Here Is What You Need to Know About BlackRock’s Upcoming Staked Ethereum ETF

The worlds largest asset manager is moving closer to launching a new Ethereum-based investment vehicle that goes beyond simple price exposure.

Key Takeaways

• BlackRock is preparing to launch a staked Ethereum ETF under ticker ETHB.
• The fund plans to stake up to 95% of its ETH to generate yield.
• Investors will receive 82% of staking rewards plus price exposure.
• Launch is expected in the first half of 2026.

BlackRock has filed for the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust, expected to trade under the ticker ETHB, signaling its intent to bring staking rewards into the ETF structure.

The filing follows the rapid growth of the firms existing spot Ethereum ETF, ETHA, which has already attracted more than $6 billion in assets. A December 17 regulatory document shows that a designated seed investor purchased 4,000 shares at $0.25 each, providing the initial capital base for the trust.

Although no official debut date has been announced, market participants expect a rollout in the first half of 2026. The timing reflects a broader regulatory thaw, with U.S. authorities now allowing staking income to be integrated into exchange-traded products – something that had previously faced resistance.

Turning Ethereum Into a Yield Product

Unlike traditional spot crypto ETFs that simply mirror price movements, ETHB is structured to generate additional returns through staking.

According to the latest filings, the fund plans to stake between 70% and 95% of its Ether holdings. To handle redemptions efficiently, it will maintain a liquidity buffer of 5% to 30% in unstaked ETH. This “liquidity sleeve” ensures operational flexibility even when most of the portfolio is committed to validators.

In terms of revenue distribution, 82% of staking rewards will flow directly to investors. The remaining 18% will be shared between BlackRock and its execution partner, Coinbase. On top of that, the trust will charge a 0.25% sponsor fee.

The structure effectively transforms Ethereum exposure from a passive holding into a total-return strategy – combining price appreciation with on-chain yield.

Data from Arkham Intelligence shows that BlackRock is already among the largest identifiable on-chain entities, ranking fourth with more than $57 billion in blockchain-based holdings as of February 2026.

Institutional Yield Meets DeFi

The product arrives during a challenging period for Ethereum, with prices recently trading below $2,000 amid a broader market downturn. Yet institutional engagement continues to deepen.

If launched as expected, ETHB could mark a significant step in bridging conventional asset management with decentralized finance infrastructure. By embedding staking into a regulated ETF wrapper, BlackRock is positioning Ethereum not just as a speculative asset – but as an income-generating component within institutional portfolios.

In a market still navigating volatility, the introduction of a large-scale, yield-focused Ethereum ETF may reshape how traditional investors approach digital assets in 2026.

Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.