10-K
PART
I
Item
1. Business
Overview
of the Trust and the Shares
Grayscale
Solana Staking ETF (formerly known as Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) and Grayscale
Solana Trust ETF) (the “Trust”) is a Delaware Statutory Trust that was formed on
November 9, 2021, by the filing of the Certificate of Trust with the Delaware
Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Statutory
Trust Act. The Trust’s purpose is to hold Solana tokens (“SOL”), which are
digital assets that are created and transmitted through the operations of the
peer-to-peer Solana Network, a decentralized network of computers that operates
on cryptographic protocols.
As
of December 31, 2025, the Trust holds approximately 0.23% of the SOL in
circulation. The size of the Trust’s position does not itself enable the Sponsor
or the Trust to participate in or otherwise influence the development of the
Solana Network. As a decentralized digital asset network, the Solana Network
consists of several stakeholders, including core developers of SOL, users,
services, businesses, validators and other constituencies, of which the Trust is
only one constituent. Furthermore, in contrast to other protocols in which token
holders participate in the governance of the network, ownership of SOL confers
no such rights.
On
January 5, 2026, the Trust changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust ETF to
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF and previously, on October 28, 2025, the Trust
changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) to Grayscale Solana Trust
ETF, in each case by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. On December 3, 2024, NYSE Arca, Inc.
(“NYSE Arca”) submitted an application under Rule 19b-4 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) to list the Shares of the
Trust on NYSE Arca. On September 17, 2025, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) approved a proposed rule change for new Rule 8.201-E
(Generic) with the SEC pursuant to Rule 19b-4 under the Exchange Act to amend
NYSE Arca’s listing rules to permit the listing and trading of shares of certain
commodity-based exchange-traded products that satisfy certain generic
requirements (the “Generic Listing Standards”). On October 28, 2025, the
Sponsor’s application to list and trade the Trust’s Shares on NYSE Arca under
the Generic Listing Standards was approved and the Trust began trading on NYSE
Arca on October 29, 2025 (the “Uplisting Date”), following the effectiveness of
the Trust’s registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No.
333-286374). The Shares are listed on NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “GSOL.”
The Trust issues common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest
(“Shares”), which represent ownership in the Trust, on a continuous basis
pursuant to the registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”) in exchange for deposits of SOL.
As
a passive investment vehicle, the Trust’s investment objective is for the value
of the Shares (based on SOL per Share) to reflect the value of the SOL held by
the Trust, including SOL earned as Staking Consideration, determined by
reference to the Index Price, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities.
Except for any SOL earned as Staking Consideration, the Trust does not seek to
generate returns beyond tracking the price of SOL. There can be no assurance
that the Trust will be able to achieve its investment objective. Historically,
the Trust has not met its investment objective and, prior to their uplisting to
NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025, the Shares quoted on the OTCQX Best Market®
(“OTCQX”) of OTC Markets Group Inc. did not reflect the value of the SOL held by
the Trust, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, but instead had
traded at both premiums and discounts to such value, which at times were
substantial, although the Sponsor has observed that the Trust has begun to meet
its investment objective more closely following the uplisting of the Shares to
NYSE Arca. The Trust will not utilize leverage, derivatives or any similar
arrangements in seeking to meet its investment objective.
Until
December 31, 2024, Grayscale Investments, LLC was the sponsor and administrator
of the Trust. As a result of the Reorganization (as defined herein) on January
1, 2025, Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC (“GSIS”) and Grayscale Operating,
LLC (“GSO”), consolidated subsidiaries of Digital Currency Group, Inc. (“DCG”),
became Co-Sponsors of the Trust. On January 3, 2025 GSO voluntarily withdrew as
a Sponsor of the Trust, and effective May 3, 2025 GSIS is the sole remaining
Sponsor. Prior to May 3, 2025, all references herein to the “Sponsor” shall be
deemed to include both GSIS and GSO as Sponsors unless the context otherwise
requires, and on or after May 3, 2025, all references herein to the “Sponsor”
shall refer only to GSIS. CSC Delaware Trust Company is the trustee of the Trust
(the “Trustee”), The Bank of New York Mellon is the transfer agent (in such
capacity, the “Transfer Agent”) and the administrator (in such capacity, the
“Administrator”) of the Trust, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company is
the co-transfer agent of the Trust (the “Co-Transfer Agent”), Coinbase, Inc. is
the prime broker (the “Prime Broker”) of the Trust, Coinbase Custody Trust
Company, LLC is the custodian of the Trust (the “Custodian”), and Anchorage
Digital Bank N.A. (the “Additional Custodian”) is an available alternative
custodian of the Trust.
The
Trust issues Shares only in one or more blocks of 10,000 Shares (a block of
10,000 Shares is called a “Basket”) to certain authorized participants
(“Authorized Participants”) from time to time. The Trust creates Baskets of
Shares only upon receipt of SOL and redeems Shares only by distributing SOL or
proceeds from the disposition of SOL. At this time, Authorized Participants may
only submit orders to create or redeem Shares through transactions that are
referred to as “Cash Orders”, as the Participant Agreements do not currently
provide for in-kind creations and redemptions. The Trust may effect creations
and redemptions through in-kind transactions in the future if and when a
Participant Agreement is entered into or amended to provide for in-kind
creations and redemptions. The value of a Basket is based on the amount of SOL
represented by the Basket, determined by reference to the Index Price. For a
more detailed description of the Index and the Index Price, see “—The Index and
the Index Price.” For a more detailed description of the creation and redemption
procedures, see “—Description of Creation and Redemption of
Shares.”
The
Shares are neither interests in nor obligations of the Sponsor or the Trustee.
As provided under the Trust Agreement, the Trust’s assets will not be loaned or
pledged, or serve as collateral for any loan, margin, rehypothecation, or other
similar activity to which the Sponsor, the Trust or any of their respective
affiliates are a party.
The
Sponsor maintains an internet website at etfs.grayscale.com/gsol, through which
the registrant’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended, are made
available free of charge after they have been filed or furnished to the SEC.
Additional information regarding the Trust may also be found on the SEC’s EDGAR
database at www.sec.gov.
The
contents of the websites referred to above and any websites referred to herein
are not incorporated into this filing or any other reports or documents we file
with or furnish to the SEC. Further, our references to the URLs for these
websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Investment
Objective
The
Trust’s investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on SOL per
Share) to reflect the value of SOL held by the Trust, including SOL earned as
Staking Consideration, determined by reference to the Index Price, less the
Trust’s expenses and other liabilities. Historically, the Trust has not met its
investment objective and, prior to their uplisting to NYSE Arca on October 29,
2025, the Shares quoted on OTCQX did not reflect the value of the SOL held by
the Trust, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, but instead had
traded at both premiums and discounts to such value, which at times were
substantial, although the Sponsor has observed that the Trust has begun to meet
its investment objective more closely following the uplisting of the Shares to
NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025.
In
the event the Shares trade at a substantial premium, investors who purchase
Shares on NYSE Arca will pay substantially more for their Shares than investors
who purchase Shares directly from Authorized Participants. The value of the
Shares may not reflect the value of the Trust’s SOL, less the Trust’s expenses
and other liabilities, for a variety of reasons, including any halting of
creations or redemptions by the Trust, SOL price volatility, trading volumes on,
or closures of, trading platforms where digital assets trade due to fraud,
failure, security breaches or otherwise, and the non-concurrent trading hours
between NYSE Arca and the global trading platform market for trading SOL. As a
result, the Shares may trade at a premium over, or a discount to, the value of
the Trust’s SOL, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, and the Trust
may be unable to meet its investment objective from time to time.
From
October 29, 2025, the Uplisting Date, to December 31, 2025, the maximum premium
of the closing price of the Shares listed on NYSE Arca over the value of the
Trust’s NAV per Share was 0.32%, the average premium was 0.12%, the maximum
discount of the closing price of the Shares listed on NYSE Arca below the value
of the Trust’s NAV per Share was 0.55%, and the average discount was 0.12%. As
of December 31, 2025, the Trust’s Shares were listed on NYSE Arca at a premium
of 0.03% to the Trust’s NAV per Share. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Secondary Market
Trading.”
While
an investment in the Shares is not a direct investment in SOL, the Shares are
designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain
investment exposure to SOL. A substantial direct investment in SOL may require
expensive and sometimes complicated arrangements in connection with the
acquisition, security and safekeeping of the SOL and may involve the payment of
substantial fees to acquire such SOL from third-party facilitators through cash
payments of U.S. dollars. Because the value of the Shares is correlated with the
value of the SOL held by the Trust, it is important to understand the investment
attributes of, and the market for, SOL.
The
Trust’s SOL are carried, for financial statement purposes, at fair value, as
required by the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The
Trust determines the fair value of SOL based on the price provided by the
Digital Asset Market that the Trust considers its principal market as of 4:00
p.m., New York time, on the valuation date. The net asset value of the Trust
determined on a U.S. GAAP basis is referred to in this Annual Report as
“Principal Market NAV.” See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates—Principal Market and Fair Value Determination” for more information on
the Trust’s principal market selection.
The
Trust uses the Index Price to calculate its “NAV,” a non-GAAP metric, which is
the aggregate value, expressed in U.S. dollars, of the Trust’s assets (other
than U.S. dollars or other fiat currency), less the U.S. dollar value of the
Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, calculated in the manner set forth under
“—Valuation of SOL and Determination of NAV.” “NAV per Share” is calculated by
dividing NAV by the number of Shares currently outstanding. NAV and NAV per
Share are not measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. NAV is not
intended to be a substitute for the Trust’s Principal Market NAV calculated in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, and NAV per Share is not intended to be a substitute
for the Trust’s Principal Market NAV per Share calculated in accordance with
U.S. GAAP.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trust is required to dissolve under
certain circumstances. In addition, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion,
dissolve the Trust for a number of reasons, including if the Sponsor determines,
in its sole discretion, that it is desirable or advisable for any reason to
discontinue the affairs of the Trust. For example, if the Sponsor determines
that SOL is a security under the federal securities laws, whether that
determination is initially made by the Sponsor itself, or because a federal
court upholds an allegation that SOL is a security, the Sponsor does not intend
to permit the Trust to continue holding SOL in a way that would violate the
federal securities laws (and therefore would either dissolve the Trust or
potentially seek to operate the Trust in a manner that complies with the federal
securities laws, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“Investment Company Act”)). See “—Description of the Trust Agreement—Termination
of the Trust” for additional discussion of the circumstances under which the
Trust could be dissolved. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the
Trust and the Shares—A determination that SOL or any other digital asset is a
“security” may adversely affect the value of SOL and the value of the Shares,
and result in potentially extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to, or
termination of, the Trust.”
Characteristics
of the Shares
The
Shares are intended to offer investors an opportunity to gain exposure to
digital assets through an investment in securities. As of December 31, 2025,
each Share represented approximately 0.0734 of one SOL. The logistics of
accepting, transferring and safekeeping of SOL are dealt with by the Sponsor and
Custodian, and the related expenses are built into the value of the Shares.
