BlackRock Seeks Staking for Ethereum ETF Through Nasdaq

BlackRock has submitted a proposal through Nasdaq to integrate staking into its iShares Ethereum ETF. The filing could pave the way for new investment strategies in the Ethereum ecosystem by April 2026.

The addition of staking in BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF signals growing institutional interest and potential shifts in ETF offerings. This move may also increase staking deposits, influencing Ethereum’s market dynamics.

BlackRock, via Nasdaq, has submitted a filing to the SEC to introduce staking to its iShares Ethereum Trust. This move follows similar filings by other notable asset managers aiming to enhance Ethereum-based ETFs with staking features. Nasdaq’s official 19b-4 filing marks a significant step as BlackRock seeks to integrate staking into its extensive $7.9 billion Ethereum holdings ETF, the largest globally. Other firms, including 21Shares and Grayscale, are also engaging in similar pursuits to expand staking options.

The proposal impacts various areas within the financial landscape. Ethereum ETFs have already seen substantial inflows, hinted at by the $726.74 million injection on July 16, 2025. On-chain analysis suggests these movements could signal increased off-exchange ETH holdings and a push toward broader staking activities if regulatory approval is secured.

Staked ETH tokens and derivatives like Lido’s stETH and Rocket Pool’s rETH may experience increased demand. The SEC approval process is closely monitored, with projections suggesting a formal decision by late 2025 or early 2026. This anticipation fosters market speculation about potential changes in Ethereum’s staking ecosystem.

Staking-enabled ETFs could alter Ethereum dynamics and impact related derivatives and decentralized finance yields. Industry experts anticipate significant changes, referencing past events such as the spot Bitcoin ETFs boost in 2024. This backdrop underscores the importance of regulatory decisions on long-term financial and technological landscapes surrounding Ethereum and related assets.

“Staking is not done. There are plenty of ETH staking ETF filings already on the books. Final deadline for earlier filings is in late October. The BlackRock filing today won’t have a final deadline until ~April 2026 (but we think staking will likely be approved by at least 4Q25).” — James Seyffart, ETF Analyst, Bloomberg, Bloomberg