Compass Investments

– The SEC is considering a rule change to allow BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF to include steaking.

Other companies such as 21Shares and Grayscale have made similar filings, and Rex-Osprey has already launched a cryptocurrency ETF with steaking.

the tone of regulation has softened under the Trump administration, and on Tuesday, the SEC also approved the redemption of cryptocurrency ETPs in kind.

So, back in business. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now officially considering the idea of allowing BlackRock – yes, that’s right BlackRock – to add Ethereum staking to its lineup of ETFs. If approved, this would allow for steaking in the iShares Ethereum Trust, an ETF from BlackRock that tracks spot ETH. This could be a big step.

In a statement released Tuesday, the SEC said it is opening the floor for public comment on the proposed rule change – standard procedure when it comes to such changes to ETFs. Nasdaq filed a related request earlier this month. And they’re not alone: 21Shares, Grayscale … are all looking to add staking to their cryptocurrency funds. Can’t blame them, given the potential for returns and all.

Back in May, the SEC’s Division of Corporate Finance said that some blockchain-stacking is not considered a securities offering. This got people worried: maybe ETF-stacking will finally be allowed.

Of course, not everyone is waiting for the SEC to make a decision. Rex-Osprey went rogue and on July 2 launched what it called the first-ever cryptocurrency ETF in the U.S.

. They’ve bypassed the traditional route and somehow made it work – at least for now.

the meantime, the SEC has been busy delaying a decision on other cryptocurrency ETFs. Just this week, they delayed their verdict on Grayscale’s proposed Litecoin ETF to October 10. A classic move. However, under the Trump administration, the general mood has changed a bit. Since January, cryptocurrency ETF offerings seem to be getting a warmer reception – probably not a coincidence.

Later on Tuesday, in a less high-profile moment, the SEC quietly approved the creation and redemption of cryptocurrency ETFs in-kind. Essentially, this means that authorized participants can now conduct these transactions with real crypto assets, not just cash. It’s a technical thing, but it could help ETFs run much more smoothly behind the scenes.

So, will staking in ETF funds become a reality? No one knows for sure. But judging by the fact that BlackRock is pushing for it, and regulators are giving the go-ahead, and competing companies are already moving forward, the pressure is definitely building.