Key Takeaways
- The Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF (Ticker: SSK) launches July 2, 2025, as the first U.S. ETF to offer both direct Solana price exposure and on-chain staking rewards.
- This ETF simplifies Solana investing for everyone, letting you earn potential staking yields (currently around 8%) without handling wallets or private keys.
- The fund uses a unique C-corporation structure under the 1940 Act, which allowed a quicker launch, though future regulatory shifts remain a risk.
- Market excitement is strong, with SOL prices up 4.5% on launch news, while related Solana ecosystem projects are also gaining momentum.
- Investors can buy shares on NASDAQ and expect a 0.75% management fee, but should be mindful of risks, including crypto volatility and regulatory changes.
The Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF (Ticker: SSK) launches on NASDAQ, becoming the first U.S. fund to offer both direct Solana price exposure and real on-chain staking rewards. With a low 0.75% management fee, the SSK ETF allows retail and institutional investors to access Solana and its staking yield without managing wallets or private keys. The fund’s unique structure and SEC green light mark a major milestone for crypto investing, paving the way for new regulated staking products.
Introducing the Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF
The Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF, trading under the ticker SSK on NASDAQ from July 2, 2025, is a pioneering product in the U.S. financial landscape. For the first time, investors can gain direct exposure to Solana (SOL)—a leading blockchain known for fast transactions and low fees, while earning real staking rewards, all from a traditional brokerage account.
How Does the ETF Work?
Unlike other Solana ETFs that use futures contracts, the Rex-Osprey ETF actually holds SOL tokens. The fund stakes at least half of its holdings, aiming to deliver both price gains and staking rewards (currently ~8% APY) to investors. By investing through the ETF, you don’t need to manage wallets or worry about private keys—the process is as simple as buying any stock or ETF.
Rex-Osprey Solana ETF | Futures-based Solana ETFs | |
---|---|---|
Exposure | Spot SOL (Direct) | Futures Contracts |
Staking Rewards | Yes | No |
Trading Venue | NASDAQ | Varies |
Management Fee | 0.75% | Varies |
Unique Structure and Regulatory Background
The ETF is structured as a C-corporation under the 1940 Investment Company Act, which allowed it to bypass some of the SEC’s usual ETF approval hurdles. While the SEC initially questioned this setup, it gave the green light on June 27, 2025, clearing the way for launch. Still, as with any crypto product, regulatory risk is ongoing, and future changes could impact this or similar ETFs.
Investment Strategy
- Asset Allocation: At least 80% of assets are invested in SOL or related products. Up to 40% can go into other ETFs or ETPs for flexibility.
- Staking: Aims to stake at least 50% of its SOL holdings through a subsidiary, passing staking rewards on to ETF investors.
- Benchmark: Tracks the Bloomberg Solana Reference Rate for accurate market pricing.
The ETF is managed by industry veterans from REX Shares and Osprey Funds, with KPMG as auditor and U.S. Bank as custodian, ensuring professional standards and transparency.
Market Impact and Ecosystem Effects
News of the ETF’s approval sent Solana’s price up 4.5% in a single day, to $158. Ecosystem tokens like Jito also jumped, and Solana’s market cap remains strong at around $69 billion. The ETF’s launch could bring more liquidity, institutional investment, and mainstream adoption to the Solana ecosystem.
On the same day, Robinhood announced SOL staking for its U.S. users, reflecting a larger trend: staking is going mainstream, and regulated products are making crypto more accessible for everyone.
Risks and Considerations
- Volatility: Solana’s price can be highly volatile, and the ETF’s value will rise and fall accordingly.
- Staking Risks: Technical issues or validator penalties (slashing) could reduce returns.
- Regulation: Changes in U.S. policy or SEC stance could affect the ETF or future staking products.
- Taxation: The ETF is a C-corp; dividends may be taxed unless held in tax-advantaged accounts.
Outlook: A Turning Point for Crypto ETFs?
The launch of the Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF sets a precedent that may unlock future spot staking ETFs for Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. With competitors like Fidelity, Grayscale, and VanEck also filing for Solana ETFs, and industry giants like BlackRock showing interest, we may be entering a new era of accessible crypto investing.
For investors, SSK offers a regulated, simple, and potentially rewarding way to participate in the Solana ecosystem without the headaches of crypto custody. As always, diversification and an understanding of crypto’s unique risks are key.
Conclusion
The Rex-Osprey Solana Staking ETF is a groundbreaking product that makes Solana investing and staking rewards available to everyone via NASDAQ. As more investors seek exposure to digital assets, regulated offerings like this could become a cornerstone of tomorrow’s investment portfolios.