Therefore, shareholders do not have additional tasks or costs over and above
those generally associated with investing in any other privately placed
security.
The
Shares have certain other key characteristics, including the
following:
•
Easily
Accessible and Relatively Cost Efficient.
Investors in the Shares can also directly access the Digital Asset Markets. The
Sponsor believes that investors will be able to more effectively implement
strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies that use SOL by using the
Shares instead of directly purchasing and holding SOL, and for many investors,
transaction costs related to the Shares will be lower than those associated with
the direct purchase, storage and safekeeping of SOL.
•
Market-Traded
and Transparent.
The Shares are listed on NYSE Arca. The Sponsor believes the quotation of the
Shares on NYSE Arca provides investors with an efficient means to implement
various investment strategies. The Trust will not hold or employ any derivative
securities. Furthermore, the value of the Trust’s assets will be reported each
day on etfs.grayscale.com/gsol.
•
Minimal
Credit Risk.
The Shares represent an interest in actual SOL owned by the Trust. The Trust’s
SOL are not subject to borrowing arrangements with third parties and are subject
to counterparty and minimal credit risk with respect to the Custodian. This
contrasts with the other financial products such as CoinShares exchange-traded
notes, TeraExchange swaps and SOL futures and options traded on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) and the Intercontinental Exchange (“ICE”) through
which investors gain exposure to digital assets through the use of derivatives
that are subject to counterparty and credit risks.
•
Safekeeping
System.
The Custodian has been appointed to control and secure the SOL for the Trust
using offline storage, or “cold storage”, mechanisms to secure the Trust’s
private key “shards”. The hardware, software, administration and continued
technological development that are used by the Custodian may not be available or
cost-effective for many investors.
The
Trust differentiates itself from many competing digital asset financial vehicles
in the following ways:
•
Custodian.
The Custodian that holds the private key shards associated with the Trust’s SOL
is Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC. Other digital asset financial vehicles
that use cold storage may not use a custodian to hold their private keys.
•
Cold
Storage of Private Keys.
The private key shards associated with the Trust’s SOL are kept in cold storage,
which means that the Trust’s SOL are disconnected and/or deleted entirely from
the internet. See “—Custody of the Trust’s SOL” for more information relating to
the storage and retrieval of the Trust’s private keys to and from cold storage.
Other digital asset financial vehicles may not utilize cold storage or may
utilize less effective cold storage-related hardware and security protocols.
•
Location
of Private Vaults.
Private key shards associated with the Trust’s SOL are distributed
geographically by the Custodian in secure vaults around the world, including in
the United States. The locations of the secure vaults may change regularly and
are kept confidential by the Custodian for security purposes.
•
Enhanced
Security.
Transfers from the Trust’s Vault Balance require certain security procedures,
including but not limited to, multiple encrypted private key shards, usernames,
passwords and 2-step verification. Multiple private key shards held by the
Custodian must be combined to reconstitute the private key to sign any
transaction in order to transfer the Trust’s SOL. Private key shards are
distributed geographically in secure vaults around the world, including in the
United States. As a result, if any one secure vault is ever compromised, this
event will have no impact on the ability of the Trust to access its assets,
other than
a
possible delay in operations, while one or more of the other secure vaults is
used instead. These security procedures are intended to remove single points of
failure in the protection of the Trust’s SOL.
•
Custodian
Inspections.
The Custodian has agreed to allow the Trust and the Sponsor to take such steps
as necessary to verify that satisfactory internal control systems and procedures
are in place.
•
Directly
Held SOL.
The Trust directly owns actual SOL held through the Custodian. This may differ
from other digital asset financial vehicles that provide SOL exposure through
other means, such as the use of financial or derivative
instruments.
•
Sponsor’s
Fee.
The Sponsor’s Fee is a competitive factor that may influence the value of the
Shares.
Activities
of the Trust
The
activities of the Trust are limited to (i) issuing Baskets in exchange for SOL
transferred to the Trust as consideration in connection with the creations, (ii)
transferring or selling SOL as necessary to cover the Sponsor’s Fee, the
Sponsor’s Staking Fee and/or any Additional Trust Expenses, (iii) transferring
SOL in exchange for Baskets surrendered for redemption, (iv) causing the Sponsor
to sell SOL on the termination of the Trust, (v) making distributions of
Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency or cash from the sale thereof
(subject to NYSE Arca obtaining regulatory approval from the SEC), as described
in “—Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency” below, (vi) engaging in any form
of Staking, but only if (and, then, only to the extent that) the Staking
Condition has been satisfied with respect thereto, (vii) receiving Staking
Consideration and, after payment of the Sponsor’s Staking Fee therefrom, making
distributions of Staking Consideration received by the Trust (or cash from the
sale thereof), and (viii) engaging in all administrative and security procedures
necessary to accomplish such activities in accordance with the provisions of the
Trust Agreement, the Prime Broker Agreement, the Index License Agreement and the
Participant Agreements.
The
Trust may engage in any lawful activity necessary or desirable in order to
facilitate shareholders’ access to Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency
(subject to NYSE Arca obtaining regulatory approval from the SEC), provided that
such activities do not conflict with the terms of the Trust Agreement. See
“—Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency” for more information. The Trust
will not be actively managed. It will not engage in any activities designed to
obtain a profit from, or to ameliorate losses caused by, changes in the market
prices of SOL.
Staking
Staking
on the Solana Network refers to using SOL, or permitting SOL to be used through
an agent or otherwise, in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake validation
protocol, in exchange for the receipt of staking rewards paid in-kind
(“Staking”). The Trust Agreement provides that the Trust may engage in Staking,
but only if (and, then, only to the extent that) the Staking Condition has been
satisfied. On October 6, 2025, the Staking Condition was satisfied with respect
to the form of Staking described in this Annual Report, and on that date the
Trust commenced Staking pursuant to the Staking Arrangements described below.
The Sponsor may from time-to-time modify the form of Staking in which the Trust
engages, but only if (and, then, only to the extent that) the Staking Condition
has been satisfied with respect to any such modified form of Staking, and
subject to compliance with any additional requirements that may arise in
connection with satisfaction of the Staking Condition with respect
thereto.
Staking
Arrangements and Provider-Facilitated Staking Model
The
Sponsor has caused, and from time to time may cause, the Trust to enter into
written arrangements (the “Staking Arrangements”) with the Custodian and one or
more third party staking providers (each, a “Staking Provider”), which may be
affiliates of the Custodian or other trusted institutional validators, to stake
the Trust’s SOL to a Staking Provider operating validator software and
associated hardware (“Provider-Facilitated Staking”). The Sponsor anticipates
that the Trust’s SOL is and will be staked exclusively by means of
Provider-Facilitated Staking.
Under
the Staking Arrangements, the Trust is permitted to accept only Staking
Consideration received in the form of SOL, and is not permitted to accept any
Other Staking Consideration in the form of other digital assets. Neither the
Trust, nor the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust, has the ability under the Staking
Arrangements to take advantage of any variations in the market to improve the
investments of shareholders, including with respect to variations based on the
value of SOL or the amount of Staking Consideration received as staking rewards.
As a whole, the Staking Arrangements permit the Trust to retain ownership of its
SOL at all times for U.S. federal income tax purposes while simultaneously
protecting and conserving the Trust Estate by mitigating the risk that another
party or group could control a majority of the Solana Network and engage in
transactions that could reduce the Trust Estate’s value.
A
Staking Provider must meet certain requirements in order to be selected to
participate in the Provider-Facilitated Staking model contemplated by the
Staking Arrangements. For example, each Staking Provider is required to be
unrelated to both the Trust and the
Sponsor.
Under the Staking Arrangements, the Staking Provider bears all of its own
expenses (including those on account of its validation activities).
The
Staking Provider is the node operator and is obligated to operate the validator
through which the Trust’s SOL is staked to ensure that validation occurs. The
Trust’s SOL is currently staked from the Trust’s wallets administered by the
Custodian, and the Staking Provider performs any related validation activities.
The Trust retains control of its staked SOL because (1) the staked SOL remains
in the Trust’s wallet administered by the Custodian (rather than transferred to
a wallet address controlled by the Staking Provider) and (2) the Trust (rather
than the Staking Provider) retains the ability through the Custodian to un-stake
its SOL from the applicable smart contracts. Because staked SOL remains in the
Trust wallet administered by the Custodian, even when staked, the Trust’s SOL is
not commingled with the SOL of any other SOL holder in connection with Staking,
such as the Staking Provider or others who stake to the Staking Provider,
despite the Trust delegating its validation rights to the Staking Provider,
which may be in receipt of other SOL holders’ validation rights. The Trust does
not itself undertake any validation activities, and the Sponsor is not required
to perform any services. Moreover, the Sponsor is not required to make any
decisions or take any actions, other than (i) selecting the Staking Provider(s)
and entering into the corresponding Staking Arrangement(s), and (ii)
determining, from time to time, what portion of the Trust’s SOL to stake and
un-stake, and informing the Staking Provider(s) of those
determinations.
The
Sponsor currently engages in and anticipates that it will continue to engage in
staking with respect to all of the Trust’s SOL at all times, except (i) as
necessary to pay the Sponsor’s Fee, (ii) as necessary to pay any additional
Trust expenses, (iii) as necessary to satisfy existing and reasonably foreseen
potential redemption requests as determined by the Sponsor, (iv) as necessary to
reduce the SOL obtained by the Trust as Staking Consideration to cash for
distribution at regular intervals, (v) if the Sponsor determines that Staking
raises significant governmental, policy or regulatory concerns or is subject or
likely subject to a specialized regulatory regime, (vi) if the Sponsor
determines there exists vulnerabilities in the source code or cryptography
underlying the Solana Network and any associated software, (vii) if the
Custodian or Staking Provider discontinues their arrangements with the Trust,
(viii) if the Sponsor otherwise determines that continued Staking of such
portion of the Trust’s assets would be inconsistent with the Trust’s purpose of
protecting and preserving the value of the Trust Estate, (ix) to fund or
replenish the Liquidity Sleeve (as defined herein) or (x) in accordance with any
other exception that is expressly contemplated by an opinion, ruling or tax
guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition. All SOL received by the Trust in
connection with the creation of new Shares, or as Staking Consideration, would
also be staked upon receipt by the Trust, unless one or more of the exceptions
described in clauses (i)-(ix) above applies. Moreover, any staked SOL which must
be un-staked in order to fulfill a distribution in connection with a redemption
(to the extent such distribution cannot be fulfilled utilizing the portion of
the Trust’s SOL that has not been staked, or through another mechanism to manage
liquidity in connection with Redemption Orders contemplated by an opinion of a
Tax Advisor, a Tax Ruling or Tax Guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition)
will be un-staked only after the redemption request is approved by the Trust,
the Sponsor executes an un-stake or withdrawal transaction through the
Custodian, and such transaction is processed by the Solana Network. The Staking
Provider is not able to transfer unstaked SOL or Staking Consideration to
another address on the Solana Network.
