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BlackRock plans to add staking to ETHA, boosting ETF yield potential.
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ETHA may stake Ethereum, marking a shift in crypto ETF strategies.
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BlackRock’s ETH ETF leads inflows, eyes yield via Ethereum staking.
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ETHA aims to stake ETH, pending SEC approval of Nasdaq amendment.
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Ethereum ETFs race to add staking as ETHA dominates the market.
BlackRock has submitted a proposal through Nasdaq to add staking to its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). This amendment aims to allow the fund to generate yield by validating Ethereum network transactions. If approved, the change will mark a strategic shift for crypto ETFs by incorporating Ethereum’s proof-of-stake mechanism.
Nasdaq filed the amended 19b-4 document with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday. The submission outlines a plan to permit staking of ETHA’s Ethereum holdings. BlackRock’s fund, listed on Nasdaq, would receive staking rewards as additional income.
BlackRock applies to add staking to its iShares Ethereum $ETH ETF pic.twitter.com/cV5ixUWe3z
— Alpha Whale Crypto (@AlphaWhale_) July 17, 2025
The change would allow ETHA to go beyond passive exposure by participating in Ethereum’s network operations. BlackRock has designated Coinbase as the custodian and execution agent, likely making it the default staking partner. The filing states that the trust would not pool its ETH or take on external slashing risks.
ETHA Leads Ethereum ETF Market with Strong Inflows
BlackRock’s ETHA has become the largest Ethereum ETF since its approval alongside other spot ETH funds in July 2024. According to Farside Investors, ETHA has attracted over $7.9 billion in net inflows, more than doubling any competitor. The fund’s performance reflects continued interest in Ethereum exposure from institutional platforms.
Data from SoSoValue shows ETH ETFs gained $726.74 million in net inflows on Wednesday alone. ETHA led this surge with $499 million in daily inflows, outpacing all other ETH-based products. Total July inflows across all ETH ETFs reached $2.27 billion, a new monthly high for the category.
The new proposal seeks to build on that momentum by unlocking Ethereum staking rewards. This change would enable ETHA to leverage Ethereum’s yield potential without compromising its ETF structure. However, any adjustments will still require SEC approval, as per regulatory review timelines.
Staking Emerges as Next Focus for Ethereum ETFs
BlackRock is not alone in pushing for staking rights within Ethereum ETFs. Other firms, including Grayscale, 21Shares, and Fidelity, have submitted similar filings. These proposals seek to capture staking yields while maintaining compliance with federal securities laws.
The SEC has yet to make a definitive ruling on whether staking within ETFs constitutes securities activity. Nevertheless, BlackRock’s move signals growing industry confidence in the regulatory outlook. The fund’s amended language confirms the Trust would collect all or a portion of staking rewards as income.
The SEC faces an April 2026 deadline for ETHA’s proposal but may act sooner. Meanwhile, decisions for other ETH staking ETF filings are expected by October. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart projected approvals could arrive by the fourth quarter of 2025.
