In A Nutshell:
Hong Kong asset managers are working to integrate staking into their spot ether ETFs, with hopes for approval this year. Animoca Brands Chairman Yat Siu and industry participants are optimistic about staking approval in Asia before the U.S. HashKey and Blockdaemon are actively developing proposals and discussing plans with ETF issuers and custodians, emphasizing a compliant and controlled approach to staking.Hong Kong asset managers are working to integrate staking within their spot ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with hopes of securing approval for the staking reward feature this year, according to Animoca Brands Chairman Yat Siu. In an interview with The Block, Siu mentioned that Hong Kong is currently "having discussions now for ETH staking" and suggested that Asia could approve staking ahead of the U.S., describing this as an "almost foregone conclusion." Siu is optimistic about achieving approval within the year but notes that if progress stalls, the U.S. election outcome could influence the timeline for staking adoption in the U.S.
HashKey, which co-manages spot bitcoin and ether ETFs in Hong Kong with Bosera, is developing a proposal to introduce ether staking. Livio Weng, CEO of HashKey Exchange, stated, "We’ve come up with a plan designed to earn rewards without necessarily increasing risks," although further details are under discussion and cannot be disclosed. Weng emphasized the goal of exploring ether staking in a compliant and controlled manner.
Additionally, blockchain infrastructure provider Blockdaemon is in discussions with Hong Kong ETF issuers and custodians to potentially offer staking services for the ETFs. Glenn Woo, head of sales for APAC at Blockdaemon, expressed optimism about approval, stating that recent discussions with industry participants reflect a consensus on the necessity of the staking feature. Woo highlighted the importance of obtaining approval this year, identifying it as a critical missing piece and noted that Blockdaemon has already provided staking services for some European exchange-traded products.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission did not immediately respond to The Block’s request for comment.