The
Sponsor has satisfied the Staking Condition with respect to certain liquidity
procedures, which it believes will ensure that it will satisfy existing and
reasonably foreseen redemption requests. Specifically, the Sponsor intends to
maintain a portion of unstaked SOL in the Trust (the “Liquidity Sleeve”).
Because the SOL in the Liquidity Sleeve is freely transferable, there is no
timing mismatch between settlement of Shares in primary market redemptions and
the SOL transfer time. The percentage of the Trust’s SOL comprising the
Liquidity Sleeve will be dynamic and subject to adjustment based on anticipated
primary and secondary market activity of the Shares and the SOL unstaking
process. The Sponsor generally seeks to stake as much of the Trust’s SOL as is
practicable (i.e., up to 100%) at all times, with the remainder of the Trust’s
SOL remaining unstaked in order to address the various exceptions and other
considerations described herein. The percentage of the Trust’s SOL that is
staked each day is reported the following day at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on
etfs.grayscale.com/gsol. In the future and subject to the satisfaction of the
Staking Condition thereto, the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, may be able to
enter into other financing arrangements or implement other mechanisms to manage
SOL liquidity constraints, including entering into short-term financing
arrangements with its Custodian to provide SOL to the Trust for settlement of
trades with the Trust’s Liquidity Provider(s), if necessary. These liquidity
risk policies and procedures are intended to be consistent with NYSE Arca’s
proposed generic listing standards.
Under
the Staking Arrangements, any Staking Consideration earned accrues in accordance
with the Solana Network’s rewards distribution mechanism to the Trust’s wallets
administered by the Custodian. Periodically, the Trust may either (i) distribute
SOL received as Staking Consideration to the Trust’s beneficiaries (likely using
a liquidating agent), (ii) sell that SOL for cash and distribute the proceeds to
the Trust’s beneficiaries, (iii) retain the SOL in the Trust, (iv) pay a portion
of the Staking Consideration to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor's Staking Fee”) as
consideration for its facilitation of the Staking Arrangements or (v) a
combination of the foregoing, in the Sponsor’s sole discretion. The Sponsor has
implemented a staking policy with respect to the Trust, which describes the
frequency of, and conditions under which the Trust will make such distributions,
if any, to the Trust’s beneficiaries. The Sponsor has made such staking policy
available to shareholders on the Sponsor’s website. Subject to any slashing
risk, the Trust (through the Custodian) will maintain control and remain the
record and beneficial owner of the staked tokens at all times, and the tokens
will remain associated with the Trust’s wallet.
As
of October 6, 2025, and pursuant to the Staking Arrangements, the Custodian and
the Staking Provider became entitled to receive a portion of the gross Staking
Consideration generated under the Staking Arrangements, reflecting the
Custodian’s fee and the Staking Provider’s share of such Staking Consideration,
with the remainder received by the Trust. The allocation of gross Staking
Consideration between the Custodian and the Staking Provider reflects an arm’s
length allocation that is independent of the expenses of both the Staking
Provider and Custodian, and may be stated as a percentage of the gross Staking
Consideration. In addition, pursuant to the Trust Agreement and as consideration
for the Sponsor’s facilitation of Staking, the Sponsor is permitted to receive a
fee equal to a portion of the Staking Consideration, payable in SOL, which
accrues daily in U.S. dollars in an amount calculated as a per annum percentage
of any Staking Consideration received by the Trust, as may be directed by the
Sponsor in its sole discretion. The Sponsor’s Staking Fee is payable to the
Sponsor daily in arrears. From November 5, 2025 until February 5, 2026 (the “Fee
Waiver Period”), the Sponsor waived a portion of the fees associated with
Staking, such that the Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the
Staking Provider’s share of the Staking Consideration comprised an aggregate of
5% of the gross Staking Consideration generated under the Staking Arrangements,
with the Trust receiving and retaining the remainder of such gross Staking
Consideration. Following the expiration of the Fee Waiver Period on February 5,
2026, the Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the Staking Provider’s
share of the Staking Consideration comprise an aggregate of 23% of the gross
Staking Consideration generated under the Staking Arrangements. The Trust
receives and retains the remainder of such gross Staking
Consideration.
From
time to time, the Trust may distribute SOL (or cash from the sale of SOL)
received as Staking Consideration to the Trust’s shareholders. The Sponsor has
implemented a staking policy with respect to the Trust, which describes the
frequency of, and conditions under which the Trust will make such distributions,
if any, to the Trust’s beneficiaries, which is available to shareholders on the
Sponsor’s website.
The
Staking Arrangements are based on market terms, consistent with those typically
offered by leading digital asset firms that offer staking functionality.
However, the Trust has and will continue to negotiate certain provisions as
necessary or helpful to preserve the Trust’s status as a grantor trust and the
security of the Trust’s SOL, as well as to address governmental, policy or
regulatory concerns. For example, unlike certain digital asset firms that offer
staking functionality through which one’s SOL is pooled with that of others
(including, potentially, the Staking Provider in its general staking offerings),
the Staking Arrangements do not permit the Trust’s SOL to be pooled with that of
other SOL holders, including the Staking Provider or others that stake to the
Staking Provider, as described above. In addition, the portion of staking
rewards to be received by the Staking Provider is an agreed percentage of block
rewards and transaction fees generated by the validating activities, unlike
certain alternative staking arrangements under which a staking provider may be
compensated as an agreed percentage of SOL staked.
The
Trust has no right to direct the Staking Provider in the conduct of validation
activities, except to stake, un-stake and withdraw its staked SOL pursuant to
instructions delivered to the Custodian, and does not and will not bear any
expenses incurred by the Staking Provider in conducting those activities. In
particular, the amount of any Staking Consideration that the Trust receives is
not and will not be determined with reference to any expenses incurred by the
Custodian or the Staking Provider. The Staking Arrangements do not include any
obligation of the Trust to continue staking its SOL, or for the Custodian or the
Staking Provider to continue the Staking Arrangements, other than to the extent
the Trust’s SOL cannot immediately be un-staked due to requirements of the
Solana protocol. There may also be instances where the Staking Provider may
pause or terminate its validation activities due to its own independent
assessment of the vulnerabilities of the Solana Network which would result in
the Trust’s SOL not being staked for a period of time. The Sponsor anticipates
that the Solana protocol and the Staking Arrangements will permit withdrawal of
staked SOL at regular intervals. The Sponsor believes that market practice for
Provider-Facilitated Staking arrangements has largely become standardized, with
little variation in terms, and therefore, the Sponsor anticipates that the
Staking Arrangements generally align with the current practice of Staking
Providers’ arrangements with other similarly situated third parties, subject to
the negotiation of certain bespoke terms outlined above. Accordingly, and
because transitioning to a new Staking Provider would involve friction costs,
the Sponsor does not expect the Trust to change Staking Providers frequently, if
at all. In addition, while the Trust may enter into Staking Arrangements with
multiple Staking Providers, the Sponsor anticipates that any such arrangements
would be substantively identical in all material respects to the Staking
Arrangements described herein, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the
bespoke terms of the Staking Arrangements outlined above. Any material deviation
from the Staking Arrangements as described herein would be disclosed in the
Trust’s subsequent filings with the Commission.
The
Staking Arrangements have not and will not involve a disposition of the Trust’s
SOL unless the Staking Provider commits a slash-worthy offense. Currently on the
Solana Network, slashing generally operates by social consensus, rather than
being automatically applied by the protocol’s code. The Solana community
generally aspires to slash 100% of staked assets in cases where a Solana node is
maliciously trying to violate safety rules and 0% during routine operations. As
a result, there is currently no automatic slashing in the Solana Network.
Rather, for regular consensus, after a safety violation, the Solana Network will
halt. The validators will analyze the data prior to the halt to determine who
was responsible and propose that the stake of the malicious actors responsible
for the safety violation should be slashed after restart, typically 100% of
their stake. Future protocol upgrades may include the implementation of
automated slashing mechanisms, where penalties would be triggered and enforced
directly by the network code without requiring social coordination. As of
December 31, 2025, there have been no slashing events on the Solana Network. In
light of the mechanical and
standardized
nature of validation activities, the Sponsor does not anticipate that the
Staking Provider, which is expected to be an institution of recognized and
trusted standing in the digital asset marketplace, with whom the Sponsor has had
extensive prior interaction, will commit any slash-worthy offenses in the
conduct of the Provider-Facilitated Staking activities. The Sponsor has the
right to direct the Custodian to cease staking the Trust’s SOL with the Staking
Provider at any time, subject to the extent the Trust’s SOL cannot immediately
be un-staked due to technical considerations, and the Sponsor expects that
notice of any slashing event will be timely and permit
the Sponsor to halt the staking of the Trust’s SOL, thereby mitigating the risk
of permanent loss of the Trust’s SOL without replacement.
Security
and Controls
The
Trust’s Custodian has multiple layers of security protocols intended to protect
the Trust’s assets from unauthorized access or transfer, which remain in place
when the Trust’s SOL is staked.
The
Trust’s SOL is staked from the Trust’s wallets and is not transferred to any
other wallet to be staked. The Solana protocol (a) mandates that the executor of
the staking transaction (i.e., the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust) can execute
the withdraw function at any time through the Trust’s wallets administered by
the Custodian and (b) limits the activities of the Staking Provider to executing
only those activities specified by the protocol, such as staking, un-staking and
performing validation activities and does not enable the Staking Provider to
unilaterally transfer staked assets to any wallet not specified by the Sponsor.
Accordingly, the Staking Provider does not have any powers to move the Trust’s
staked SOL other than to stake or un-stake SOL at the direction of the Sponsor.
In particular, the Staking Provider is not authorized to leverage or
rehypothecate the Trust’s SOL tokens. The Staking Provider is also not able to
change the designated wallet addresses on the Solana Network to which staked SOL
is to be withdrawn or to which Staking Consideration shall be sent.
In
addition, the Staking Arrangements do not alter the Trust’s custody environment
or security procedures. The controls currently in place between the Sponsor
and the Custodian also govern the activities related to staking and un-staking
SOL, as outlined in the Staking Arrangements.
The
foregoing description of the Staking Arrangements does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the
staking addendum to the Prime Broker Agreement between the Trust and the
Custodian, a copy of which is attached as an exhibit hereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
Incidental
Rights and IR Virtual Currency
The
Sponsor has notified the Prime Broker, the Custodian and Coinbase Credit, Inc.
