Solana staking goes mainstream: 3iQ launches zero-fee ETF with $50m backing from SkyBridge

Digital asset investment manager 3iQ has launched a new milestone product with the debut of its 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (TSX: SOLQ), the first exchange-traded fund in North America to combine direct Solana (SOL) exposure with on-chain staking rewards in a regulated, institutional-grade vehicle. Trading begins April 16, 2025, on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the fund opens with a $50 million anchor investment from SkyBridge Capital—signalling rising institutional interest in staking-based crypto yield products.

SOLQ offers both retail and institutional investors long-term exposure to Solana while simultaneously generating passive income through delegated staking. To lower barriers to entry and drive early adoption, 3iQ has waived all management fees for the first 12 months. The product’s debut comes at a time when demand for yield-enhanced crypto investment strategies is growing amid increasing blockchain adoption and regulatory maturation in key markets like Canada.

How does SOLQ work and what makes it a breakthrough staking ETF?

Unlike traditional digital asset ETFs that passively track token prices, the SOLQ ETF incorporates active staking of Solana tokens into its investment strategy. By leveraging Solana’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, SOLQ earns rewards through validator participation. These rewards are pooled and distributed to ETF holders in the form of enhanced total return, offering investors both capital appreciation and yield.

The Solana tokens held by the ETF are sourced from major regulated exchanges and institutional-grade over-the-counter counterparties. Once secured, they are staked using professional infrastructure partners selected by 3iQ. Investors do not need to manage private keys, wallets, or complex staking tools—allowing for hands-off access to blockchain-native returns. The result is a simplified, compliant investment structure tailored for both high-net-worth individuals and institutional allocators seeking Solana staking exposure in a regulated framework.

What is Solana’s role in blockchain ecosystems and why does it matter to investors?

Solana has emerged as one of the most prominent smart contract platforms in the digital asset landscape. Known for its high throughput, low latency, and low transaction fees, Solana supports a wide range of decentralised applications (dApps), including DeFi protocols, NFTs, and decentralised gaming ecosystems. It is often positioned as a high-speed alternative to Ethereum, appealing to developers looking to scale user-friendly blockchain applications.

The SOL token is the native currency of the Solana blockchain and is used to pay transaction fees and participate in staking. Staking secures the network while offering reward-based incentives for validators and delegators. For long-term investors, SOL not only represents a high-growth digital asset but also a yield-generating instrument—a dual appeal that SOLQ seeks to package within a regulated fund format.

The decision by 3iQ to focus its latest ETF on Solana reflects the platform’s growing institutional relevance, particularly as large blockchain networks move away from proof-of-work models. With Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake in 2022 (known as “The Merge”) and Solana’s increasing market capitalisation, staking has become a cornerstone of next-generation blockchain infrastructure.

How does 3iQ’s history of regulated digital asset innovation inform this launch?

3iQ has consistently maintained its position as a trailblazer in regulated crypto investment offerings. Since its founding in 2012, the firm has launched some of the most prominent crypto ETFs in Canada. These include The Bitcoin Fund (TSX: QBTC), The Ether Fund (TSX: QETH), and the 3iQ Bitcoin ETF (TSX: BTCQ). In October 2023, it further pushed the frontier by launching the 3iQ Ether Staking ETF (TSX: ETHQ), the first Ethereum staking ETF in North America.

By integrating staking into traditional ETF models, 3iQ has filled a key market gap—offering crypto-native yield mechanisms within compliant, familiar investment wrappers. These products have helped bridge the divide between decentralised finance and regulated asset management, particularly for investors restricted by mandate or lacking technical expertise to self-custody and stake assets independently.

The launch of SOLQ reinforces 3iQ’s leadership in staking-enabled ETFs. It also coincides with increased scrutiny and transparency demands from regulators and investors alike, underscoring the importance of secure custody, robust compliance, and operational risk management in digital asset investment products.

Why did SkyBridge Capital invest $50 million in SOLQ?

SkyBridge Capital, the alternative investment firm founded by Anthony Scaramucci, has been a vocal proponent of digital asset adoption and institutional-grade crypto exposure. Its decision to commit $50 million to SOLQ reflects a strategic pivot towards staking as a mainstream investment strategy.

SkyBridge’s involvement signals confidence in both Solana’s long-term utility and 3iQ’s ability to deliver compliant, innovative digital asset funds. The firm has previously supported a range of blockchain and digital economy investments, and its SOLQ investment aligns with its broader thesis that yield generation through staking will become integral to diversified crypto portfolios.

Institutional backing from firms like SkyBridge also enhances product credibility in the eyes of traditional allocators, signalling maturity in a segment often viewed as volatile or unstructured. As ETFs become preferred vehicles for crypto exposure, participation from capital-heavy firms is likely to increase.

What does current sentiment suggest about 3iQ and staking ETF demand?

While 3iQ itself is privately held, the performance of its publicly traded ETFs provides insight into investor sentiment. The 3iQ Bitcoin ETF has experienced a strong recovery in the past 12 months, reflecting revived interest in crypto following macroeconomic stabilisation and renewed institutional flows into regulated crypto products. Similarly, the Ether Fund and Ether Staking ETF have gained traction as Ethereum’s staking infrastructure matures post-Merge.

The popularity of these products indicates that yield-bearing crypto strategies are not only gaining acceptance but also outperforming passive strategies in risk-adjusted terms. As such, the SOLQ ETF is likely to attract attention from the same investor cohorts—particularly those looking for blockchain-native income streams without direct custody or staking complexity.

Analysts monitoring digital asset fund flows have pointed to staking ETFs as a next-generation growth driver. The appeal of generating on-chain rewards within a compliant, liquid vehicle positions these funds favourably as institutional portfolio diversification tools.

Is SOLQ a buy, hold, or wait for crypto ETF investors?

The SOLQ ETF presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking diversified exposure to Layer 1 blockchain assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. With staking rewards integrated into the fund structure and a zero management fee for the first year, the product is cost-effective and strategically positioned for early adopters.

However, investors should evaluate their exposure to crypto volatility, as SOL remains a high-beta asset. For those bullish on Solana’s long-term ecosystem growth and comfortable with crypto market risks, SOLQ could be considered a Buy under a multi-year horizon. Conservative investors may choose to Hold and observe the fund’s early performance and reward distribution mechanics. Given the backing from SkyBridge and 3iQ’s strong track record, sentiment around the launch is broadly Positive.

What’s next for 3iQ and the future of staking ETFs?

3iQ’s product roadmap is expected to expand further following its 2024 acquisition by Monex Group, a prominent Japanese financial conglomerate. The transaction has already improved 3iQ’s access to Asian capital markets and technology infrastructure, positioning the firm for global distribution of its ETF products.

Staking ETFs like SOLQ represent the intersection of decentralised finance and traditional asset management. As blockchain networks continue to evolve and staking yields mature as a legitimate source of income, regulated funds that capture these returns will likely form a key part of forward-looking investment strategies.

In this context, the launch of SOLQ is more than a new product—it is a step towards integrating real-time blockchain participation into the fabric of mainstream investment portfolios.