fund.
The registration comes in the wake of recent regulatory reforms in the United States that now allow for staking features within listed crypto ETFs. By expanding its Ethereum investment offerings, BlackRock is complementing its $13 billion iShares Ethereum Trust, which currently does not provide staking rewards. This new initiative not only offers an additional vehicle for gaining exposure to ETH but also illustrates a broader shift towards blockchain-based yield instruments within regulated financial markets.
Analysts suggest that the introduction of the Staked Ethereum Trust responds to growing institutional demand for regulated staking exposure, as many investors prefer avoiding direct participation on decentralized platforms or offshore exchanges. Ethereum staking currently presents an estimated annual yield of 3–4%, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns linked to the underlying blockchain infrastructure rather than volatile price movements.
As BlackRock ventures into this competitive space, it joins other financial giants such as Fidelity and 21Shares, who are also working on similar products. Financial advisors believe that a staking ETF could significantly increase the accumulation of ETH by institutional funds, including those managing retirement accounts or corporate treasuries, which may favor passive yield strategies over speculative trading.
The regulatory landscape has shifted considerably since late 2025, when updated federal listing standards cleared the way for staking-enabled ETFs after previous prohibitions in 2024. The new framework allows issuers to stake assets through approved custodians while adhering to transparent reward guidelines. While the Delaware registration is a crucial initial step, it does not guarantee approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, it signals the onset of a race among financial firms to launch institutional staking ETFs.
If the Staked Ethereum Trust receives the necessary approvals, it could redefine how investors perceive Ethereum, framing it not only as a digital asset but also as a yield-producing component within the broader global financial landscape.
