Solana Latest Updates: VanEck's Collaboration on a Staked Solana ETF Reflects Growing Institutional Trust in Blockchain's Prospects

VanEck, a prominent asset management firm, has chosen

to serve as the staking provider for its recently introduced U.S. spot ETF (VSOL), representing a major advancement in connecting conventional finance with blockchain technology. Through this collaboration, Strategies' Orangefin validator, which was acquired in December 2024, will be used to safeguard the ETF’s Solana (SOL) assets. Details of this partnership, , highlight the increasing trust institutions are placing in Solana’s network.

Based in Toronto, SOL Strategies specializes in Solana infrastructure and operates ISO 27001 and SOC 2-certified validators, securing more than CAD$610 million ($437 million) in staked assets. The company pointed out that its

and commitment to institutional clients made it a logical partner for VanEck’s staking operations. Michael Hubbard, who is currently serving as interim CEO of SOL Strategies, commented that the collaboration "demonstrates the strength of our infrastructure" and draws attention to "institutional demand for compliant, high-performance Solana staking options." also noted that the company’s ongoing support for Solana fits well with its broader strategic objectives.

VanEck’s

, which started trading on November 17, 2025, allows investors to gain exposure to SOL tokens as well as staking returns. To encourage early participation, VanEck is waiving sponsor fees on the first $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) until February 17, 2026. During this timeframe, SOL Strategies will also not charge for its staking services. Should AUM surpass $1 billion before the cutoff, a 0.30% fee will apply to the amount above that threshold. set at 0.30%.

The debut of the ETF comes amid recent

for Solana-centric funds, such as Bitwise’s BSOL and Grayscale’s GSOL, which together have attracted $382 million in new investments since October 28. in digital assets worldwide, has previously introduced and ETFs, and is now broadening its crypto offerings with .

SOL Strategies, which rebranded from Cypherpunk Holdings in 2024, holds 524,000 SOL in its reserves and is listed on both the Canadian Securities Exchange (HODL) and Nasdaq (STKE). Despite recent drops in its share prices—HODL declined 5.85% to CAD$3.38, while

slipped 6.23% to $2.41—the company’s institutional alliances, including those with Tetra Trust and major custodians like BitGo, within the Solana ecosystem.

Nonetheless, the partnership is not without risks. Staking SOL involves locking assets during activation and deactivation, and validators may incur penalties for downtime or improper conduct. Regulatory changes could also affect staking operations or the ETF’s framework. VanEck

and the trust’s lack of 1940 Act registration mean that losses are possible.

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