- VanEck proposes an ETF based on Lido Staked Ethereum
- The fund aims to offer exposure to ETH staking yields
- This move could accelerate ETH staking adoption in finance
Global investment manager VanEck has officially filed an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on Lido Staked Ethereum (stETH). This marks another major step in bringing staking-based crypto assets to traditional financial markets.
The ETF, if approved, will be one of the first in the U.S. to offer exposure to Ethereum staking through Lido’s liquid staking platform. stETH is a token that represents staked ETH and allows users to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity — a crucial element for traders and institutional players.
VanEck’s move highlights the growing demand for regulated financial products that offer access to DeFi and staking without the complexity of self-custody or direct protocol interaction.
Why Lido Staked Ethereum Matters
Lido is currently the largest liquid staking protocol, holding over 30% of all staked Ethereum. Its stETH token has become a cornerstone in the DeFi ecosystem. By anchoring an ETF to stETH, VanEck is attempting to bridge the gap between decentralized finance and traditional investing.
Staked Ethereum ETFs could offer investors the opportunity to gain exposure not just to the price of ETH, but also to the rewards generated from staking — something not possible with standard spot ETFs. This added yield could make such funds more attractive in a competitive ETF market .
What This Means for the Crypto Market
While the SEC has been slow to approve Ethereum-based ETFs, the momentum is clearly building. VanEck’s filing could pave the way for more staking-related financial products in the future, offering investors new ways to participate in the Ethereum ecosystem.
If approved, this ETF may become a milestone for ETH as a yield-generating asset class — similar to how dividend stocks are treated in traditional portfolios.
