VanEck proposes an ETF based on Lido Staked Ethereum
The fund aims to offer exposure to ETH staking yields
This move could accelerate ETH staking adoption in finance

Global investment manager VanEck has officially filed an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on Lido Staked Ethereum (stETH). This marks another major step in bringing staking-based crypto assets to traditional financial markets.

The ETF, if approved, will be one of the first in the U.S. to offer exposure to Ethereum staking through Lido’s liquid staking platform. stETH is a token that represents staked ETH and allows users to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity — a crucial element for traders and institutional players.

VanEck’s move highlights the growing demand for regulated financial products that offer access to DeFi and staking without the complexity of self-custody or direct protocol interaction.

Why Lido Staked Ethereum Matters
Lido is currently the largest liquid staking protocol, holding over 30% of all staked Ethereum. Its stETH token has become a cornerstone in the DeFi ecosystem. By anchoring an ETF to stETH, VanEck is attempting to bridge the gap between decentralized finance and traditional investing.

Staked Ethereum ETFs could offer investors the opportunity to gain exposure not just to the price of ETH, but also to the rewards generated from staking — something not possible with standard spot ETFs. This added yield could make such funds more attractive in a competitive ETF market.

What This Means for the Crypto Market
While the SEC has been slow to approve Ethereum-based ETFs, the momentum is clearly building. VanEck’s filing could pave the way for more staking-related financial products in the future, offering investors new ways to participate in the Ethereum ecosystem.

If approved, this ETF may become a milestone for ETH as a yield-generating asset class — similar to how dividend stocks are treated in traditional portfolios.

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BlackRock's initiative targets tokenization of real estate, stocks, and bonds.
Larry Fink predicts long-term investor appeal.
Current ETF assets under management exceed $5 trillion.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink announced on CNBC that the company is advancing tokenization of traditional assets to enable fragmented ownership and 24/7 access, leveraging on-chain technology.

This move could transform financial markets by attracting long-term and younger investors, with BlackRock's ETFs leading the charge through innovative blockchain adoption.

BlackRock's Asset Tokenization Plans and On-Chain ETF Integration
BlackRock has disclosed initiatives aimed at the tokenization of various asset classes, including real estate, stocks, and bonds, as per an interview with CNBC. Led by CEO Larry Fink, the company is also exploring the implementation of ETFs on blockchain technology. This effort aligns with BlackRock's broader mission to enable 24/7 market access and accelerate the settlement process.

The substantial size of BlackRock's assets, with over $13.50 trillion under management, underpins the significance of this development. The ETF platform, which surpasses $5 trillion, serves as a critical component in this strategy. Fink has highlighted that the iShares Bitcoin ETF, now handling assets approximating $100 billion, stands out for its rapid growth and profitability, signaling a broader trend in institutional investment.

As BlackRock continues its foray into crypto markets, reactions within and outside the financial sector have been varied. Industry observers emphasize the potential of tokenization in driving new investor profiles. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, has pointed out the importance of balancing innovation with necessary regulatory oversight. Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, believes the transition to on-chain ETFs could minimize settlement friction, paving the way for extensive institutional adoption.

Bitcoin's Market Stats and Tokenization's Influence on Future Finance
Did you know? The rapid growth of BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF highlights the increasing role of digital tokens in the traditional finance sector, marking a trend towards greater institutional adoption of blockchain-driven investment vehicles.

Bitcoin's current value stands at $111,717.89, with a market capitalization of $2.23 trillion. Dominating the market with 58.81% share, its 24-hour trading volume reveals a decline of 24.10%, totaling around $69.87 billion. Recent price changes span from a 0.56% drop in 24 hours to a 6.99% decrease over the past 90 days. Supply figures indicate 19,934,406 circulating as of October 16, 2025.

Research by the Coincu team suggests financial landscapes could see transformative change as ETFs transition onto blockchain systems. The tokenization trend may spur enhanced market liquidity and new investment models. However, aligning technological advances with regulatory compliance will be critical to manage associated risks and foster sustainable growth.

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New York City takes a decisive step in embracing digital assets and blockchain technology by establishing a dedicated office. This development aims to enhance the city’s standing in financial innovation, marking the first instance of a U.S. mayoral office solely focused on digital assets. With the global financial landscape continuously evolving, New York City positions itself at the forefront of digital transformation, underlining its commitment to future-ready policies and infrastructure.

What is Mayor Adams’s Vision?
The creation of the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain was formalized by Mayor Eric Adams through Executive Order 57. Designed to promote responsible blockchain integration, the initiative seeks to stimulate economic growth and position New York City as a pivotal center for financial innovation. According to Mayor Adams, the move is foundational in helping New York City “embrace the technologies of tomorrow today.” This reflects a broader vision of harnessing digital innovations to offer more options to underbanked communities and increase accessibility to government services.

How Will This Impact the Financial Landscape?
Moises Rendon, previously a digital assets policy adviser, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the new office. Under his direction, efforts will be made towards fostering collaboration between public and private sectors and working with state and federal partners to develop a supportive policy framework.

