by Enoch Mwathwa
The race for alternative crypto ETF dominance has entered a new phase after VanEck introduced its Solana-based exchange-traded product, signalling a major shift in investor interest away from Bitcoin and Ethereum. Fresh capital is now flowing toward Solana and XRP investment vehicles as market participants search for faster networks, lower fees, and new staking opportunities backed by institutional frameworks.
VanEck Rolls Out Zero-Fee Solana ETF to Capture Rising Demand
According to a press release, VanEck launched its VSOL Solana ETF with a rare zero-fee introductory offer. The firm will maintain a 0% sponsor fee until the fund reaches $1 billion in assets or until February 17, 2026, whichever comes first. After the promotional period, the fee will return to 0.30%. This move aims to achieve rapid scale and early market dominance. It also aims to undercut competitors while demand intensifies around Solana-linked products.
SOL Strategies announced it will serve as the staking provider for VanEck’s ETF. The entity completed the acquisition of Orangefin, a Solana validator, as part of its operational expansion. SOL Strategies runs validators certified under ISO 27001 and SOC 2, with more than $437 million worth of staked assets under management. VanEck said this track record influenced its partner choice because it aligns with regulatory discipline, secure infrastructure, and high institutional servicing standards.
The staking provider also agreed to charge no fees during the promotional period. This creates a rare cost-free access window across both investment custody and yield-driven staking rewards. VanEck said it wants to maintain regulatory alignment while offering real yield benefits, institutional compliance, and low-risk operational execution. The structure also highlights Solana’s expanding validator network and growing institutional trust.
Shift Toward Solana and XRP ETFs Intensifies as BTC and ETH Face Outflows
The ETF launch arrives as Bitcoin and Ethereum investment products continue to face outflows in both U.S. and global markets. In contrast, Solana and XRP ETFs continue to attract fresh inflows every trading session. According to market tracking platforms, Solana ETFs pulled $12 million on November 14 and $46 million over the last week. They have not recorded a single outflow day since launch. Analysts view this as a signal that investors want exposure beyond legacy digital assets.
Bitwise’s BSOL and Grayscale’s GSOL have already collected $382 million in inflows since October 28. This performance stands out in a cooling ETF environment and positions Solana as the strongest capital magnet among non-Bitcoin digital assets. Institutions now treat Solana as a viable competitor due to its fast throughput, lower fees, and active developer ecosystem.
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SOL Strategies said the partnership reflects the rapid evolution of Solana’s ecosystem. The company rebranded from Cypherpunk Holdings as part of its long-term commitment to Solana and holds 524,000 SOL in its treasury. VanEck now positions its ETF to compete for the next wave of staking and yield-driven institutional adoption. As investor preference changes, market share in alternative digital-asset ETFs may shift permanently.
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