Global asset manager VanEck has officially filed for a Lido Staked Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Delaware.
The move signals its ambition to bring Ethereum staking to a broader investor base. The filing represents an early but essential step toward mainstreaming staking products in regulated markets.
Strategic First Step in Delaware
To begin with, VanEck registered the fund in Delaware as a statutory trust, designating CSC Delaware Trust Company as its agent. Delaware has long been the jurisdiction of choice for ETF filings due to its favorable trust laws and streamlined legal framework.
Although this registration does not guarantee approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it clearly indicates VanEck’s intent to expand beyond its existing crypto ETFs.
Typically, asset managers file in Delaware first before advancing to the SEC approval stage, which ultimately determines whether the fund can be launched.
Following this development, Lido DAO’s native token (LDO) surged 3.4% to $1.24, extending an impressive 17% rally over the past week.
Why Lido’s Liquid Staking Model Stands Out
Ethereum’s proof-of-stake mechanism allows investors to earn rewards by locking up ETH to secure the network. Nevertheless, traditional staking requires coins to remain locked, restricting liquidity.
Lido addresses this problem through liquid staking, issuing stETH tokens that represent staked ETH while remaining tradeable. Consequently, investors can participate in staking without sacrificing flexibility.
By linking its ETF to Lido’s liquid staking model, VanEck is effectively lowering the barrier to entry. Investors, particularly institutions unfamiliar with blockchain mechanics, can now access staking yields in a familiar ETF wrapper, without managing validators or navigating complex protocols.
Growing Competition Among Asset Managers
Meanwhile, VanEck’s filing highlights its bid to gain an edge over traditional finance rivals. With BlackRock and Fidelity viewed as likely entrants into staking-linked ETFs, VanEck is positioning itself to be an early frontrunner.
With success in spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have attracted strong inflows, VanEck is leveraging its track record to act quickly in staking ETFs.
Regulatory Environment Shifts in Favor
In August 2025, the SEC clarified that certain liquid staking activities may not require securities registration, a decision widely seen as supportive for future staking products.
Shortly after, it approved a rule change allowing Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs to operate under streamlined generic listing standards, marking a regulatory milestone for Ethereum-based investment vehicles.
Together, these developments suggest that VanEck’s filing may find a more receptive environment than in earlier years, when staking-related proposals faced heavy regulatory uncertainty
Lido DAO Prepares for Next Phase of Expansion
Meanwhile, Lido DAO has been fortifying its ecosystem. In September 2025, the DAO approved a buyback framework to support token value and reduce supply.
Specifically, the program allocates up to 70% of new inflows to token repurchases. However, safeguards ensure buybacks are suspended if reserves fall below $50 million. A test phase is scheduled to begin in December.
Additionally, Lido is actively expanding across Layer-2 networks such as Linea, while also exploring restaking opportunities and validator decentralization.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
