Fidelity, a financial services behemoth managing assets worth $4.5 trillion, has recently updated its spot Ethereum ETF application to incorporate staking capabilities. This strategic move, detailed in an amendment filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 18, outlines Fidelity’s plan to engage in staking a portion of the ETF’s Ether through third-party providers, potentially including affiliates.

Staking Integration: A New Frontier for ETFs

The amendment specifies that staking activities may generate network rewards in the form of Ether tokens, considered as income for the fund. This development marks a significant step in the evolution of ETFs, offering investors exposure not only to the price movements of Ethereum but also to the yields generated from staking activities. The SEC’s decision on this innovative proposal is eagerly anticipated, with a deadline set for May 23.

Market Response and Strategic Implications

The news of Fidelity’s amendment briefly sparked rallies in the governance tokens of prominent liquid staking providers Lido (LDO) and Rocket Pool (RPL), though gains were short-lived. Analysts speculate that Fidelity might opt for a centralized staking service tailored to institutional needs, rather than decentralized liquid staking protocols. This aligns with a growing trend of asset issuers exploring staking yields through spot Ether ETFs, as seen in similar filings by Ark Invest and Franklin Templeton.

Regulatory and Industry Perspectives

Despite Fidelity’s bold step forward, skepticism remains regarding the SEC’s approval of spot Ether ETFs, especially in light of recent resistance from lawmakers against new crypto-based exchange-traded products (ETPs). Critics argue that the approval of such products could expose retail investors to significant risks, calling for stringent scrutiny of cryptocurrencies’ trading volumes and integrity before allowing associated ETPs

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As the crypto and ETF sectors await the SEC’s verdict, Fidelity’s initiative underscores the evolving landscape of investment products, blending traditional finance mechanisms with the dynamic world of blockchain and staking rewards.