(“Coinbase Credit”), on behalf of the Trust (such notice, the
“Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment Notices”) that the Trust will abandon,
irrevocably and for no direct or indirect consideration, effective immediately
prior to each time at which the Trust creates or redeems Shares (each such time,
a “Creation Time” or “Redemption Time”, respectively), all Incidental Rights and
IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be entitled as of such time. An
abandonment made pursuant to the Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment Notices is
referred to herein as a “Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment.” Pursuant to the
Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment Notices, a Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment would not apply to any Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency if
(i) the Trust has taken, or is taking at such time, an “Affirmative Action” to
acquire or abandon such Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency at any time
prior to the relevant Creation Time or Redemption Time or (ii) such Incidental
Right or IR Virtual Currency has been subject to a previous
Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment. An “Affirmative Action” refers to a written
notification from the Sponsor to the Prime Broker, the Custodian or Coinbase
Credit of the Trust’s intention (i) to acquire and/or retain an Incidental Right
and/or IR Virtual Currency or (ii) to abandon, with effect prior to the relevant
Creation Time or Redemption Time, an Incidental Right and/or IR Virtual
Currency.
As
a result of the Pre-Creation/Redemption Abandonment Notices, the Trust generally
has abandoned, prior to each relevant Creation Time or Redemption Time, any
Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency that it may have had any right to
receive at such time. The Trust has no right to receive any Incidental Right or
IR Virtual Currency abandoned pursuant to either the Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment Notices or Affirmative Actions. Furthermore, the Prime Broker, the
Custodian and Coinbase Credit has/have no authority, pursuant to the Prime
Broker Agreement or otherwise, to exercise, obtain or hold, as the case may be,
any such abandoned Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency on behalf of the
Trust or to transfer any such abandoned Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency
to the Trust if the Trust terminates its custodial arrangement with the Prime
Broker, the Custodian and Coinbase Credit. In addition, the Sponsor has
committed to cause the Trust not to take any Affirmative Action to acquire any
Incidental Right or IR Virtual Currency and, therefore, irrevocably abandon any
Incidental Right and IR Virtual Currency to which the Trust may become entitled
in the future.
Because
the Sponsor has committed to causing the Trust to irrevocably abandon all
Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency to which the Trust otherwise would
become entitled in the future, and causing the Trust not to take any Affirmative
Actions, the Trust will not receive any direct or indirect consideration for the
Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency and thus the value of the Shares will
not reflect the value of the Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency. In
addition, in the event the Sponsor seeks to change the Trust’s
policy
with
respect to Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency, an application would need
to be filed with the SEC by NYSE Arca seeking approval to amend its listing
rules to permit the Trust to distribute the Incidental Rights or IR Virtual
Currency in-kind to an agent of the shareholders for resale by such agent.
However, there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Sponsor would make
such a decision, or when NYSE Arca will seek or obtain this approval, if at all.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the
Shares—Shareholders will not receive the benefits of any forks or
airdrops.”
The
Sponsor has controls in place to monitor for material hard forks or airdrops.
The Sponsor will notify investors of any material change to its policy with
respect to Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency by filing a current report
on Form 8-K.
Secondary
Market Trading
While
the Trust’s investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on SOL
per Share) to reflect the value of SOL held by the Trust, including SOL earned
as Staking Consideration, determined by reference to the Index Price, less the
Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, the Shares may trade in the Secondary
Market on NYSE Arca (or on another Secondary Market in the future) at prices
that are lower or higher than the NAV per Share. The amount of the discount or
premium in the trading price relative to the NAV per Share may be influenced by
non-concurrent trading hours and liquidity between NYSE Arca and larger Digital
Asset Trading Platforms. While the Shares are listed and trade on NYSE Arca from
4:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., New York time, liquidity in the Digital Asset Markets
may fluctuate depending upon the volume and availability of larger Digital Asset
Trading Platforms. As a result, during periods in which Digital Asset Market
liquidity is limited or a major Digital Asset Trading Platform is off-line,
trading spreads, and the resulting premium or discount, on the Shares may
widen.
Overview
of the Solana Industry and Market
SOL
is a digital asset that is created and transmitted through the operations of the
peer-to-peer Solana Network, a decentralized network of computers that operates
on cryptographic protocols. No single entity owns or operates the Solana
Network, the infrastructure of which is collectively maintained by a
decentralized user base. The Solana Network allows people to exchange tokens of
value, called SOL, which are recorded on a public transaction ledger known as a
blockchain. SOL can be used to pay for goods and services, including to send a
transaction on the Solana Network, or it can be converted to fiat currencies,
such as the U.S. dollar, at rates determined on Digital Asset Markets that trade
SOL, or in individual end-user-to-end-user transactions under a barter system.
Furthermore, the Solana Network allows users to write and implement smart
contracts—that is, general-purpose code that executes on every computer in the
network and can instruct the transmission of information and value based on a
sophisticated set of logical conditions. Using smart contracts, users can create
markets, store registries of debts or promises, represent the ownership of
property, move funds in accordance with conditional instructions and create
digital assets other than SOL on the Solana Network. Smart contract operations
are executed on the Blockchain in exchange for payment of SOL. The Solana
Network is one of a number of projects intended to expand blockchain use beyond
just a peer-to-peer money system.
The
Solana protocol introduced the Proof-of-History (“PoH”) timestamping mechanism.
PoH automatically orders on-chain transactions by creating a historical record
that proves an event has occurred at a specific moment in time. PoH is intended
to provide a transaction processing speed and capacity advantage over other
blockchain networks, like the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks, which rely on
sequential production of blocks and can lead to delays caused by validator
confirmations.
In
addition to the PoH mechanism, the Solana Network uses a proof-of-stake
consensus mechanism to incentivize SOL holders to validate transactions. Unlike
proof-of-work, in which miners expend computational resources to compete to
validate transactions and are rewarded coins in proportion to the amount of
computational resources expended, in proof-of-stake, validators risk or “stake”
coins to compete to be randomly selected to validate transactions and are
rewarded coins in proportion to the amount of coins staked. Any malicious
activity, such as disagreeing with the eventual consensus or otherwise violating
protocol rules, may result in a validator being selected less frequently by a
consensus of other validators to validate blocks. Proof-of-stake is viewed as
more energy efficient and scalable than proof-of-work and is sometimes referred
to as “virtual mining”.
The
Solana protocol was first conceived by Anatoly Yakovenko in a 2017 whitepaper.
Development of the Solana Network is overseen by the Solana Foundation, a Swiss
non-profit organization, and Solana Labs, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware
corporation, which administered the original network launch and token
distribution.
Although
the Company and the Solana Foundation continue to exert significant influence
over the direction of the development of the Solana project, the Solana Network
is believed to be decentralized and does not require governmental authorities or
financial institution intermediaries to create, transmit or determine the value
of SOL.
SOL
Spot and Futures Markets
The
CFTC has regulatory jurisdiction over the SOL futures markets. In addition,
because the CFTC has determined that SOL is a non-security “commodity” under the
CEA and the rules thereunder, it has jurisdiction to prosecute fraud and
manipulation in the cash,
or
spot, market for SOL. Beyond instances of fraud or manipulation, the CFTC
generally does not oversee cash or spot market exchanges, spot Digital Asset
Trading Platforms or transactions involving spot SOL that do not utilize
collateral, leverage, or financing. The National Futures Association (“NFA”) is
the self-regulatory agency for the U.S. futures industry, and as such has
jurisdiction over SOL futures. However, the NFA does not have regulatory
oversight authority for the cash or spot market for SOL trading or
transactions.
In
February 2021, certain designated contract markets (“DCMs”) registered with the
CFTC, including the CME, launched new contracts for SOL futures products. DCMs
are boards of trades (commonly referred to as exchanges) that operate under the
regulatory oversight of the CFTC, pursuant to Section 5 of the CEA. To obtain
and maintain designation as a DCM, an exchange must comply on an initial and
ongoing basis with twenty-three Core Principles established under Section 5(d)
of the CEA. Among other things, DCMs are required to establish self-regulatory
programs designed to enforce the DCM’s rules, prevent market manipulation and
customer and market abuses, and ensure the recording and safe storage of trade
information. The CFTC engaged in a “heightened review” of the self-certification
of SOL futures, which required DCMs to enter direct or indirect information
sharing agreements with spot market platforms to allow access to trade and
trader data; monitor data from cash markets with respect to price settlements
and other SOL prices more broadly, and identify anomalies and disproportionate
moves in the cash markets compared to the futures markets; engage in inquiries,
including at the trade settlement level when necessary; and agree to regular
coordination with CFTC surveillance staff on trade activities, including
providing the CFTC surveillance team with trade settlement data upon
request.
In
February 2025, certain DCMs registered with the CFTC, including the CME,
launched new contracts for SOL futures products. These futures contracts are
cash-settled, based on the CME CF Solana-Dollar Reference Rate, calculated daily
at 4:00 p.m. London time. The first day of trading on CME saw approximately $12
million in notional value traded. On June 24, 2025 1.75 million
contracts
traded, marking the highest level ever recorded for SOL futures on CME. As of
late June 2025, open interest in SOL futures on CME surpassed $6.1 billion,
indicating sustained institutional engagement.
Smart
Contracts and Development on the Solana Network
Smart
contracts are programs that run on a blockchain that can execute automatically
when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts facilitate the exchange of
anything representative of value, such as money, information, property, or
voting rights. Using smart contracts, users can send or receive digital assets,
create markets, store registries of debts or promises, represent ownership of
property or a company, move funds in accordance with conditional instructions
and create new digital assets.
Development
on the Solana Network involves building more complex tools on top of smart
contracts, such as decentralized apps (DApps); organizations that are
autonomous, known as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs); and entirely
new decentralized networks. For example, a company that distributes charitable
donations on behalf of users could hold donated funds in smart contracts that
are paid to charities only if the charity satisfies certain pre-defined
conditions.
Additionally,
the Solana Network has been used for decentralized finance (DeFi) or open
finance platforms, which seek to democratize access to financial services, such
as borrowing, lending, custody, trading, derivatives and insurance, by removing
third-party intermediaries. DeFi can allow users to lend and earn interest on
their digital assets, exchange one digital asset for another and create
derivative digital assets such as stablecoins, which are digital assets pegged
to a reserve asset such as fiat currency.
In
addition, the Solana Network and other smart contract platforms have been used
for creating non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. Unlike digital assets native to smart
contract platforms that are fungible and enable the payment of fees for smart
contract execution, NFTs allow for digital ownership of assets that convey
certain rights to other digital or real world assets. This paradigm allows users
to own rights to other assets through NFTs, which enable users to trade them
with others on the Solana Network. For example, an NFT may convey rights to a
digital asset that exists in an online game or a DApp, and users can trade their
NFT in the DApp or game, and carry them to other digital experiences, creating
an entirely new free-market internet-native economy that can be monetized in the
physical world.
Overview
of the Solana Network’s Operations
In
order to own, transfer or use SOL directly on the Solana Network, as opposed to
through an intermediary, such as a custodian, a person generally must have
internet access to connect to the Solana Network. SOL transactions may be made
directly between end-users without the need for a third-party intermediary. To
prevent the possibility of double-spending SOL, a user must notify the Solana
Network of the transaction by broadcasting the transaction data to its network
peers. The Solana Network provides confirmation against double-spending by
memorializing every transaction in the Blockchain, which is publicly accessible
and transparent. This memorialization and verification against double-spending
is accomplished through the Solana Network validation process, which adds
“blocks” of data, including recent transaction information, to the Solana
Blockchain. Unlike other blockchains that rely solely on sequential production
of blocks through PoW or PoS mechanisms, however, the Solana Network introduces
PoH, which creates a historical record that proves an event has occurred at a
specific moment in time.
