In a landmark policy update, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released new guidance granting crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) a legal framework to stake digital assets and share staking rewards directly with retail investors.
The announcement, made via Bessent’s official X account on November 10, 2025, marks a significant regulatory milestone for the crypto industry. Until now, regulatory ambiguity had prevented most fund issuers from offering staking yield as part of their crypto-backed exchange-traded products.
Under the new rules, approved crypto ETPs will be able to participate in network validation, such as Ethereum or Solana staking, and distribute resulting rewards proportionally among shareholders. Market observers say the policy could open the door for major asset managers to expand their crypto offerings beyond passive exposure to price movements.
“This move increases investor benefits, boosts innovation, and keeps America the global leader in digital asset and blockchain technology,” Bessent wrote in his post.
The U.S. move positions it ahead of other major jurisdictions, including the EU and UK, which are still evaluating how staking fits within regulated fund structures. By providing clarity, Washington is setting a precedent that could attract further institutional capital and foster blockchain innovation across U.S. markets.
With staking now officially greenlit for crypto ETFs, market participants view this as a defining step toward merging decentralized finance incentives with traditional investment frameworks, a policy shift that could reshape how digital assets are held, managed, and rewarded nationwide.
