Key Takeaways:REX-Osprey’s SSK becomes the first U.S. ETF offering both spot Solana (SOL) exposure and on-chain staking rewardsSSK crosses $100 million in assets under management (AUM) within 12 trading daysInstitutions increasingly view crypto staking as an alternative income strategy amid plateauing interest ratesThe ETF’s structure under the Investment Company Act of 1940 allows staking rewards to be distributed as dividendsThe SSK ETF, launched by REX-Osprey on July 2, has surpassed $100 million in assets under management (AUM) after just 12 trading days — signaling strong institutional appetite for blockchain-native investment vehicles. The fund is the first U.S.-listed ETF to combine spot Solana (SOL) exposure with staking reward payouts, a model that differentiates it from other crypto funds.Unlike most crypto ETFs registered under the Securities Act of 1933 — which prohibits the distribution of staking income — SSK is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, enabling it to distribute staking rewards to investors as dividends. This innovation allows traditional investors to gain both capital exposure and yield from Solana’s proof-of-stake blockchain.Institutional Investors Eye Staking as Yield AlternativeSSK’s early success reflects a growing trend in institutional finance. With interest rates leveling off and traditional fixed income yields stagnating, asset managers are turning to crypto staking income as an attractive alternative.“SSK opens the door for mainstream investors to access the power of Solana staking through the familiar ETF wrapper,” said REX-Osprey founder and CEO Greg King. He added that the product has generated significant interest from registered investment advisers (RIAs) and other wealth managers seeking blockchain yield strategies.According to King, REX-Osprey has also filed for similarly structured ETFs tied to XRP, DOGE, and ETH, with plans to expand further based on market demand.Regulatory Structure May Set Precedent for Future Staking FundsThe SSK ETF’s regulatory classification could serve as a model for future crypto staking ETFs. Competing asset managers, including Fidelity, 21Shares, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Canary Capital, are all pursuing Solana or staking-related ETFs — but most remain pending SEC approval.While no Ethereum ETF currently offers staking yield, that could change as regulatory clarity around staking evolves in the United States.Solana Price and Market PerformanceSolana (SOL) continues its strong price performance, trading above $200 and recording a 25.3% weekly gain, according to CoinGecko data. The token’s on-chain utility, low fees, and fast throughput have made it an attractive choice for staking and DeFi projects.SSK’s rapid growth and innovative structure suggest rising demand for crypto yield products and mark a turning point for institutional access to proof-of-stake networks.
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