Summary
of a SOL Transaction
Prior
to engaging in SOL transactions directly on the Solana Network, a user generally
must first install on its computer or mobile device a Solana Network software
program that will allow the user to generate a private and public key pair
associated with a SOL address, commonly referred to as a “wallet.” The Solana
Network software program and the SOL address also enable the user to connect to
the Solana Network and transfer SOL to, and receive SOL from, other
users.
Each
Solana Network address, or wallet, is associated with a unique “public key” and
“private key” pair. To receive SOL, the SOL recipient must provide its public
key to the party initiating the transfer. This activity is analogous to a
recipient for a transaction in U.S. dollars providing a routing address in wire
instructions to the payor so that cash may be wired to the recipient’s account.
The payor approves the transfer to the address provided by the recipient by
“signing” a transaction that consists of the recipient’s public key with the
private key of the address from where the payor is transferring the SOL. The
recipient, however, does not make public or provide to the sender its related
private key.
Neither
the recipient nor the sender reveal their private keys in a transaction because
the private key authorizes transfer of the funds in that address to other users.
Therefore, if a user loses his or her private key, the user may permanently lose
access to the SOL contained in the associated address. Likewise, SOL is
irretrievably lost if the private key associated with them is deleted and no
backup has been made. When sending SOL, a user’s Solana Network software program
must validate the transaction with the associated private key. In addition,
since every computation on the Solana Network requires processing power, there
is a transaction fee involved with the transfer that is paid by the payor. The
resulting digitally validated transaction is sent by the user’s Solana Network
software program to the Solana Network validators to allow transaction
confirmation.
As
discussed in greater detail below in “—Creation of SOL,” Solana Network
validators record and confirm transactions when they validate and add blocks of
information to the Blockchain. In proof-of-stake, validators compete to be
randomly selected to validate transactions. When a validator is selected to
validate a block, it creates that block, which includes data relating to (i) the
verification of newly submitted and accepted transactions and (ii) a reference
to the prior block in the Solana Blockchain to which the new block is being
added. The validator becomes aware of outstanding, unrecorded transactions
through the data packet transmission and distribution discussed
above.
Upon
the addition of a block included in the Blockchain, the Solana Network software
program of both the spending party and the receiving party will show
confirmation of the transaction on the Solana Blockchain and reflect an
adjustment to the SOL balance in each party’s Solana Network public key,
completing the SOL transaction. Once a transaction is confirmed on the
Blockchain, it is irreversible.
Some
SOL transactions are conducted “off-blockchain” and are therefore not recorded
in the Blockchain. These “off-blockchain transactions” involve the transfer of
control over, or ownership of, a specific digital wallet holding SOL or the
reallocation of ownership of certain SOL in a pooled-ownership digital wallet,
such as a digital wallet owned by a Digital Asset Trading Platform. In contrast
to on-blockchain transactions, which are publicly recorded in the Blockchain,
information and data regarding off-blockchain transactions are generally not
publicly available. Therefore, off-blockchain transactions are not truly SOL
transactions in that they do not involve the transfer of transaction data on the
Solana Network and do not reflect a movement of SOL between addresses recorded
on the Solana Blockchain. For these reasons, off-blockchain transactions are
subject to risks as any such transfer of SOL ownership is not protected by the
protocol behind the Solana Network or recorded in, and validated through, the
blockchain mechanism.
Creation
of New SOL
Initial
Creation of SOL
Unlike
other digital assets such as Bitcoin, which are solely created through a
progressive mining process, 500 million SOL were created in connection with the
launch of the Solana Network. The initial 500 million SOL were distributed as
follows:
•
Investors:
189 million SOL, or 37.8% of the supply, was sold in private sales to venture
capital and other investors conducted between 2018 to 2021.
•
Solana
Foundation:
52 million SOL, or 10.4% of the supply, was distributed to the Solana Foundation
for operational costs incurred in the development of the Solana
Network.
•
Solana
Labs, Inc.:
64 million SOL, or 12.8% of the supply, was retained by Solana Labs to be used,
at least in part, to compensate the employees of Solana Labs.
•
Community:
195 million SOL, or 39.0% of the supply, was distributed to the Solana
Foundation to be deployed as bounties, incentive programs, marketing and
grants.
Following
the launch of the Solana Network, SOL supply increases through a progressive
minting process.
SOL
Supply
The
rate at which new SOL supply has been minted and put into circulation has varied
since network launch. Additionally, the Solana protocol reduces the SOL supply
by eliminating 50% of transaction fees paid to the network. As a result, net
changes in SOL supply are expected to vary in the future.
At
network launch, the SOL circulating supply was 8 million SOL. Between network
launch and December 31, 2025, the circulating supply of SOL increased by roughly
7,040% to approximately 563 million SOL.
In
February 2021, the SOL supply inflation rate was changed from 0.1% to a new
initial inflation rate of 8%. The 8% initial inflation rate is scheduled to
decline in 15% increments until a long-term inflation rate of 1.5% is reached.
As of December 31, 2025, the SOL supply issuance rate was approximately 3.97% on
an annual basis before any offsets for eliminated transaction fees.
Modifications
to the Solana Protocol
Historically
the Solana Network’s development has been overseen by Solana Labs, the Solana
Foundation and other core developers. The Solana Foundation and core developers
are able to access and alter the Solana Network source code and, as a result,
they are responsible for quasi-official releases of updates and other changes to
the Solana Network’s source code.
The
release of updates to the Solana Network’s source code does not guarantee that
the updates will be automatically adopted. Users and nodes must accept any
changes made to the Solana source code by downloading the proposed modification
of the Solana Network’s source code. A modification of the Solana Network’s
source code is effective only with respect to the Solana users that download it.
If a modification is accepted by only a percentage of users and validators, a
division in the Solana Network may occur such that one network will run the
pre-modification source code and the other network will run the modified source
code. Such a division is known as a “fork.” See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk
Factors Related to Digital Assets—A temporary or permanent “fork” or a “clone”
could adversely affect the value of the Shares”. Consequently, as a practical
matter, a modification to the source code becomes part of the Solana Network
only if accepted by participants collectively having a majority of the
processing power on the Solana Network.
Core
development of the Solana source code has increasingly focused on modifications
of the Solana protocol to increase speed and scalability and also allow for
financial and non-financial next generation uses. The Trust’s activities will
not directly relate to such projects, though such projects may utilize SOL as
tokens for the facilitation of their non-financial uses, thereby potentially
increasing demand for SOL and the utility of the Solana Network as a whole.
Conversely, projects that operate and are built within the Blockchain may
increase the data flow on the Solana Network and could either “bloat” the size
of the Solana Blockchain or slow confirmation times.
Forms
of Attack Against the Solana Network
All
networked systems are vulnerable to various kinds of attacks. As with any
computer network, the Solana Network contains certain flaws. For example, the
Solana Network is currently vulnerable to attacks where, if a validator or group
of validators acting in concert were to gain control of more than certain
thresholds of staked SOL, a malicious actor would be able to gain full control
of the network and the ability to manipulate the Solana Blockchain. As of
December 31, 2025, the top three largest staking pools controlled approximately
58% of the SOL staked on the Solana Network. In addition, many digital asset
networks have been subjected to a number of denial of service attacks, which has
led to temporary delays in block creation and the transfer of digital
assets.
For
example, on September 14, 2021, the Solana Network experienced a significant
disruption, later attributed to a type of denial of service attack, and was
offline for 17 hours, only returning to full functionality 24 hours later. While
persons associated with Solana Labs and/or the Solana Foundation are understood
to have played a key role in bringing the network back online, the broader
community also played a key role, as Solana validators coordinated to upgrade
and restart the network. Any similar attacks on the Solana Network that impact
the ability to transfer SOL could have a material adverse effect on the price of
SOL and the value of the Shares. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list
of all forms of attack against the Solana Network. For additional information,
see “Item1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to Digital Assets.”
Following
periods of network congestion and service interruptions in earlier stages of the
Solana Network’s operation, core developers, validators and other ecosystem
participants have implemented a series of protocol- and infrastructure-level
modifications intended to improve network stability, transaction prioritization
and resistance to spam or denial-of-service activity. These measures have
included changes to transaction fee markets and quality-of-service mechanisms,
improvements to transaction ingestion and scheduling, and enhancements to
validator software. In addition, development efforts have increasingly focused
on diversifying validator client implementations. While these efforts are
intended to reduce correlated failure risk and improve the resilience of the
Solana Network over time, there can be no assurance that such measures will
prevent future network disruptions or address all potential
vulnerabilities.
Market
Participants
Validators
Validators
range from Solana enthusiasts to professional operations that design and build
dedicated machines and data centers, including “clusters,” which are groups of
validators that act cohesively and combine their processing to confirm
transactions. When a validator confirms a transaction, the validator and any
associated stakers receive a fee. During the course of ordering transactions and
validating blocks, validators may be able to prioritize certain transactions in
return for increased transaction fees, an incentive system known as “Maximal
Extractable Value” or MEV. For example, in blockchain networks that facilitate
DeFi protocols in particular, such as the Ethereum network, users may attempt to
gain an advantage over other users by offering greater transaction fees.
Validators less commonly capture MEV in the Solana Network because, unlike the
Ethereum network, it does not publicly expose transactions before they are
accepted by a validator. However, some efforts are underway to help Solana
validators consistently capture MEV. See “—Summary of a SOL Transaction”
above.
Investment
and Speculative Sector
This
sector includes the investment and trading activities of both private and
professional investors and speculators. Historically, larger financial services
institutions are publicly reported to have limited involvement in investment and
trading in digital assets, although the participation landscape is beginning to
change. Currently, there is relatively limited use of digital assets in the
retail and commercial marketplace in comparison to relatively extensive use by
speculators, and a significant portion of demand for digital assets is generated
by speculators and investors seeking to profit from the short- or long-term
holding of digital assets.
Retail
Sector
The
retail sector includes users transacting in direct peer-to-peer SOL transactions
through the direct sending of SOL over the Solana Network. The retail sector
also includes transactions in which consumers purchase goods and services from
commercial or service businesses through direct transactions or third-party
service providers, although the use of SOL as a means of payment is still
developing and has not yet been accepted in the same manner as Bitcoin or Ether
due to its infancy and because SOL has a different purpose than Bitcoin and
Ether.
Service
Sector
This
sector includes companies that provide a variety of services including the
buying, selling, payment processing and storing of SOL. For example, Kraken,
Bullish, Crypto.com, Bybit and Bitstamp by Robinhood are some of the largest
Digital Asset Trading Platforms by volume traded. For storing SOL, Coinbase
Custody Trust Company, LLC, the Custodian for the Trust, is a digital asset
custodian that provides custodial accounts that store SOL for users. As the
Solana Network continues to grow in acceptance, it is anticipated that service
providers will expand the currently available range of services and that
additional parties will enter the service sector for the Solana
Network.
