Spot Ethereum ETF: Fidelity Adds Staking In Latest Filing

Fidelity Investments has doubled down on its spot Ethereum ETF pursuit with an updated filing to include staking
By Godfrey Benjamin
Fidelity Bitcoin ET

Highlights

  • Fidelity Investments has updated its spot Ethereum ETF
  • The update includes the addition of Staking to investment pursuit
  • Deadline to approve or deny next Ethereum ETF is close

The serial delay of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on spot Ethereum ETF has done little to deter Fidelity Investments as the firm just added the Staking option to its filing.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Fidelity To Add Staking to Spot Ethereum ETF

In November 2023, the American investment management firm applied to list its Ethereum spot ETF product with the SEC. This made it the 7th firm in the U.S. to gravitate towards the product after the likes of BlackRock, Hashdex, Invesco, and Grayscale Investments. 

The spot Ethereum ETF, if approved, will trade in compliance with the BZX Rule.

Ordinarily, the SEC is expected to decide on the rule change within 45 days of its publication for public comment. However, the decision from the agency did not come as expected even after the request for public comment was made in the first week of December. Rather the SEC announced a 45-day extension, pushing its decision on the Fidelity spot Ethereum ETF to March 5. 

It is already way past the expected date and no decision has been made by the SEC on Fidelity’s spot ETH ETF or that of any other applicant. As it continued waiting for the SEC, Fidelity decided to add staking for the cryptocurrency. Precisely, the asset management firm is looking to stake a portion of the fund’s assets through one or more trusted staking providers.

“In consideration for any staking activity in which the Fund may engage, the Fund would receive certain network rewards of ether tokens, which may be treated as income to the Fund as compensation for services provided,” Fidelity stated in its amended spot Ethereum ETF filing.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Deadline Fast Approaching

In the meantime, the duo Ark Invest and 21Shares are still anticipating a decision for their joint spot Ethereum ETF by May. Also, industry observers are closely watch the May 23 deadline for VanEck’s filing, a make or mar point for the product. 

Considering how much the regulator has consistently extended the date for its decision, it is not certain that the SEC will stick to the next deadline. Top industry players like JPMorgan already doubt the possibility of the SEC’s May approval for Ethereum ETFs.

Still, the recent move from Fidelity Investments to amend its filing suggests that these spot Ethereum ETF applicants are doing their best to keep hope alive.

Advertisement
Godfrey Benjamin
Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalists who relish writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desires to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain based media and sites. Benjamin Godfrey is a lover of sports and agriculture. Follow him on X, Linkedin
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.