On November 10, 2025, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced via his official X account that the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued new guidance allowing crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) to stake digital assets and share staking rewards directly with retail investors. This landmark policy update addresses longstanding regulatory ambiguity that previously prevented most fund issuers from incorporating staking yields into their crypto-backed ETPs.
Bessent emphasized the significance of this move, stating, "This move increases investor benefits, boosts innovation, and keeps America the global leader in digital asset and blockchain technology." Under the new framework, approved crypto ETPs can participate in network validation for proof-of-stake assets, such as Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and Cardano (ADA), and distribute rewards proportionally among shareholders. This integration aligns staking with existing tax and compliance standards, effectively merging decentralized finance incentives with traditional investment products.
The announcement positions the United States ahead of other major jurisdictions like the EU and UK, which are still evaluating staking within regulated fund structures. Market observers view this as a defining step that could attract further institutional capital, foster blockchain innovation, and drive significant inflows into staking-based ETPs. Analysts suggest it may accelerate adoption of proof-of-stake assets and reshape how digital assets are held and managed in U.S. markets.