SEC May Prioritize Staking in Spot Ethereum ETFs Before Approving XRP Funds

Key Points

1. The SEC has acknowledged Nasdaq’s filing for BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust to offer staking services, indicating regulatory readiness for staking in spot Ethereum ETFs.

2. Staking in Ethereum ETFs allows ETH holders to earn passive rewards, enhancing the fund’s total return and making ETFs more competitive.

3. The SEC’s focus on refining existing ETF structures, such as integrating staking, may delay the approval of XRP spot ETFs.

4. The SEC has approved in-kind creation and redemption for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, improving efficiency and aligning with more sophisticated ETF mechanisms.

5. Ethereum staking in spot ETFs is expected to be approved imminently, potentially before any new spot crypto ETFs, including XRP, receive approval.