The first-ever spot Solana staking exchange-traded fund (ETF), the REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF, launched with a bang this Wednesday, recording an impressive $33 million in trading volume on its first day. According to Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas, the fund closed its debut session managing around $1 million in assets, but that number could surge to $10 million by day two based on initial momentum.
A New Kind of Crypto ETF: Staking Meets Regulation
What sets this ETF apart is not just its focus on Solana, but its inclusion of staking rewards, a feature that’s gaining traction among crypto investors. Unlike some other crypto-related ETFs still under SEC review, the REX-Osprey fund is regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940—a more rigorous framework requiring heightened security measures.
To meet those requirements, REX-Osprey partnered with Anchorage Digital, the only federally regulated bank authorized to both custody and stake crypto assets. Anchorage’s CEO, Nathan McCauley, praised the ETF as a step forward for institutions, calling staking “the next chapter in crypto ETFs.” He emphasized that this structure allows institutional investors to gain exposure to digital assets with a higher degree of safety and compliance.
SEC Oversight Remains Cautious
Despite this innovative launch, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is not loosening its stance on crypto ETF listings. On the same day as the REX-Osprey debut, Deputy Secretary J. Matthew DeLesDernier noted the SEC is still reviewing recently approved crypto products, including a Grayscale ETF. This suggests that strict regulatory standards will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Still, the successful debut of the REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF marks a significant moment in the evolution of crypto investment vehicles—especially for those looking to combine staking rewards with regulatory compliance.
