Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved the Bosera Hashkey Ether exchange-traded fund (ETF) to engage in ethereum staking, marking a first for the Asia-Pacific region.
Milestone for Hong Kong: Ether ETF Cleared for Staking Activities
The Bosera Hashkey Virtual Asset Ether ETF (stock codes: 3009.HK/9009.HK), jointly managed by Bosera International and Hashkey Capital, received regulatory approval on April 11 to stake up to 30% of its ether holdings starting April 25, 2025. The move positions the ETF as the region’s first virtual asset spot product authorized to generate rewards through ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism.
Launched in April 2024 as Hong Kong’s first spot ether ETF, the fund previously provided passive exposure to ETH. The staking upgrade allows it to reinvest rewards—after deducting fees—to enhance compound growth potential. Hashkey Cloud will facilitate staking via its ETF Staking Pro platform, leveraging compliance frameworks and custody solutions from the Hashkey Exchange.
BOCI Prudential, the fund’s custodian and administrator, emphasized its role in optimizing Hong Kong’s virtual asset ETF ecosystem. The ETF tracks ether’s price using the CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate – Asia Pacific Variant and trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
“Receiving approval to participate in staking marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to Bosera’s investment philosophy and our continued exploration of opportunities in the virtual asset space,” said Bosera International CEO Lian Shaodong. Hashkey Capital CEO Deng Chao added that the ETF lowers barriers to ethereum staking, enabling broader participation in decentralized finance (DeFi).
The development highlights Hong Kong’s push to become a global Web3 hub. Regulators have increasingly supported compliant virtual asset products, with this ETF representing a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain ecosystems. Andrew Law, CEO of BOCI Prudential, noted the product’s dual appeal: exposure to ether and staking-derived returns. Analysts anticipate the move could attract institutional investors seeking regulated crypto yield opportunities.
