On January 22, 2025, Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin expressed optimism about the imminent approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offering staked Ether. Discussions with ETF providers suggest that regulatory greenlights could come soon, potentially enhancing client diversity in the ecosystem.
Last year, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved spot Ether ETFs, launching nine products in July, though they initially underperformed compared to Bitcoin ETFs. The SEC has yet to approve staked Ether ETFs, but with new leadership, industry experts believe this could change.
On January 21, the SEC announced the formation of a crypto task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, who has hinted at a pro-crypto shift within the SEC. Peirce's leadership is seen as beneficial for the industry, with former Polygon financial chief Young Ko stating, 'She understands the tech and is a champion for the builders.'
Bernstein Research indicated last month that staked Ether yield ETFs are likely to receive approval under the new SEC, which is perceived as more crypto-friendly.