Competition
Thousands
of digital assets have been developed since the inception of Bitcoin, which is
currently one of the most developed digital asset because of the length of time
it has been in existence, the investment in the infrastructure that supports it,
and the network of individuals and entities that are using Bitcoin in
transactions. While the Solana Network has enjoyed some success in its limited
history, the aggregate value of outstanding SOL is smaller than that of Bitcoin
and may be eclipsed by the more rapid development of other digital assets. In
addition, a number of newer digital assets also function as smart contracts
platforms, including Ethereum, Avalanche, and Cardano. Some industry groups have
also created private, permissioned blockchains. For example, J.P. Morgan has
developed a platform called Kinexys (formerly known as Onyx), which is described
as a blockchain-based platform designed for use by the financial services
industry.
SOL
Value
Digital
Asset Trading Platform Valuation
The
value of SOL is determined by the value that various market participants place
on SOL through their transactions. The most common means of determining the
value of a SOL is by surveying one or more Digital Asset Trading Platforms where
SOL is traded publicly and transparently. Additionally, there are
over-the-counter dealers or market makers that transact in SOL.
Prior
to October 1, 2025, the Trust valued the SOL held by the Trust for operational
purposes by reference to the CoinDesk Solana Price Index
(SLX). Effective October 1, 2025, the Index was changed to the CoinDesk Solana
Benchmark Rate (formerly known as the CoinDesk SOL CCIXber Reference
Rate).
Digital
Asset Trading Platform Public Market Data
On
each online Digital Asset Trading Platform, SOL is traded with publicly
disclosed valuations for each executed trade, measured by one or more fiat
currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro, or stablecoins such as U.S. Dollar
Coin (“USDC”). Over-the-counter dealers or market makers do not typically
disclose their trade data.
As
of December 31, 2025, the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index
were Kraken, Crypto.com, Bitfinex, Bitstamp by Robinhood, Gemini, LMAX Digital,
Bullish, OKX, and Bybit. The Sponsor and the Trust reasonably believe each of
these Digital Asset Trading Platforms are in material compliance with applicable
licensing requirements based on the inclusion criteria and
jurisdiction,
as detailed below, and maintain practices and policies designed to comply
with
anti-money laundering (“AML”)and know-your-customer (“KYC”)
regulations.
Bitfinex:
A
British Virgin Islands based trading platform. Bitfinex does not hold any
licenses or registrations in the U.S. and is not available to U.S.-based
customers.
Bitstamp
by Robinhood: A
U.K.-based trading platform that has U.S. operations and entities registered as
money service businesses (“MSBs”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), holds a BitLicense, and that is
licensed as a money transmitter in various U.S. states.
Bullish:
A Gibraltar-based trading platform that has entities registered as MSBs with
FinCEN, and that is licensed as a virtual currency business under the New York
State Department of Financial Services’ (“NYDFS”) BitLicense.
Bybit:
A United Arab Emirates-based trading platform. Bybit does not hold any licenses
or registrations in the U.S. and is not available to U.S. based
customers.
Crypto.com:
A
Singapore-based trading platform that has entities registered as MSBs with
FinCEN, and that is licensed as a money transmitter in various U.S. states and
chartered as a non-depository trust company by the New Hampshire Banking
Department. Crypto.com does not hold a BitLicense.
Gemini:
A U.S.-based trading platform that has entities registered as MSBs with FinCEN
and that is licensed as a money transmitter in various U.S. states. Gemini also
has a New York entity that holds a limited purpose trust charter and has
received approval from the NYDFS to engage in virtual currency business activity
and is exempt from applying for a BitLicense under the framework established by
NYDFS because of their trust charter under New York Banking Law.
Kraken:
A
U.S.-based trading platform that has entities registered as MSBs with FinCEN,
and that is licensed as a money transmitter in various U.S. states, and
chartered as a Special Purpose Depository Institution by the Wyoming Division of
Banking. Kraken does not hold a BitLicense.
LMAX
Digital:
A U.K.-based trading platform that has entities registered as a broker with the
U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, and that is licensed as an MSB with FinCEN and
regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
OKX:
A Seychelles-based trading platform. OKX does not hold any licenses or
registrations in the U.S. and is not available to U.S.-based
customers.
Currently,
there are several Digital Asset Trading Platforms operating worldwide, and
online Digital Asset Trading Platforms represent a substantial percentage of SOL
buying and selling activity and provide the most data with respect to prevailing
valuations of SOL. These trading platforms include established trading platforms
such as trading platforms included in the Index which provide a number of
options for buying and selling SOL.
The
below tables reflect
the trading volume in SOL and market share of the SOL-U.S. dollar and SOL-USDC
trading pairs of each of the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the
Index as of December 31, 2025 (collectively, “Constituent Trading Platforms”),
using data since the inception of the Trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of December 31,
2025 |
|
Volume
(SOL) |
|
|
Market
Share(1) |
|
|
Kraken |
|
|
257,683,151 |
|
|
|
17.40 |
% |
|
Crypto.com |
|
|
191,716,800 |
|
|
|
12.95 |
% |
|
Bitstamp
by Robinhood |
|
|
65,718,765 |
|
|
|
4.44 |
% |
|
LMAX
Digital |
|
|
32,466,524 |
|
|
|
2.19 |
% |
|
Gemini |
|
|
27,030,101 |
|
|
|
1.83 |
% |
|
Bitfinex |
|
|
18,919,974 |
|
|
|
1.28 |
% |
|
Bullish |
|
|
10,565,804 |
|
|
|
0.71 |
% |
|
OKX |
|
|
10,295,481 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
Total
SOL-U.S. Dollar trading pair |
|
|
614,396,600 |
|
|
|
41.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of December 31,
2025 |
|
Volume
(SOL) |
|
|
Market
Share(1) |
|
|
Bybit |
|
|
94,870,343 |
|
|
|
11.67 |
% |
|
Bullish |
|
|
72,872,402 |
|
|
|
8.96 |
% |
|
OKX |
|
|
30,603,317 |
|
|
|
3.76 |
% |
|
Kraken |
|
|
7,269,332 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
Bitstamp
by Robinhood |
|
|
82,272 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
% |
|
Total
SOL-USDC trading pair |
|
|
205,697,666 |
|
|
|
25.29 |
% |
(1)
Market
share is calculated using trading volume (in SOL) for certain Digital Asset
Trading Platforms, including Kraken, Bullish, Crypto.com, Bybit, Bitstamp by
Robinhood, Bitfinex, Gemini, LMAX Digital and OKX, as well as certain other
large U.S. dollar and USDC denominated Digital Asset Trading Platforms that were
not included in the Index as of December 31, 2025, including Binance,
Binance.US, CEX.IO (data included through February 23, 2025), Coinbase, Deribit
(data included from February 26, 2024), GATE, Hitbtc, Itbit, Kucoin, LBank, and
MEXC.
The
domicile, regulation and legal compliance of the Digital Asset Trading Platforms
included in the Index varies. Information regarding each Digital Asset Trading
Platform may be found, where available, on the websites for such Digital Asset
Trading Platforms, among other places.
Although
the Index is designed to accurately capture the market price of SOL, third
parties may be able to purchase and sell SOL on public or private markets not
included among the Constituent Trading Platforms of the Index, and such
transactions may take place at prices materially higher or lower than the Index
Price. Moreover, there may be variances in the prices of SOL on the various
Digital Asset Trading Platforms, including as a result of differences in fee
structures or administrative procedures on different Digital Asset Trading
Platforms. For example, based on data provided by the Index Provider, on any
given day during the year ended December 31, 2025, the maximum differential
between the 4:00 p.m., New York time, spot price of any single Digital Asset
Trading Platform included in the Index and the Index Price was 3.76% and the
average of the maximum differentials of the 4:00 p.m., New York time, spot price
of each Digital Asset Trading Platform included in the Index and the Index Price
was 0.55%. During this same period, the average differential between the 4:00
p.m., New York time, spot prices of all the Digital Asset Trading Platforms
included in the Index and the Index Price was 0.005%. All Digital Asset Trading
Platforms that were included in the Index throughout the period were considered
in this analysis. To the extent such prices differ materially from the Index
Price, investors may lose confidence in the Shares’ ability to track the market
price of SOL.
The
Index and the Index Price
The
Index is a U.S. dollar-denominated composite reference rate for the price of
SOL. The Index is designed to (1) mitigate the effects of fraud, manipulation
and other anomalous trading activity from impacting the SOL reference rate, (2)
provide a real-time, volume-weighted fair value of SOL and (3) appropriately
handle and adjust for non-market related events.
The
Index Price is determined by the Index Provider through a process in which trade
data is cleansed and compiled in such a manner as to algorithmically reduce the
impact of anomalistic or manipulative trading. This is accomplished by adjusting
the weight of each data input based on price deviation relative to the
observable set, as well as recent and long-term trading volume at each venue
relative to the observable set. The Index Price is calculated using non-GAAP
methodology and is not used in the Trust’s financial statements.
All
references to the NAV and NAV per Share of the Trust in this report have been
calculated using the Index Price unless indicated otherwise.
All
references to the NAV and NAV per Share of the Trust in this Annual Report prior
to October 1, 2025 have been calculated using the Index Price based on the
CoinDesk Solana Price Index (SLX) unless otherwise indicated. Effective October
1, 2025, the NAV and NAV per Share
of the Trust is calculated using the Index Price based on the CoinDesk Solana
Benchmark Rate.
Constituent
Trading Platform Selection
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms are selected for inclusion in the Index based on a
methodology developed by the Index Provider in alignment with the
International Organization of Securities Commissions (“IOSCO”) Principles for
Financial Benchmarks. To qualify as a Constituent Trading Platform, a platform
is evaluated across the following core criteria listed below (the “Inclusion
Criteria”):
•
Market
Quality: Overall liquidity, trading activity, price reliability, and market
stability.
•
Security:
Cybersecurity safeguards, custody practices, and operational risk
controls.
•
Legal
and Regulatory: Licensing status, regulatory compliance, and legal
transparency.
•
KYC:
Assessment of anti-money laundering (“AML”) and know-your-customer (“KYC”)
frameworks, transaction monitoring capabilities, and market
oversight.
•
Data
Provision: Quality, accessibility, and reliability of trading data and technical
infrastructure.
•
Transparency:
Financial and operational disclosures, including reserve and governance
transparency.
•
Team:
Assessment of executive leadership, relevant experience, organizational
structure, and service offerings across institutional and retail
markets.
•
Negative
Events: The Index Provider may apply a downward adjustment for material adverse
events, including data breaches, regulatory penalties, withdrawal freezes, or
other significant incidents.
