VanEck Files for JitoSOL ETF as SEC Clears Path for Staking-Based Funds

Highlights:

• VanEck filed the first ETF backed by a liquid-staked Solana token, JitoSOL.
• JitoSOL ETF combines staking rewards with traditional finance access.
• The SEC clarified that liquid staking does not constitute securities transactions.

New York-based investment management firm VanEck has officially filed an S-1 application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to introduce the JitoSOL ETF. The new fund would provide exposure to JitoSOL, a liquid staking token on the Solana blockchain, according to an Aug. 22 filing.

This filing comes after the SEC staff clarified that liquid staking projects, when drafted properly, do not represent a securities transaction. That decision removed the final regulatory barrier to the advancement of staking-based ETFs. VanEck’s ETF would be fully backed with JitoSOL that proxies staked SOL as well as earns staking rewards. This model provides yield opportunities to institutional investors on a regulated investment vehicle

The JitoSOL ETF Filing Breaks New Ground

The JitoSOL ETF is the first U.S. ETF that is fully based on a liquid staking token. Jito Labs and VanEck spent eight months collaborating with the SEC, according to the blog post. They aim to establish a compliant framework that will integrate blockchain innovation with traditional finance.

Proud to announce the S-1 filing of the @vaneck_us JitoSOL ETF!

The first spot Solana ETF backed 100% by LST staking!

This filing represents a culmination of 8 months of collaborative work with SEC staff to establish clear regulatory frameworks for Liquid Staking Tokens.

🧵⬇️

— Jito (@jito_sol) August 22, 2025

The application is the first of two procedures required to list the ETF on a national exchange. VanEck already has experience in digital assets, having introduced Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2024.

A March 2025 classification report by Jito argued that JitoSOL is a decentralized infrastructure rather than a security. That legal positioning proved to be essential in the process of steering the product through compliance. In addition, both VanEck and Jito submitted feedback to the SEC in its Project Crypto initiative during the summer. This program is centered around the redefinition of staking, custody, and tokenization rules. Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s head of digital assets, commented on the importance of the filing.

He stated:

“Should it be listed, it would be one of the new pieces of market infrastructure that bridges DeFi innovation with TradFi accessibility.”

ETF Infrastructure and Strategic Collaborations

Operationally, the JitoSOL form facilitates the daily creation and redemption of ETFs. Liquid staking also removes unbonding delays, providing investors with better flexibility. The ETF also employs the standard accounting method, thus making it more comfortable to be supported by traditional custodians and exchanges.

Yields on staking JitoSOL are able to cover or even surpass the expense ratios of ETFs. This has the potential to enhance the long-term performance as well as add to the security of the Solana network. JitoSOL distributes stake among validators, which mitigates concentration risk.

The firm collaborated with ETF custodians and exchanges, along with infrastructure partners, to support the product. The product was in the footsteps of the REX-Osprey ETF, which recently partnered with JitoSOL to incorporate staking rewards. It also follows Canary Capital amending its Solana ETF to use Marinade Select as the staking partner.

🚨Big update: @jito_sol liquid staking is now part of $SSK

The REX-Osprey™ Solana + Staking ETF now includes liquid staking—giving investors exposure to tokenized staked SOL and on-chain rewards, all in a brokerage account.

Convenient. Connected.

Learn more:…

— REX Shares (@REXShares) July 24, 2025

VanEck is now part of a group of a growing number of asset managers that are considering staking-based ETFs. Fidelity, Grayscale, and Franklin Templeton are reportedly also preparing similar products.

Regulatory Clarity Boosts Staking-Backed ETFs

The recent SEC rulings in May and August determined that neither protocol staking nor liquid staking activities are securities transactions. This clarification set the stage to allow staking-based crypto ETFs. In July, the SEC also approved crypto ETFs’ in-kind redemptions and creations. Such changes to the rules have increased the pace of filings, such as the JitoSOL ETF.

Jito Foundation said:

“Packaging exposure to JitoSOL in a regulated wrapper is a meaningful step. This ETF brings blockchain infrastructure within closer reach of institutional allocators.”

Jito said that the S-1 process represents a formal review prior to a potential listing. The foundation stressed the importance of continued collaboration with the regulators in regard to providing transparency and compliance.