REX Shares Files for Ethereum and Solana ETFs in US

TLDR

• ETFs will have a 0.75% management fee and 1.28% expenses.
• Approval from the Depository Trust Company is required for trading.
• The move may boost institutional interest in on-chain staking.

REX Shares has filed plans to launch Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. These ETFs will incorporate on-chain staking, setting a new benchmark for crypto ETFs.

This filing represents a significant advancement in the crypto ETF landscape, particularly for traditional investors seeking diversified exposure to cryptocurrency assets. The move follows a history of innovative product entries by REX Shares, which aims to expand crypto accessibility in traditional financial markets.

Background of REX Shares and Initial Reactions

REX Shares, known for its initiative in the ETF space, has taken steps to introduce novel ETF structures in the U.S. market. Their efforts have included identifying regulatory pathways to safely introduce crypto products.

James Seyffart, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg, highlighted the innovative nature of this filing. Seyffart is a respected voice in the ETF community, often providing valuable insights into crypto ETF developments.

Operational Details and Cost Structure

The ETFs will impose a 0.75% management fee, while the first-year expenses are estimated at 1.28% of assets, primarily due to the C-Corporation tax treatment. This fee structure is reflective of operational costs associated with the ETF.

Key operational steps include obtaining approval from the Depository Trust Company and reserving a Nasdaq trading symbol. These steps are crucial for market entry and ensuring seamless trading on U.S. exchanges.

Impact on Ethereum and Solana

The upcoming ETFs will primarily affect ETH and SOL, potentially increasing demand and interest in these assets. However, Bitcoin (BTC) remains unaffected directly by these funds.

Launching these staking ETFs could encourage institutional capital inflows into on-chain staking pools, potentially boosting liquid staking derivatives like stETH and mSOL.

Regulatory Context and Community Sentiment

The ETFs are classified as C-corporations, employing a strategy under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This strategy avoids the conventional SEC 19b-4 process, indicating increasing regulatory leniency towards crypto ETFs.

The crypto community remains optimistic about these developments, expecting an uptick in institutional engagement and increased staking opportunities, as seen via various reaction threads on Twitter.

For more context, James Seyffart's thoughts on a popular topic provide additional insights into these developments.