TL;DR
- VanEck filing: The asset manager submitted a Delaware proposal for a staked Ethereum ETF, aiming to let institutions capture staking yields without handling blockchain infrastructure.
- Market positioning: By moving early, VanEck seeks an edge over rivals like BlackRock and Fidelity, reinforcing its role as a first mover in specialized crypto funds.
- Lido DAO rally: LDO surged over 7% in one session, nearly 18% weekly, and more than 50% in six months, reflecting optimism that staking ETFs could drive the next institutional trend.
The Ethereum staking ecosystem has been hit with renewed excitement thanks to VanEck’s latest move in expanding its crypto offerings. The company filed its proposal in Delaware, establishing a new ETF based on staked Ethereum, a move that immediately lifted positive sentiment surrounding Lido DAO, the largest liquid staking platform.
VanEck Targets Staked Ethereum Exposure
The Delaware filing marks VanEck’s intent to create an ETF that tracks Ethereum staked through Lido. Unlike traditional staking, where tokens remain locked, Lido enables liquidity while still generating rewards. Wrapping this model into an ETF would allow institutions to capture staking yields without managing blockchain infrastructure. Although the filing is preliminary and still requires SEC approval, it highlights how quickly asset managers are adapting to evolving investor demand.
Delaware as the Launchpad
Thanks to its flexible corporate laws, Delaware has become the go-to choice for launching investment trusts. VanEck’s choice to register there shows more than just a bureaucratic step; It shows their intention of becoming a leading institution in staking ETFs. The move, which comes months after the SEC approved Ethereum ETFs, signals a rapidly evolving market pivoting towards specialized institutional products.
Competitive Landscape Intensifies
VanEck already operates spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs that have drawn strong inflows. Analysts suggest this new filing is designed to secure an edge over rivals like BlackRock and Fidelity, who are also expected to explore staking-related products. By moving early, VanEck positions itself to dominate a niche segment before competitors catch up, reinforcing its reputation as a first mover in digital asset funds.
Lido DAO Token Reaction
The market reacted positively to VanEck’s announcement, triggering a sharp rally for Lido DAO, which reported daily gains of more than 2%, totalling nearly 18% in the last seven days, and trading at $1.23. For the last six months, Lido DAO has recorded more than 50% gains, revealing how staking is slowly becoming the next major institutional trend. For many experts, VanEck’s choice to file in Delaware signals the company’s intention to shape the future of staking ETFs.