“With this initiative, we aim to integrate innovative technologies while strengthening New York City’s financial prowess,” Rendon emphasized.

Integration of blockchain technology is expected to improve transparency and operational efficiency across city agencies, paving the way for economic opportunities for the working class.

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro noted that the move reinforces New York’s leadership in finance and tech.

“The office ensures working-class New Yorkers are first in line for game-changing economic opportunities,” he remarked.

This sentiment aligns with Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser’s belief that the office will enable city departments to harness blockchain’s capabilities.

Mayor Adams himself has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency initiatives, previously opting to receive his salary in Bitcoin and Ethereum . His administration’s efforts underscore a dedication towards maintaining New York City as a formidable player in the digital finance arena.
The establishment of a dedicated office signifies New York City’s ambition to lead in digital innovation within the financial sector. Through strategic public-private partnerships and a focus on policy alignment with federal and state levels, the city aims to attract global talent and investments, thus enhancing its role as a global hub for technological advancements in finance. As the office rolls out its initial initiatives, it may inspire similar efforts across other major cities.

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BlackRock’s IBIT purchased 525 BTC amid a broader sell-off.
The Bitcoin was worth $60.4 million on October 13.
This move highlights BlackRock’s growing BTC confidence.

While much of the crypto market was selling off on October 13, investment giant BlackRock took a different path. Through its Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, the firm added 525 BTC to its holdings, valued at $60.4 million. This bold move by BlackRock signals growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin, even during market uncertainty.

Most investors were exiting positions amid macroeconomic concerns and geopolitical tensions, but BlackRock’s action suggests a long-term view on digital assets. The firm’s decision to accumulate Bitcoin in a downturn might inspire other institutions to adopt a similar strategy.

What Does This Mean for the Market?
BlackRock’s aggressive Bitcoin purchase could mean two things: either they anticipate a price rebound, or they’re strengthening their ETF’s backing with real assets to boost investor confidence. Either way, this stands in contrast to the broader sentiment, where several funds reduced their exposure.

The IBIT ETF, launched as part of the new wave of spot Bitcoin ETFs, has quickly become a standout performer. Its consistent accumulation of BTC, especially on days like October 13 when prices were under pressure, speaks volumes about BlackRock’s conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

Is This a Signal for Retail Investors?
Retail investors often follow institutional moves. BlackRock’s purchase during a sell-off could be viewed as a bullish signal. However, it’s crucial for retail participants to assess their own risk tolerance before making decisions based on institutional behavior.

For now, BlackRock’s continued accumulation of BTC, even as others exit, reinforces the narrative that big players are here to stay — and they’re buying the dips.

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MARA Holdings purchased 400 BTC for $46M
The company now holds 53,250 BTC
MARA’s Bitcoin stash is worth over $6 billion

MARA Holdings acquired 400 Bitcoin worth $46.29 million through FalconX, enhancing its cryptocurrency reserves amid rising institutional activity. The transaction was executed through MARA's wallet "3MYao," reflecting continued treasury growth amid ongoing price fluctuations.

Additionally, a newly created wallet labeled "bc1qr" received 500 BTC worth $55.9 million from BitGo, signaling broader institutional transfers. While unrelated directly to MARA, the timing suggests increased large-scale Bitcoin movements by corporate entities.

MARA’s latest purchase brings its total Bitcoin holdings to 53,250 BTC, now valued at over $6 billion based on current market prices. The company remains the second-largest public holder of Bitcoin, behind only MicroStrategy.

This acquisition aligns with MARA’s strategy to build long-term reserves and strengthens its treasury despite Bitcoin's recent market volatility. The firm continues using institutional platforms like FalconX for secure over-the-counter transactions.

Operational Growth Continues Despite Market Volatility
In August 2025, MARA mined 705 BTC, averaging 22.7 BTC per day, while Bitcoin's price declined by 6% that month. CEO Fred Thiel noted the acquisition occurred during market weakness, emphasising a strategic approach to accumulation.

MARA’s energised hashrate increased by 1% to 59.4 EH/s as its Texas wind farm reached full operational status, supporting future mining efficiency. The company expects full deployment by Q4 2025.

AI and European Expansion Support Diversification
MARA announced a $168 million deal to acquire 64% of Exaion, a French AI and computing firm, expanding beyond mining. The firm plans to raise its stake to 75% by 2027 and integrate AI into its infrastructure.

Additionally, MARA opened its European headquarters in Paris to accelerate international growth while supporting AI-related cost reductions through Exaion’s edge computing solutions. The move marks a strategic pivot toward broader digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin is currently trading at $114,813.22, reflecting a 0.28% decline in the past hour and a 3.05% rise in 24 hours. Despite short-term gains, the 7-day performance shows a 6.94% drop, indicating persistent weekly pressure.

MARA stock is up 14.84% over the past month, as its long-term strategy continues to gain investor confidence amid growing institutional crypto adoption.

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