The U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released new guidance today that opens the door for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) to participate in staking and distribute staking rewards to retail investors.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the update on X, emphasizing that the move gives ETP issuers a “clear path” to stake digital assets on behalf of their holders. The framework effectively integrates staking into regulated investment products, aligning the process with existing tax and compliance standards.
According to Bessent, this policy marks a significant step toward expanding investor participation in digital assets while maintaining oversight. “This move increases investor benefits, boosts innovation, and keeps America the global leader in digital asset and blockchain technology,” he wrote.
Today @USTreasury and the @IRSnews issued new guidance giving crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) a clear path to stake digital assets and share staking rewards with their retail investors.
This move increases investor benefits, boosts innovation, and keeps America the…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) November 10, 2025
The announcement comes at a crucial moment for financial markets, following progress toward ending the record-breaking U.S. government shutdown. Lawmakers have advanced a funding agreement that could soon reopen federal operations, easing investor uncertainty that had weighed on both traditional and digital markets over recent weeks.
With confidence slowly returning, cryptocurrencies are beginning to rebound. Bitcoin has stabilized above the six-figure mark, and altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche have started to recover from earlier declines. Analysts suggest that the Treasury’s move could further strengthen sentiment, reinforcing the perception that the U.S. is embracing digital finance innovation rather than restricting it.
The decision represents one of the most consequential regulatory shifts for the crypto industry in years. Until now, U.S. rules limited how ETPs could generate on-chain yield, restricting them primarily to holding spot assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The new guidance effectively allows issuers to provide staking-based returns — similar to how traditional funds offer dividends — while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Industry analysts expect the move to accelerate institutional adoption of proof-of-stake assets and stimulate demand for staking-based ETPs. It also places the United States ahead of other major financial jurisdictions in formalizing staking within its regulatory perimeter.
Market observers suggest that this announcement could drive significant inflows into upcoming Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano-based funds, potentially reshaping how crypto investment products operate on U.S. exchanges.
