- Mike Novogratz predicts the U.S. will approve ETH ETF staking within two years, potentially following Hong Kong’s regulatory framework.
- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission currently opposes crypto staking, citing risks and regulatory concerns.
The potential integration of staking into Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States has been discussed, with insights suggesting that such developments may align with regulatory frameworks similar to those recently implemented in Hong Kong. Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, anticipates that U.S. authorities might approve staking for Ethereum ETFs within the next two years.
Staking is a process where cryptocurrency holders lock up their holdings to support network operations, earning rewards in return. This practice, however, has faced regulatory challenges in the U.S. The SEC demonstrated its cautious stance on cryptocurrency staking when it settled with Kraken for $30 million, subsequently leading to the cessation of its staking services.
Despite regulatory hurdles, the appeal of staking, particularly its yield benefits, remains significant. Novogratz emphasized the attractiveness of returns from staking during an interview at the Consensus 2024 conference, highlighting its potential benefits for investors in Ethereum-based ETFs.
In May, entities proposing U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs removed staking provisions from their applications before receiving SEC approval, indicating regulatory compliance challenges. Concerns persist that staking might increase the centralization within the Ethereum network, posing risks related to network control and governance.
Analysts from S&P Global have noted both the potential advantages and risks of ETH ETF staking. On one hand, involvement of institutional custodians could decrease the concentration of staking activities currently dominated by platforms such as Lido. On the other hand, it might introduce risks of centralization if a single entity were to control a substantial portion of the staked ETH.
“The participation of institutional custodians could reduce the current concentration on the Lido decentralized staking platform’Â
While there is no set timeline for such regulatory changes in the U.S., Hong Kong’s recent steps towards approving staking for ETH ETFs may influence U.S. regulatory decisions. These changes could significantly impact investment strategies and the regulatory framework, shaping the future of Ethereum investment vehicles in the global market.
