VanEck is looking to expand its footprint in the crypto ETF space with a bold new move: a proposed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that directly tracks BNB, the native token of the BNB Chain. The investment management firm filed a Form S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 2, marking a significant step toward launching the first BNB-focused ETF in the United States. Aiming to Break New Ground in Crypto ETFs Should the SEC approve the proposal, VanEck’s BNB ETF would be the first of its kind in the U.S. market to offer direct exposure to BNB through physical token holdings. The fund’s ticker symbol has not yet been revealed. This initiative follows VanEck’s recent registration of a trust entity in Delaware last month, a strategic move intended to lay the legal groundwork for this novel offering. BNB is the fifth digital asset VanEck has targeted for a dedicated ETF registration in the U.S., joining the ranks of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. This continued push illustrates VanEck’s commitment to expanding crypto accessibility through regulated financial products. Potential for Passive Income Through Staking In a notable feature, the preliminary prospectus suggests that the ETF might incorporate staking mechanisms, depending on the approval from the listing exchange. If allowed, investors could benefit from passive income via staking rewards. VanEck indicated that staking operations could be conducted through approved providers, including potentially affiliated entities. This aspect sets the BNB ETF apart from traditional crypto funds, as it introduces an income-generating element that could appeal to long-term holders and institutional investors alike. VanEck’s Track Record in Digital Assets VanEck is no stranger to pioneering crypto ETFs. The firm launched spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs last year after securing long-awaited approval from the SEC. It was also one of the early players to propose a Bitcoin futures ETF as far back as 2017. These achievements have positioned VanEck as a leader in the evolving landscape of digital asset investment products. The firm’s experience and proactive approach could work in its favor as it navigates regulatory hurdles with the BNB ETF. BNB’s Market Position and Utility BNB currently ranks as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. At the time of the filing, the token was trading around $608 with minimal fluctuations. As the utility token of the BNB Chain, BNB is widely used to power transactions, smart contracts, and various services across the Binance ecosystem. The introduction of a regulated investment vehicle for BNB could significantly expand its appeal to mainstream investors, especially those seeking exposure through familiar structures like ETFs.
