Institutional staking is entering a new chapter. On July 16, 2025, Nasdaq filed a proposed rule change to allow the iShares Ethereum Trust, which now holds roughly $11.14 billion in assets under management (AuM) to stake a portion of its ether holdings. This is more than a technical update, it's a signal that staking is becoming a core component of institutional blockchain infrastructure.
As one of the most closely watched spot ETH exchange-traded products (ETPs), the iShares Trust’s move adds new momentum to the adoption of staking in traditional markets. For institutional players, this means the rules of engagement with Ethereum are changing and fast.
Why staking in ETPs matters now
The filing outlines that the sponsor of the iShares Ethereum Trust, an entity tied to BlackRock, intends to stake ETH held by the Trust through trusted providers. Importantly, these activities will adhere to guidance recently published by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance on protocol staking.
This matters because it signals growing confidence in the operational integrity of ETH staking, even within highly scrutinized investment vehicles. With staking now being formally considered at the ETP level, institutions can expect staking to feature more prominently across a wider range of products.
Operational clarity is unlocking institutional adoption
The SEC’s recent statement on staking clarified key expectations around custodial setups and reward treatment. As a result, large financial players are moving from passive ETH exposure toward more dynamic participation in the network’s security and economics.
This represents a shift in how institutions perceive staking, not just as yield, but as a fundamental infrastructure component. Participation is no longer a question of “if,” but “how.”
Finoa Consensus Services provides the infrastructure you can trust
Finoa Consensus Services (FCS) enables institutions to stake directly or through integrations with custodial partners, offering a high-assurance setup that aligns with the type of operational clarity reflected in the Nasdaq filing. Our infrastructure features:
- Bare-metal servers located in Germany
- 24/7 monitoring and operational control
We don’t pool assets, advertise yields, or run promotional delegation programs. Like the proposed iShares setup, our focus is network participation with verifiable integrity.
The path forward for Ethereum and institutional staking
As Ethereum’s staking layer matures, traditional market structures are adapting. The integration of staking into products like the iShares Ethereum Trust highlights the need for institutional-grade infrastructure built around control, transparency, and accountability.
At Finoa Consensus Services, we help institutional players navigate this shift with infrastructure that’s purpose-built for secure and sovereign staking.
If you’re evaluating ETH staking for your institution, we’re here to help you do it securely and on your terms. Explore our services at finoa-fcs.io
This content is for educational purposes only. Please conduct your own research before making any decisions.