In a groundbreaking development for the crypto investment landscape, REX Shares is on the cusp of launching the United States’ first-ever Solana (SOL) staking exchange-traded fund (ETF), a product that promises to blend traditional finance with the dynamic world of Web3. Analysts are buzzing with anticipation, signaling that the REX-Osprey SOL + Staking ETF could hit the market as early as this Wednesday, July 2, following a swift and innovative regulatory maneuver. This landmark ETF not only tracks Solana’s price but also generates yield through on-chain staking, offering investors a unique opportunity to tap into the blockchain’s growth and rewards.
The excitement stems from REX Shares’ strategic approach, which sidesteps the conventional 19b-4 filing process typically required for crypto ETFs. By structuring the fund as a 1940 Act C-corporation, REX Shares has navigated the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) stringent oversight with finesse, a move described by ETF analyst James Seyffart as “very rare in the ETF world.” Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas echoed this sentiment, noting that the SEC’s lack of further comments on the filing suggests a green light for launch. This regulatory workaround could set a precedent for other asset managers, potentially accelerating the integration of staking into crypto ETFs.
Solana, the high-speed blockchain known for its scalability and low transaction costs, is at the heart of this innovation. The ETF’s staking component allows investors to earn passive income—currently around 8% annually—by securing the Solana network, a feature that distinguishes it from traditional spot ETFs. This dual-exposure model, combining SOL’s price appreciation with staking rewards, has sparked a 4.5% surge in Solana’s price to $158, even as Bitcoin dipped slightly. The market’s enthusiasm is palpable, with Solana’s liquid staking protocol Jito also rallying 5.7% on the news.
The timing couldn’t be more opportune. Institutional interest in Solana has been surging, with multiple asset managers, including Invesco and Galaxy Digital, filing for their own Solana ETFs. Bloomberg analysts now peg the approval odds for such products at 95% by late 2025, citing Solana’s robust market depth and developer activity. The REX-Osprey ETF’s imminent launch could catalyze further momentum, bridging the gap between Wall Street and the decentralized ethos of Web3.
However, the broader context reveals a competitive landscape. Canada has already rolled out spot Solana ETFs with staking features, and other U.S. issuers like VanEck and 21Shares are awaiting SEC decisions on their filings. REX Shares’ first-mover advantage could pressure competitors to innovate, potentially reshaping the crypto ETF market. Meanwhile, Solana’s ecosystem continues to thrive, with applications spanning gaming, DeFi, and even corporate treasury management, underscoring its real-world utility.
As the crypto market braces for this transformative launch, the REX-Osprey SOL + Staking ETF stands as a bold testament to the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. For investors, it’s a chance to ride Solana’s wave while earning staking rewards—all within the familiar structure of an ETF. With analysts heralding a potential “altcoin ETF summer,” this week’s debut could mark the dawn of a new era in Web3 investing.
