BlackRock Moves to Launch Staked Ethereum ETF as Crypto ETF Race Heats Up

Highlights:

• BlackRock registered a staked Ethereum trust to grow its crypto offerings.
• Staked Ethereum ETFs provide extra income through validator rewards for investors. 
• Analysts say staking ETFs could lock up large amounts of ETH and affect liquidity and supply.

BlackRock has taken another small step to grow its crypto products. On November 19, the company registered an iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF in Delaware, as per Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas. This move shows new activity inside the $13.5 trillion firm as it looks beyond its current Ethereum product launched in mid-last year.

The Delaware filing is only an early step. Any company planning an exchange-traded fund must complete it first. This step does not send the proposal to regulators yet. More documents are still needed before the official review starts.

BlackRock is planning to file for a Staked Ethereum ETF, as per the Delaware name registration. '33 Act. Filing coming soon. pic.twitter.com/NmAsQhcq5D

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 19, 2025

This new registration comes a few months after strong inflows into the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), which has gathered $13.1 billion since its launch last July. ETHA launched without staking. BlackRock had clearly stated on its website: “No, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF will not stake its ether at this time. Staking has operational issues and regulatory challenges that make it difficult right now.” In July, BlackRock also asked the SEC to allow staking inside ETHA after regulators under the Trump administration showed more openness and introduced a faster listing rule.

Staked Ethereum ETFs Gain Momentum

Balchunas noted that the new staked ETH product is filed under the Securities Act of 1933, which demands strong transparency. This shows BlackRock expects stricter review ahead. Grayscale got approval in October 2025 to add staking to ETHE and its Mini Trust ETF. These were the first Ethereum funds under the 1933 Act that could earn staking rewards.

Other companies like Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, and REX-Osprey also filed for staking updates. REX-Osprey already has a staked Solana ETF and launched a staked ETH ETF in September.  BlackRock’s move signals that more issuers may enter the market.

Pleased to welcome a new REX-Osprey ETF our U.S. market: REX-Osprey ETH + Staking ETF! $ESK

Learn more about REX-Osprey's #CboeListed ETFs: https://t.co/qlimuVSdU2@REXShares @OspreyFunds pic.twitter.com/D1pXYOpGfv

— Cboe (@Cboe) September 25, 2025

A staked Ethereum ETF adds extra return that normal spot ETFs don’t offer. The yield comes from validator rewards, which average about 3.95% yearly according to Blocknative. This added income, combined with price exposure, may attract investors who avoided earlier Ethereum funds because they offered no earnings. This type of product may appeal to people who want steady rewards without handling themselves. 

BlackRock Eyes Big Returns with Staked Ethereum ETFs

BlackRock’s move is noticeable because it has stayed away from altcoin products. Other issuers filed many proposals for smaller tokens, but BlackRock did not. Its last non-Ethereum product was the Bitcoin Premium Income ETF in September, designed to earn yield through covered calls instead of staking.

BlackRock’s digital assets head, Robert Mitchnick, said on Nov. 19 that staking features could bring in $10–20 billion by mid-2026. Analysts believe these new staking ETFs could lock up a large amount of ETH, which may affect liquidity and long-term supply. Now, all focus is on BlackRock’s possible S-1 filing, which would be the next step toward a yield-earning Ethereum ETF.