Trading
platforms that meet these Inclusion Criteria are also required to be licensed
and able to serve customers in one or more of the following
jurisdictions:
•
United
States (FinCEN, state regulatory authorities)
•
European
Union (MiCA passport)
•
United
Arab Emirates, including the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi (VARA,
ADGM)
A
Digital Asset Trading Platform is removed from the Constituent Trading Platforms
when it no longer satisfies the Inclusion Criteria. The Index Provider may also
exclude certain trading platforms that require additional support from
contributing trading platforms at its discretion. The Index Provider does not
currently include data from over-the-counter markets or derivatives platforms
among the Constituent Trading Platforms. Over-the-counter data is not currently
included because of the potential for trades to include a significant premium or
discount paid for larger liquidity, which creates an uneven comparison relative
to more active markets. There is also a higher potential for over-the-counter
transactions to not be arms-length, and thus not be representative of a true
market price. SOL derivative markets are also not currently included. While the
Index Provider has no plans to include data from over-the-counter markets or
derivative platforms at this time, the Index Provider will consider IOSCO
principles for financial benchmarks, the management of trading venues of SOL
derivatives and the aforementioned Inclusion Criteria when considering whether
to include over-the-counter or derivative platform data in the
future.
The
Index Provider and the Sponsor have entered into the index license agreement,
dated as of February 1, 2022 (as amended, the “Index License Agreement”),
governing the Sponsor’s use of the Index Price. Pursuant to the terms of the
Index License Agreement, the Index Provider may adjust the calculation
methodology for the Index Price without notice to, or consent of, the Trust or
its shareholders. The Index Provider may decide to change the calculation
methodology to maintain the integrity of the Index Price calculation should it
identify or become aware of previously unknown variables or issues with the
existing methodology that it believes could materially impact its performance
and/or reliability. The Index Provider has sole discretion over the
determination of the Index Price and may change the methodologies for
determining the Index Price from time to time. Shareholders will be notified of
any material changes to the calculation methodology or the Index Price in the
Trust’s current reports and will be notified of all other changes that
the
Sponsor
considers significant in the Trust’s periodic or current reports. The Sponsor
will determine the materiality of any changes to the Index Price on a
case-by-case basis, in consultation with external counsel.
The
Index Provider may change the trading venues that are used to calculate the
Index or otherwise change the way in which the Index is calculated at any time.
For example, the Index Provider has scheduled monthly reviews in which it may
add or remove Constituent Trading Platforms that satisfy or fail the Inclusion
Criteria as well as other requirements detailed in the Index Methodology. The
Index Provider does not have any obligation to consider the interests of the
Sponsor, the Trust, the shareholders, or anyone else in connection with such
changes. While the Index Provider is not required to publicize or explain the
changes or to alert the Sponsor to such changes, it has historically notified
the Trust of certain changes to the Constituent Trading Platforms, including any
additions or removals of the Constituent Trading Platforms, in addition to
issuing press releases in connection with the same. The Sponsor will provide
updates of such changes in the Trust’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Although
the Index methodology is designed to operate without any manual intervention,
rare events would justify manual intervention. Intervention of this kind would
be in response to non-market-related events, such
as the halting of deposits or withdrawals of funds on a Digital Asset Trading
Platform, the unannounced closure of operations on a Digital Asset Trading
Platform, insolvency or the compromise of user funds. In the event that such an
intervention is necessary, the Index Provider would issue a public announcement
through its website, API and other established communication channels with its
clients.
Determination
of the Index Price
The
Index applies an algorithm to the price of SOL on the Constituent Trading
Platforms calculated every 5 seconds over a 24-hour period. The Index’s
algorithm is expected to reflect a five-pronged methodology to calculate the
Index Price from the Constituent Trading Platforms:
•
Volume
Weighting: Constituent Trading Platforms with greater liquidity receive a higher
weighting in each Index, increasing the ability to execute against (i.e.,
replicate) the Index in the underlying spot markets. The Index methodology is a
volume-weighted real-time price where the latest trade price for each
Constituent Trading Platform is weighted based on its trailing 24-hour
volume.
•
FX
Conversion: The Index algorithm utilizes a volume-weighted real-time FX
conversion rate for any trading activity for the relevant Stablecoin-USD pair.
This normalizes all trading activity to USD denomination.
•
Outlier
Detection Factor: The Index algorithm excludes trade data and price(s) deemed to
be an outlier relative to the most recently calculated Index.
•
Inactivity
Adjustment: The Index algorithm penalizes stale activity from any given
Constituent Trading Platform. When a Constituent Trading Platform does not have
recent trading data, the outdated prices and their contribution to the Index
calculation are gradually reduced until they are de-weighted to 0.1%. Similarly,
once trading activity at a Constituent Trading Platform resumes, the
corresponding weighting for that Constituent Trading Platform will no longer be
penalized.
•
Manipulation
Resistance: In an effort to determine and prioritize the most significant
Constituent Trading Platforms (i.e., those that are likely to have the most
impact on price discovery) for a given asset, the Index Provider conducts a
Constituent Trading Platform selection and review process, which seeks to
identify the highest-ranking Constituent Trading Platforms based on both
qualitative and quantitative factors. The qualitative review includes legal and
regulation, data provision, security, trade monitoring, market quality, and
negative events policy, among others. The quantitative review includes review of
trading activity for the asset on the given Constituent Trading
Platform.
The
Index Provider re-evaluates the weighting algorithm on a periodic basis, but
maintains discretion to change the way in which an Index Price is calculated
based on its periodic review or in extreme circumstances. The Index is designed
to limit exposure to trading or price distortion of any individual Digital Asset
Trading Platform that experiences periods of unusual activity or limited
liquidity by discounting, in real-time, anomalous price movements at individual
Digital Asset Trading Platforms.
The
Sponsor believes the Index Provider’s selection process for Constituent Trading
Platforms as well as the methodology of the Index Price’s algorithm provides a
more accurate picture of SOL price movements than a simple average of Digital
Asset Trading Platform spot prices, and that the weighting of SOL prices on the
Constituent Trading Platforms limits the inclusion of data that is influenced by
temporary price dislocations that may result from technical problems, limited
liquidity or fraudulent activity elsewhere in the SOL spot market.
By
referencing multiple trading venues and weighting them based on trade activity,
the Sponsor believes that the impact of any potential fraud, manipulation or
anomalous trading activity occurring on any single venue is reduced.
If
the Index Price becomes unavailable, or if the Sponsor determines in good faith
that such Index Price does not reflect an accurate price for SOL , then the
Sponsor will contact the Index Provider to obtain the Index Price directly from
the Index Provider. If after such
contact
such Index Price remains unavailable or the Sponsor continues to believe in good
faith that such Index Price does not reflect an accurate price for SOL , then
the Sponsor will employ a cascading set of rules to determine the Index Price,
as described below in “—Determination of the Index Price When Index Price is
Unavailable.”
The
Trust values its SOL for operational purposes by reference to the Index Price.
The Index Price is the value of a SOL as represented by the Index, calculated
at
4:00 p.m., New York time, on each business day.
Illustrative
Example
For
the purposes of illustration, outlined below are examples of how the attributes
that impact weighting and adjustments in the aforementioned methodology may be
utilized to generate the Index Price for a digital asset.
For
example, the Constituent Trading Platforms used to calculate the Index Price of
the digital asset may include trading platforms such as Crypto.com, Kraken, LMAX
Digital and Bitstamp by Robinhood.
The
Index Price algorithm, as described above, is designed to account for
manipulation at the outset by only including data from executed trades
on
Constituent Trading Platforms that charge trading fees. Then, the below-listed
elements may impact the weighting of the Constituent Trading Platforms on the
Index Price as follows:
•
Volume
Weighting: Each Constituent Trading Platform will be weighted to appropriately
reflect the trading volume share of the Constituent Trading Platform relative to
all the Constituent Trading Platforms during this same period. For example, a
weighting of 67.06%, 14.57%, 11.88%, and 6.49% for
Crypto.com, Kraken, LMAX Digital and Bitstamp by Robinhood,
respectively, would represent each Constituent Trading Platform’s share of
trading volume during the preceding 24 hours.
•
Inactivity
Adjustment: Assume that a Constituent Trading Platform represented a 14%
weighting on the Index Price of the digital asset and then went offline for
approximately two hours. The index algorithm would automatically recognize
inactivity and start de-weighting the Constituent Trading Platform at the
5-minute mark and continue to do so with each additional 5-minute period of
inactivity until its influence was effectively zero, 25 minutes after becoming
inactive. As soon as trading activity resumed at the Constituent Trading
Platform, the index algorithm would re-weight it to the appropriate weighting
based on trading volume and price-variance relative to the cohort of Constituent
Trading Platforms included in the Index.
•
Price
Outlier Detection: New traded prices from Constituent Trading Platforms are
compared to the latest calculated Index Price. If a new traded price deviates by
+/- 5% from the latest calculated Index Price, it will be considered an outlier
and will not be used in the calculation of the Index Price until such time as a
majority of the Constituent Trading Platforms are similarly considered outlier
prices. In that case, the new prices will be used to calculate the Index Price.
For example, if the Index Price is $10 and there is a new trade price of $11
from Constituent Trading Platform X, the price of $11 will be considered an
outlier and will not be used. However, if the most recent prices on a majority
of the Constituent Trading Platforms are aligned with the price of $11, then
these prices will no longer be considered outliers and will be used to calculate
the new Index Price.
Determination
of the Index Price When Index Price is Unavailable
The
Sponsor uses the following cascading set of rules to calculate the Index Price.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Sponsor will employ the below rules sequentially
and in the order as presented below, should one or more specific rule(s)
fail:
1.
Index
Price = The price set by the Index as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the
valuation date. If the Index becomes unavailable, or if the Sponsor determines
in good faith that the Index does not reflect an accurate price, then the
Sponsor will, on a best efforts basis, contact the Index Provider to obtain the
Index Price directly from the Index Provider. If after such contact the Index
remains unavailable or the Sponsor continues to believe in good faith that the
Index does not reflect an accurate price, then the Sponsor will employ the next
rule to determine the Index Price. There are no predefined criteria to make a
good faith assessment and it will be made by the Sponsor in its sole
discretion.
2.
Index
Price = The price set by Coin Metrics Real-Time Rate (the “Secondary Index”) as
of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date (the “Secondary Index
Price”). The Secondary Index Price is a real-time reference rate price,
calculated using trade data from constituent markets selected by Coin Metrics,
Inc. (the “Secondary Index Provider”). The Secondary Index Price is calculated
by applying weighted-median techniques to such trade data where half the weight
is derived from the trading volume on each constituent market and half is
derived from inverse price variance, where a constituent market with high price
variance as a result of outliers or market anomalies compared to other
constituent markets is assigned a smaller weight. The Secondary Index Provider
and the Sponsor have entered into the master services agreement, dated as of
August 4, 2020, and order forms thereunder, pursuant to which the Sponsor may
obtain and use the Secondary Index and the
Secondary
Index Price from the Secondary Index Provider. If the Secondary Index becomes
unavailable, or if the Sponsor determines in good faith that the Secondary Index
does not reflect an accurate price, then the Sponsor will, on a best efforts
basis, contact the Secondary Index Provider to obtain the Secondary Index Price
directly from the Secondary Index Provider. If after such contact the Secondary
Index remains unavailable or the Sponsor continues to believe in good faith that
the Secondary Index does not reflect an accurate price, then the Sponsor will
employ the next rule to determine the Index Price. There are no predefined
criteria to make a good faith assessment and it will be made by the Sponsor in
its sole discretion.
