BlackRock and SEC Key Meeting Discusses Encryption ETF Stake and Options

Asset management giant BlackRock held discussions with the U.S. SEC on Friday regarding key issues such as the staking of crypto assets ETF, options, and tokenization. Against the backdrop of a more cooperative regulatory attitude, this move could accelerate the institutional development of the crypto market.

The world's largest asset management company, BlackRock, held a key meeting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crypto assets working group yesterday (8th). The meeting focused on the highly anticipated staking and options features of crypto assets ETF, while also broadly discussing the overall regulatory framework for digital assets.

This dialogue comes at a time when President Trump has taken office, and the SEC's attitude towards the regulation of crypto assets has shifted from strict enforcement to active communication and collaboration.

Meeting Highlights: stake, options, and tokenization regulation

According to the meeting memorandum, the discussion directions for both parties include:

• Stake: Factors to consider for promoting ETPs (Exchange-Traded Products) with staking functionality
• Crypto ETP Options: Discuss the standards for establishing liquidity thresholds and position limits for ETP options.
• ETP approval standards: Hope the SEC can clearly define the conditions for approving crypto ETFs and discuss whether it is necessary to establish "transitional guidelines" for issuers to follow.
• Asset tokenization: Exploring how to advance asset tokenization within the framework of current federal securities regulations.

In recent months, several companies have applied to the SEC for the opening of ETF stake functions. Robert Mitchnick, head of BlackRock's digital asset division, pointed out in March this year that introducing stake functions for Ethereum spot ETFs would be a significant advancement, although there are still many "complex challenges". According to the memorandum, he also participated in the meeting, indicating that the importance of the discussion should not be overlooked.

It is worth mentioning that the SEC approved multiple Ethereum ETFs for trading options last month, including those from BlackRock, Grayscale, and Bitwise, indicating a clear shift towards a more open regulatory attitude.

SEC regulatory shift: from enforcement to collaboration

The newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, appointed by Trump, expressed a positive view on the potential of digital assets, having publicly stated:

"Digital assets will bring great benefits."

He plans to work with lawmakers to establish a supportive crypto market regulatory framework, which stands in stark contrast to the enforcement-focused stance emphasized by former chairman Gary Gensler.

Currently, the SEC crypto assets working group led by Republican commissioner Hester Peirce, known as "Crypto Mom," is actively communicating with industry stakeholders through roundtable meetings and exploring more pragmatic regulatory paths.

The recent meeting between BlackRock and the SEC is not only a concrete communication among key participants but may also become an important watershed in promoting the institutionalization and institutionalization of the crypto market. Against the backdrop of a shift in regulatory attitudes, the inflow of institutional funds is expected to accelerate. How to encourage innovation while protecting investors' rights and maintaining market stability will be a key issue for future regulation and will profoundly affect the pace and direction of the integration of digital assets into the global financial system.