Franklin Templeton Files Application with the SEC for a Solana ETF with Staking Capabilities

This follows the firm's Solana Trust proposal earlier this month.

Franklin Templeton filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a Solana ETF with staking capabilities. This follows the firm’s Solana Trust proposal earlier this month.

The ETF filing outlines how Franklin Templeton would manage staking activities. Controlling the staking process and rewards, the firm plans to use trusted staking providers, which may include its affiliates. Staking rewards earned through this process would be classified as income. Unlike decentralized staking, this method ensures centralized management of assets.

“The Sponsor may, from time to time, stake a portion of the Fund’s assets through one or more trusted staking providers, which may include an affiliate of the Sponsor (‘Staking Providers’). In consideration for any staking activity in which the Fund may engage, the Fund would receive certain staking rewards of Solana tokens, which may be treated as income.”

This Solana ETF proposal builds on earlier attempts by firms to introduce Ethereum staking ETFs, which were later withdrawn. However, Franklin Templeton’s ETF structure ensures all staking activities remain under centralized control, providing a defined framework for staking rewards and fund management.

Multiple staking ETF proposals were withdrawn in 2024 due to regulatory concerns. However, in 2025, the SEC’s Crypto Task Force engaged with industry leaders regarding ETP staking. This discussion covered the technicalities of staking mechanisms, but no official decision was made on staking ETFs.

The SEC’s recent meetings signal a shift in regulatory discussions. Hester Peirce, who leads the Task Force, requested further input from the industry on staking regulations.

In her statement, “There Must Be Some Way Out of Here,” she highlighted the need for industry engagement to bring clarity to crypto regulations. The SEC is reviewing how staking tokens, liquid staking derivatives, and other crypto assets should be classified under existing laws.

The Task Force is also considering whether some crypto assets, such as stablecoins, NFTs, and wrapped tokens, should fall outside SEC jurisdiction. It’s examining how public token offerings should be regulated and if adjustments in disclosure requirements could reduce compliance costs. Another focus is Safe Harbor Rule 195, which Peirce earlier proposed as a time-limited exemption for blockchain projects to develop before facing full SEC regulations.

Moreover, regulatory oversight of secondary market trading and custodial services is being discussed. The SEC is looking at the impact of staking on investment companies and whether changes are needed to existing rules. Peirce stressed that early industry feedback will help shape regulatory decisions, while the SEC continues its work on fraud prevention in crypto markets.

Solana’s (SOL) price has struggled to find direction in recent weeks. The SOL token has experienced fluctuations with no major indicators of short-term recovery. Solana’s price last checked in at 171.38, showing continued weakness on TradingView. The SOL/USD chart highlights a steady decline, with the token failing to reclaim 180. Trading volume stands at 14.55K, but there is little indication of strong buying activity.

The proposed Solana ETF with staking could generate interest in the market, but its approval remains uncertain.