Northstake Launches Game-Changing ETH Validator Marketplace as 3iQ Leads Institutional Adoption

Toronto, Canada – November 18, 2024 – Northstake A/S, a leading EU-regulated virtual asset service provider, has unveiled an innovative ETH validator marketplace designed to address liquidity challenges for institutional investors. This initiative is poised to transform Ethereum staking, making it more accessible and lucrative for asset managers.

The marketplace allows institutions to trade ETH validators with key market makers such as GSR, Nonco, DV Chain, and Keyrock. Unlike traditional credit or liquid staking derivatives, this model provides competitive liquidity premiums, enabling institutions to liquidate ETH validator nodes within hours.

3iQ Sets the Benchmark with 80% ETH Asset Commitment

3iQ Corp, a prominent Canadian digital asset fund manager, became the first to trade on Northstake’s marketplace. Known for pioneering digital asset products, including the 3iQ Ether Staking ETF (TSX: ETHQ), 3iQ is committing to stake 80% of its ETF assets.

Greg Benhaim, Executive Vice President for Products at 3iQ, emphasized the importance of liquidity in staking, stating:

“3iQ believes that by adding liquidity to our ETF validators, we can unlock the full return potential of ETH for our customers. With strong participation from market makers and sufficient liquidity depth, there’s an opportunity to stake the entirety of the ETF’s assets, maximizing its value. Northstake is currently the leading solution in addressing this need for ETFs.”

This strategic move highlights the immense potential for institutional ETH staking to drive higher returns and create a clear pathway to a 100% stake ratio.

The Broader Implications for ETH Staking

Currently, only about 28% (approximately), leaving a significant portion untapped. Northstake aims to change this narrative by facilitating ETH total return products for institutional investors.

Jesper Johansen, CEO of Northstake, said:

“Our solution solves the contingent liquidity problem in a regulatory compliant way when staking ETH. This sets a new standard for how institutions should consider incorporating staking in their funds. The evidence and data we generate will provide a clear regulatory pathway for North American-based ETF issuers incorporating staking in their regulatory filings. Ultimately, our aim is to transform spot ETF into total return products.”

A Bright Future for Institutional ETH Staking

Backed by collaborations with major players like CoinFund, CoinDesk Indices, and GSR, Northstake is well-positioned to expand its reach. The marketplace’s ability to bridge liquidity gaps could solidify ETH staking as a cornerstone of institutional investment strategies.

As institutional demand for digital asset solutions grows, Northstake’s ETH validator marketplace offers a compelling proposition. By addressing the liquidity bottleneck and providing regulatory clarity, Northstake is setting the stage for a new era of ETH staking.