Key Notes
- The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has approved four spot Solana (SOL) ETFs with staking, set to launch on April 16.
- They allow on-chain staking, offering potential yields beyond standard crypto ETFs.
- Canada becomes the first country to approve staking in regulated ETFs.
Canada Takes the Lead in Staking-Enabled Crypto ETFs
According to Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has approved four asset managers, Purpose, Evolve, CI, and 3iQ, to launch the first-ever SOL ETFs with staking. Set to list on April 16, these ETFs mark a major step for Canada in the global crypto race.
The new funds will hold actual SOL tokens and stake them on-chain to earn yield. This structure gives investors price exposure plus staking rewards, all within a regulated ETF.
Why Staking Matters
With staking built in, investors earn passive income without managing wallets or keys. The approval circular notes that rewards could reduce holding costs and improve net returns compared to standard crypto ETFs.
SOL is especially attractive for staking. It offers high yields and low fees, which could appeal to both retail and institutional investors.
U.S. and Global Context
While the U.S. SEC has allowed spot Bitcoin ETFs, it has yet to approve any staking-enabled ETF. The SEC recently delayed its decision on Grayscale’s proposal to stake Ethereum (ETH) within an ETF. That decision is now expected in June 2025.
Meanwhile, SOL futures ETFs in the U.S. have struggled. As of April, Volatility Shares’ combined assets under management remain under $5 million, according to Bloomberg data. But analysts argue that the lack of demand could change once spot staking options arrive.
Globally, other jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and Australia are also rolling out regulated spot crypto ETFs, reflecting a growing institutional appetite for compliant altcoin exposure.
Traditional Finance Meets the On-Chain Era
Canada’s approval of staking-enabled Solana ETFs signals a new chapter for regulated crypto investment products. While short-term adoption may be gradual, the move opens the door for broader institutional participation, blending traditional finance with on-chain innovation.
