Is Ethereum ETF Staking Coming? BlackRock Holds Key Meeting With SEC

In a behind-closed-doors meeting that could reshape the regulatory future of crypto in the U.S., BlackRock—the world’s largest asset manager—met with the SEC’s Crypto Asset Task Force to advocate for pivotal changes in Ethereum ETFs. Among the core topics discussed: allowing staking features in Ethereum-based exchange-traded products, tokenization of securities, and clearer rules for crypto derivatives.

Turkish NY Radio has learned that BlackRock emphasized how Ethereum ETFs that lack staking features fall short of delivering their full value to investors.

“Staking-Less ETH ETFs Are Incomplete,” Says BlackRock

During the session, Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, argued that excluding staking from Ethereum ETFs deprives investors of passive income potential. He called staking “a structurally necessary evolution” in crypto-based ETFs and acknowledged the current regulatory ambiguity as a major hurdle.

Mitchnick’s comments come amid what some insiders describe as a “softening stance” at the SEC, which has historically resisted ETH ETFs involving staking mechanisms due to concerns around classification and investor protection. A potential shift in tone could pave the way for ETFs that generate income via Ethereum staking—a game-changer for institutional and retail participants alike.

Tokenizing Real-World Assets: The Next Frontier?

The BlackRock delegation also spotlighted the tokenization of traditional securities and real-world assets (RWA), calling it a foundational step for the future of capital markets. By bringing RWA onto blockchain networks, firms aim to enhance transparency, cost-efficiency, and liquidity in financial markets.

Key points included:

• The development of USD-backed digital liquidity funds like BUIDL.
• Regulatory pathways for staking-enabled Ethereum ETFs (ETHA).
• Oversight strategies for tokenized securities under existing laws like Exchange Act Rule 6(b).

Seeking Regulatory Certainty for Crypto ETPs

The meeting also focused on building a clear framework for crypto-based ETPs (Exchange-Traded Products). BlackRock stressed the need for definitive guidelines on ETF listings, sufficient market surveillance standards, and rules for crypto options contracts, including position limits and liquidity thresholds.

These technical but critical measures aim to prevent market manipulation and ensure sustainable growth in the digital asset space.

Why This Meeting Matters

This high-level dialogue marks a significant moment in the ongoing regulatory evolution of crypto finance in the U.S. It signals growing engagement between Wall Street and Washington—and possibly a new chapter for Ethereum ETFs, where staking, tokenization, and decentralized income models could soon gain formal acceptance.

As always, regulatory greenlights could take time, but the conversation is clearly accelerating.

References

• SEC Meeting Memo with BlackRock – Public Disclosure (sec.gov)
• Glassnode Research – Tokenization Framework
• CoinDesk Coverage – ETF Developments