21Shares Launches Ethereum Core Staking ETP in Europe

21Shares AG announced a significant enhancement to its Ethereum Core ETP (Exchange-Traded Product), now incorporating staking functionality. Alongside this upgrade, the product has been rebranded as the Ethereum Core Staking ETP to better reflect its expanded features.

The revamped offering, trading under the ticker ETHC, is available on prominent European exchanges, including the SIX Swiss Exchange, Deutsche Börse Xetra, and Euronext Amsterdam. 

21Shares Introduces Ethereum Core Staking ETP

This move aims to make Ethereum staking more accessible to both institutional and retail investors across Europe. It offers a novel way to earn rewards from Ethereum’s staking mechanism while maintaining a low-cost structure. 

“Unlock new earning potential! Staking is now available in our 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP (ETHC). With a low TER [total expense ratio] and the added benefits of staking rewards, ETHC offers even more value,” 21Shares announced.

The Ethereum Core Staking ETP is physically backed by Ethereum (ETH) and has a management fee of just 0.21% — one of the lowest in the market. This fee structure is designed to attract a broad spectrum of investors, including those who higher costs in similar products may have previously deterred. 

“The addition of staking to ETHC is our latest effort to provide the European market with the most cutting-edge digital asset products. Our goal is to make staking more accessible and cost-effective for investors,” said Hany Rashwan, CEO of 21Shares.

Meanwhile, data from Staking Rewards shows Ethereum staking currently yields an average return of 3.4%. By integrating staking into ETHC, investors can now benefit from a steady income stream while participating in the Ethereum network’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. 

This development clearly contrasts Europe and the US. While Europe is increasingly welcoming staking-based investment products like ETHC, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a more conservative stance.

The SEC has consistently rejected Ethereum ETFs offering staking rewards, citing concerns over market manipulation, insufficient regulatory oversight, and potential risks to retail investors. This regulatory divergence highlights the contrasting approaches to crypto investments across regions.

Europe’s Growing Presence in the Staking ETP Market 

The introduction of staking functionality in ETHC aligns with 21Shares’ broader strategy to expand its offerings and cement its position as a leader in digital asset investment products. Earlier this year, the firm launched three new ETPs on Euronext Paris and Amsterdam, bringing its total to 43 ETPs in Europe and managing over $3.3 billion in assets. 

21Shares’ portfolio includes a range of novel products, such as the Solana Staking ETP (ASOL) and Injective Staking ETP (AINJ). This reflects its commitment to meeting diverse investor needs. Meanwhile, while the Switzerland-based firm continues to refine its Ethereum staking solutions, other players are also making inroads into the market.

Recently, US-based fund manager Bitwise launched the world’s first Aptos Staking ETP, trading under the ticker APTB on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Offering approximately 4.7% staking rewards, this product simplifies the staking process by directly accumulating rewards within the ETP, providing a seamless investment experience. 

Bitwise’s efforts are part of its Total Return suite, which includes an Ethereum Staking ETP launched earlier this year. The company has also expanded its capabilities by acquiring the ETC Group and non-custodial Ether staking provider Attestant. 

The rapid development of staking-based financial products highlights the growing demand for accessible, secure, and efficient ways to participate in blockchain networks. With both 21Shares and Bitwise scaling their presence in Europe, the competition to dominate the staking ETP market is intensifying. 

“While liquid staking is an ideal solution for ETH stakers to maintain liquidity while earning rewards, the first wave of staking providers for ETFs will likely be institutional staking pools and centralized exchanges (CEXs),” on-chain data researcher Tom Wan shared recently.

For investors, this presents an opportunity to benefit from the income potential of staking and gain exposure to novel blockchain technology. By making Ethereum staking easier and more cost-effective, the Ethereum Core Staking ETP and similar products are likely to appeal to a growing segment of the investment community.