The VanEck JitoSOL ETF proposal is shaking up the crypto investment landscape, marking a notable first in the world of exchange-traded funds. On a recent Friday, VanEck, supported by the Jito Foundation, submitted a plan to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an ETF based entirely on JitoSOL—a liquid-staked token tied to Solana. This move not only leverages the SEC’s evolving stance on cryptocurrency regulation but also aims to satisfy rising investor demand for innovative staking exposure via regulated ETFs.
SEC’s regulatory clarity spurs ETF innovation
Recent SEC decisions have redefined how the market views liquid-staked tokens. Earlier in May and August 2025, the regulatory body ruled that these tokens, including JitoSOL, are not securities. This changed the game for asset managers like VanEck, enabling them to craft ETFs built on liquid-staked assets. Such guidance answers widespread calls for more regulatory certainty in cryptocurrency markets and opens doors for compliant investment products that combine the benefits of Solana staking with the flexibility and security of U.S.-approved ETFs.
Why liquid-staked tokens like JitoSOL matter
The significance of JitoSOL, VanEck’s chosen asset, lies in its role as a liquid-staked token on the Solana blockchain. JitoSOL represents staked Solana and allows holders to earn rewards without locking up their assets long-term. With the VanEck JitoSOL ETF, traditional investors could get exposure to cryptocurrency staking rewards—previously available mainly to crypto-native users—directly from their brokerage accounts. By making staked Solana accessible through an ETF, VanEck bridges a gap for those hesitant to engage directly with DeFi platforms.
Advantages of the VanEck JitoSOL ETF for investors
By composing the ETF entirely of JitoSOL, VanEck combines Solana’s robust proof-of-stake rewards with the simplicity and oversight of a publicly traded investment vehicle. Investors won’t just track Solana’s price—they’ll potentially share in the network’s staking rewards through the ETF structure. Thanks to the SEC’s latest policies, in-kind creations and redemptions for cryptocurrency ETFs now streamline these operations, increasing efficiency and compliance for fund managers and investors alike.
The competitive landscape: SEC decisions and fund innovation
The VanEck JitoSOL ETF builds on momentum from other recent launches. The SEC’s green light for liquid-staking token-based ETFs follows notable activity, such as REX-Osprey’s Solana fund. However, VanEck’s offering is the first to consist entirely of a liquid-staked token, making it a potential leader as ETF innovation accelerates. As cryptocurrency ETFs evolve, regulatory clarity around liquid-staked options will become even more critical for future product diversity and competitiveness.
What the VanEck JitoSOL ETF means for staked crypto investing
For investors, the implications are significant: regulated ETFs like VanEck’s make staking exposure safer, more convenient, and more accessible. There’s no need to navigate DeFi wallets or manage private keys; the ETF model brings staking rewards to the mainstream. If the SEC approves, this will likely accelerate the adoption of staking-asset ETFs and push other issuers to explore similar liquid-staked token strategies on blockchains beyond Solana.
Frequently asked questions about VanEck JitoSOL ETF (FAQ)
What is the VanEck JitoSOL ETF?
The VanEck JitoSOL ETF is a proposed exchange-traded fund that tracks JitoSOL, a liquid-staked token representing staked Solana. The fund aims to make Solana staking rewards accessible to traditional investors via a regulated stock exchange.
Why did VanEck choose JitoSOL for its ETF?
JitoSOL allows investors to earn staking rewards on Solana without locking up assets indefinitely. By basing the ETF on this token, VanEck offers direct exposure to both Solana’s price and staking yield in a compliant manner.
Has the SEC approved liquid-staked token ETFs?
As of May and August 2025, the SEC determined that liquid-staked tokens like JitoSOL are not securities. This opens the regulatory pathway for ETFs based on these tokens, though each fund still requires specific SEC approval.
How is the VanEck JitoSOL ETF different from other crypto ETFs?
While some ETFs only track price, the VanEck JitoSOL ETF is the first to be fully backed by a liquid-staked token, aiming to provide both price tracking and potential staking rewards exposure.
What does this mean for the future of staking in the ETF market?
If successful, the VanEck JitoSOL ETF could set a precedent, encouraging more products featuring staking assets and expanding the array of regulated cryptocurrency ETFs available to investors.
Sources to this article
- Bloomberg. (2025). “VanEck Files for JitoSOL ETF After SEC Clarifies Liquid Staking.”
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (2025). “SEC Public Statement on Classification of Liquid-Staked Tokens.”
- Solana Foundation. (2024). “Overview of Liquid Staking and JitoSOL Protocol.”
- Jito Foundation. (2025). “JitoSOL: Revolutionizing Solana Staking Access.”
