VanEck Sparks Frenzy: Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Rumors Send LDO Soaring 7%

VanEck Moves to Register Lido Staked Ethereum ETF, Signaling Rising Demand for Staking

New York, October 3, 2025 – Global asset management firm VanEck is quietly taking a significant step toward expanding its crypto product offerings. The company has registered a Delaware-based trust that appears to lay the groundwork for a new Lido Staked Ethereum ETF, a fund designed to provide investors exposure to Ethereum staking rewards without directly managing validator infrastructure. The filing, dated October 2, 2025, was made with the Delaware Division of Corporations, identifying CSC Delaware Trust Company as the registered agent.

The development underscores how large financial institutions are racing to bring Ethereum-based investment products to market, particularly those that combine yield generation with the liquidity of exchange-traded funds.

VanEck Registers Delaware Trust for Staked Ethereum Product

While the registration does not equate to immediate regulatory approval, it signals intent. By setting up a Delaware statutory trust, VanEck is effectively creating the legal entity that would later serve as the basis for a formal ETF application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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This trust model is widely used for commodity and crypto-related ETFs because it provides a clear governance structure and legal protection for fund managers. In this case, the product is expected to track Lido Staked Ethereum (stETH), a liquid staking derivative that allows investors to earn Ethereum staking rewards while retaining the ability to trade their tokens.

Financial experts note that the choice of Lido is not surprising. As the largest liquid staking provider, Lido currently controls over 30% of all staked Ethereum, making it a natural partner for an institutional-grade product.

“This is about meeting investor demand for yield,” said one analyst familiar with institutional crypto products. “VanEck is trying to build an ETF that captures the benefits of staking without forcing traditional investors to handle private keys, validators, or complex crypto custody.”

Market Reaction: LDO Token Surges on the News

News of the registration sent ripples through the crypto market. Lido DAO’s governance token (LDO) jumped by more than 7% in 24 hours, climbing to $1.27. The move reflects investor optimism that institutional adoption could drive further demand for Lido’s staking platform.

Still, questions remain about whether the token can maintain momentum. Traders are closely watching whether LDO can hold above the $1.28 resistance level amid broader market volatility. Historically, tokens linked to major partnerships or ETF filings see rapid short-term gains, followed by corrections once the initial hype fades.

Crypto analysts caution that while the filing is an early step, it is not an official ETF application. Without SEC approval, the product cannot be launched, and the timeline may be extended significantly depending on regulatory developments.

Why Ethereum Staking ETFs Matter

The appeal of staking-based ETFs lies in their ability to combine two features: yield generation and liquidity. Staking Ethereum directly requires users to lock up 32 ETH, run validator nodes, and manage technical risks. By contrast, liquid staking derivatives like Lido’s stETH allow users to stake any amount of ETH while retaining a tradable token.

For institutional investors, an ETF wrapper simplifies this further. Investors can buy shares of a fund that automatically holds stETH, accrues staking rewards, and trades like any other stock on an exchange. This lowers barriers to entry for pensions, hedge funds, and retail investors who want exposure to staking yields but prefer the security of regulated financial products.

VanEck is not alone in this pursuit. Multiple asset managers, including BlackRock and Fidelity, are rumored to be exploring staking-related ETFs, though VanEck’s Delaware registration puts it ahead in terms of groundwork.

Regulatory Uncertainty and U.S. Government Shutdown Impact

Despite the excitement, regulatory hurdles remain high. The SEC has not yet approved any Ethereum staking ETFs, and the question of whether staking rewards constitute securities income remains under debate.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has forced the SEC to reduce staffing and delay normal operations. Reviews of ETF applications, comment letters, and approval processes are likely to be pushed back until the government reopens fully.

This means that even if VanEck files a formal application soon, it could face significant delays before receiving feedback or clearance. The uncertainty is creating short-term volatility in both ETH and LDO prices, as traders speculate on regulatory outcomes.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Market

VanEck’s move is seen as part of a broader trend: the institutionalization of Ethereum staking. As more asset managers explore products that deliver yield and liquidity, Ethereum is positioned to become a core investment asset alongside Bitcoin.

However, the centralization risks are also growing. Critics argue that if too much staked ETH flows through platforms like Lido, it could undermine Ethereum’s decentralization. Regulators may also scrutinize whether liquid staking providers exert undue influence over the network’s governance.

At the same time, investors are increasingly eager for diversified crypto exposure. Bitcoin ETFs have already attracted billions in inflows, and Ethereum staking products are viewed as the “next frontier.”

Final Thoughts

The registration of the VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF is an important signal of where institutional interest is headed. While still an early step and not yet approved, it highlights growing demand for products that merge yield generation with tradability.

For Lido, the news brought a short-term price boost and renewed attention. For Ethereum, it underscores the network’s evolution into a financial asset with staking at its core.

The road ahead depends heavily on regulators, particularly the SEC, which will decide whether such products can come to market in the U.S. Until then, traders and investors will continue to speculate — and every step, from registrations to formal filings, will likely spark new waves of volatility.

If approved, VanEck’s product could open the door to billions in institutional capital flowing into Ethereum staking. If delayed or rejected, it will still mark an important chapter in the ongoing battle to bridge traditional finance with decentralized networks.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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