VanEck Updates Spot Solana ETF Filing, Introducing Staking Component and Low Fee

VanEck has submitted its fifth amendment to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a spot Solana ETF, revealing critical operational details for the proposed fund.

The updated filing outlines a highly competitive 0.30% management fee and introduces a unique staking component, which would make it the first regulated U.S.-listed digital asset ETF to offer additional returns through staking.

Key Fund Mechanics and Structure

The proposed VanEck Solana ETF (VSOL) is designed to track SOL’s market price while simultaneously generating yield through staking rewards.

• Staking Implementation: VanEck plans to partner with vetted third-party validators, such as SOL Strategies, selecting them based on reliability and compliance.
• Liquidity Management: The fund includes a 5% redemption buffer to protect investors. This buffer is designed to cover potential unbonding delays on the Solana network, ensuring investor withdrawals aren't impacted during volatile periods.
• Custody: Fund assets will be held by regulated and insured custodians, specifically Gemini Trust Company and Coinbase Custody.
• Low Fee: The 0.30% sponsor fee is notably low, positioning VSOL as one of the most competitively priced digital asset ETFs available.

VanEck also expressed interest in expanding into liquid staking tokens (LSTs) once clear regulatory guidance is established, reflecting a broader strategic push toward yield-generating tokenized fund structures.

Regulatory Outlook

Despite the detailed progress, there is currently no clear timeline for SEC approval.

• Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart noted that the application falls under the Generic Listing Standards (GLS), which eliminates fixed deadlines for a decision.
• Furthermore, the regulatory process has been temporarily stalled due to the partial U.S. government shutdown, delaying any potential green light for Solana-based ETFs.

The VSOL proposal marks a major development toward integrating native yield generation into traditional investment products, potentially bridging the gap between digital asset innovation and regulated finance once federal oversight resumes.

October 2025, Cryptoniteuae