Nasdaq Submits Application to Include Staking in BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF

Nasdaq has filed a request with the SEC on behalf of BlackRock to add staking to its iShares Ethereum ETF, potentially allowing investors to earn rewards from Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network.

Nasdaq Files with SEC to Enable ETH Staking in BlackRock ETF

Nasdaq has asked the SEC to approve staking for BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF. If it gets the green light, investors could earn ETH rewards, bringing crypto income features into mainstream finance. This move could boost institutional interest in Ethereum. It also signals growing confidence in crypto’s role within traditional markets.

The move follows SEC guidance issued in May, which classifies taking rewards earned through validation services as income rather than capital gains. 

The update has opened new opportunities for institutional investors to earn yield on their ETH holdings, a key feature for traditional finance firms aiming to generate steady returns.

Ethereum Moves Fast – Are Institutions Preparing for Something Big?

Ethereum is gaining strength as more institutional and corporate investors show interest. In the past month alone, treasury-focused companies bought about 540,000 ETH, worth around $1.6 billion, for their reserves. Staking is also up, with over 36 million ETH now locked in, making up more than 29% of all ETH in circulation, according to Dune data.

Farside Investors reports that Ethereum ETFs are also seeing more activity. After a slow start this year, June and July brought big inflows, $726 million in one day alone. To support this growth, the Ethereum Foundation has helped launch Etherealize, a marketing firm focused on attracting more institutional attention to Ethereum.

With rising buying, more staking, and growing ETF interest, Ethereum is strengthening its position as both a digital asset and a key player in traditional finance.