3.
Index
Price = The price set by the Trust’s principal market (the “Tertiary Pricing
Option”) as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date. The Tertiary
Pricing Option is a spot price derived from the principal market’s public data
feed that is believed to be consistently publishing pricing information as of
4:00 p.m., New York time, and is provided to the Sponsor via an application
programming interface. If the Tertiary Pricing Option becomes unavailable, or if
the Sponsor determines in good faith that the Tertiary Pricing Option does not
reflect an accurate price, then the Sponsor will, on a best efforts basis,
contact the Tertiary Pricing Provider to obtain the Tertiary Pricing Option
directly from the Tertiary Pricing Provider. If after such contact the Tertiary
Pricing Option remains unavailable or the Sponsor continues to believe in good
faith that the Tertiary Pricing Option does not reflect an accurate price, then
the Sponsor will employ the next rule to determine the Index Price. There are no
predefined criteria to make a good faith assessment and it will be made by the
Sponsor in its sole discretion.
4.
Index
Price = The Sponsor will use its best judgment to determine a good faith
estimate of the Index Price. There are no predefined criteria to make a good
faith assessment and it will be made by the Sponsor in its sole
discretion.
In
the event of a fork, the Index Provider may calculate the Index Price based on a
digital asset that the Sponsor does not believe to be the appropriate asset that
is held by the Trust. In this event, the Sponsor has full discretion to use a
different index provider or calculate the Index Price itself using its best
judgment.
The
Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, select a different index provider, select a
different index price provided by the Index Provider, calculate the Index Price
by using the cascading set of rules set forth above, or change the cascading set
of rules set forth above at any time. The
Sponsor will provide notice of any such changes in the Trust’s periodic or
current reports and, if the Sponsor makes such a change other than on an ad hoc
or temporary basis, will file a proposed rule change with the SEC.
Government
Oversight
As
digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, the U.S. Congress
and a number of U.S. federal and state agencies (including FinCEN, the Treasury
Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), SEC, CFTC, the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (“CFPB”), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security,
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, a bureau
of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “IRS”), the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Federal Reserve and state financial institution and securities regulators) have
been examining the operations of digital asset networks, digital asset users and
the digital asset markets, with particular focus on the extent to which digital
assets can be used to launder the proceeds of illegal activities, evade
sanctions or fund criminal or terrorist enterprises and the safety and soundness
of trading platforms and other service providers that hold or custody digital
assets for users. Many of these state and federal agencies have issued consumer
advisories regarding the risks posed by digital assets to investors. In
addition, federal and state agencies, and other countries and international
bodies have issued rules or guidance about the treatment of digital asset
transactions or requirements for businesses engaged in digital asset activity.
Moreover, the failure of FTX Trading Ltd. (“FTX”) in November 2022 and the
resulting market turmoil substantially increased regulatory scrutiny in the
United States and globally and led to SEC enforcement actions, criminal
investigations, and other regulatory activity across the digital asset
ecosystem.
On
January 23, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled
“Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” aimed at
supporting “the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain
technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy.” The
executive order established an interagency working group tasked with “proposing
a Federal regulatory framework governing the issuance and operation of digital
assets” in the United States. Pursuant to this executive order, the working
group released a report in July 2025 outlining the administration's
recommendations to Congress and various agencies reflecting the administration's
“pro-innovation mindset toward digital assets and blockchain
technologies.”
In
addition, the SEC, U.S. state securities regulators and several foreign
governments have issued warnings and instituted legal proceedings in which they
argue that certain digital assets may be classified as securities and that both
those digital assets and any related initial coin offerings or other primary and
secondary market transactions are subject to securities regulations. For
example, in June 2023, the SEC brought charges against Binance Holdings Ltd.
(the “Binance Complaint”) and Coinbase, Inc. (the “Coinbase Complaint”), and in
November 2023, the SEC brought charges against Kraken (the “Kraken Complaint”),
alleging that they operated unregistered securities exchanges, brokerages and
clearing agencies. In its complaints, the SEC asserted that several digital
assets are securities under the federal securities laws. Between February 2025
and May 2025, the SEC entered into court-approved joint stipulations to
dismiss
each
of the Binance Complaint, Coinbase Complaint and the Kraken Complaint. The SEC
has terminated its investigation or enforcement action into many other digital
asset market participants as well. Additionally, U.S. state and federal, and
foreign regulators and legislatures have taken action against virtual currency
businesses or enacted restrictive regimes in response to adverse publicity
arising from hacks, consumer harm, or criminal activity stemming from virtual
currency activity.
There
have been several bills introduced in Congress that propose to establish
additional regulation and oversight of the digital asset markets. Certain of
these bills passed out of relevant committees and were passed in the House of
Representatives in the last Congress, though not the Senate. Some of these bills
have since been reintroduced with changes, and continue to be contemplated in
the relevant committees, as well as the full House of Representatives and
Senate. For example, in July 2025, the GENIUS Act was signed into law and the
House of Representatives passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025
(“CLARITY Act”) in an effort to pass laws relating to digital asset market
structure. It is difficult to predict whether, or when, any of these
developments will lead to Congress granting additional authorities to the SEC or
other regulators, what the nature of such additional authorities might be, how
additional legislation and/or regulatory oversight might impact the ability of
digital asset markets to function or how any new regulations or changes to
existing regulations might impact the value of digital assets. See “Item 1A.
Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Regulation of Digital Assets, the Trust
and the Shares— Regulatory changes or actions by the U.S. Congress or any U.S.
federal or state agencies may affect the value of the Shares or restrict the use
of SOL, validating activity or the operation of the Solana Network or the
Digital Asset Markets in a manner that adversely affects the value of the
Shares,” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Regulation of
Digital Assets, the Trust and the Shares—A determination that SOL or any other
digital asset is a “security” may adversely affect the value of SOL and the
value of the Shares, and result in potentially extraordinary, nonrecurring
expenses to, or termination of, the Trust.”
Various
foreign jurisdictions have, and may continue to, in the near future, adopt laws,
regulations or directives that affect a digital asset network, the Digital Asset
Markets, and their users, particularly Digital Asset Trading Platforms and
service providers that fall within such jurisdictions’ regulatory scope. For
example:
•
China
has made transacting in cryptocurrencies illegal for Chinese citizens in
mainland China, and additional restrictions may follow. China has banned initial
coin offerings and there have been reports that Chinese regulators have taken
action to shut down a number of China-based Digital Asset Trading
Platforms.
•
South
Korea determined to amend its Financial Information Act in March 2020 to require
virtual asset service providers to register and comply with its AML and
counter-terrorism funding framework. These measures also provide the government
with the authority to close Digital Asset Trading Platforms that do not comply
with specified processes. South Korea has also banned initial coin
offerings.
•
The
Reserve Bank of India in April 2018 banned the entities it regulates from
providing services to any individuals or business entities dealing with or
settling digital assets. In March 2020, this ban was overturned in the Indian
Supreme Court, although the Reserve Bank of India is currently challenging this
ruling.
•
The
United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority published final rules in October
2020 banning the sale of derivatives and exchange-traded notes that reference
certain types of digital assets, contending that they are “ill-suited” to retail
investors citing extreme volatility, valuation challenges and association with
financial crime. A new law, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023
(“FSMA”), received royal assent in June 2023. The FSMA brings digital asset
activities within the scope of existing laws governing financial institutions,
markets and assets.
•
The
Parliament of the European Union approved the text of the Markets in
Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”) in April 2023, establishing a regulatory
framework for digital asset services across the European Union. MiCA is intended
to serve as a comprehensive regulation of digital asset markets and imposes
various obligations on digital asset issuers and service providers. The main
aims of MiCA are industry regulation, consumer protection, prevention of market
abuse and upholding the integrity of digital asset markets. MiCA was formally
approved by the European Union’s member states in 2023. Certain parts of MiCA
became effective as of June 2024 and the remainder applied as of December
2024.
There
remains significant uncertainty regarding foreign governments’ future actions
with respect to the regulation of digital assets and Digital Asset Trading
Platforms. Such laws, regulations or directives may conflict with those of the
United States and may negatively impact the acceptance of SOL by users,
merchants and service providers outside the United States and may therefore
impede the growth or sustainability of the Solana ecosystem in the United States
and globally, or otherwise negatively affect the value of SOL held by the Trust.
The effect of any future regulatory change on the Trust or the SOL held by the
Trust is impossible to predict, but such change could be substantial and adverse
to the Trust and the value of the Shares.
The
CFTC has regulatory jurisdiction over the SOL futures markets because the CFTC
believes that SOL is a non-security “commodity” under the Commodity Exchange Act
of 1936, as amended (the “CEA”) and the rules thereunder, such that it takes the
position that it has jurisdiction to prosecute fraud and manipulation in the
cash, or spot, market for SOL. Beyond instances of fraud or manipulation, the
CFTC generally does not oversee cash or spot market exchanges, spot Digital
Asset Trading Platforms or retail
transactions
involving spot SOL that do not utilize collateral, leverage, or financing. The
National Futures Association (“NFA”) is the self-regulatory agency for the U.S.
futures industry, and as such has jurisdiction over SOL futures. However, the
NFA does not have regulatory oversight authority for the cash or spot market for
SOL trading or transactions.
In
February 2021, certain designated contract markets (“DCMs”) registered with the
CFTC, including the CME, launched new contracts for SOL futures products. DCMs
are boards of trades (commonly referred to as exchanges) that operate under the
regulatory oversight of the CFTC, pursuant to Section 5 of the CEA. To obtain
and maintain designation as a DCM, an exchange must comply on an initial and
ongoing basis with twenty-three Core Principles established under Section 5(d)
of the CEA. Among other things, DCMs are required to establish self-regulatory
programs designed to enforce the DCM’s rules, prevent market manipulation and
customer and market abuses, and ensure the recording and safe storage of trade
information. The CFTC engaged in a “heightened review” of the self-certification
of SOL futures, which required DCMs to enter direct or indirect information
sharing agreements with spot market platforms to allow access to trade and
trader data; monitor data from cash markets with respect to price settlements
and other SOL prices more broadly, and identify anomalies and disproportionate
moves in the cash markets compared to the futures markets; engage in inquiries,
including at the trade settlement level when necessary; and agree to regular
coordination with CFTC surveillance staff on trade activities, including
providing the CFTC surveillance team with trade settlement data upon request. In
December 2025, the CFTC announced that spot digital assets could begin being
traded on CFTC-registered futures exchanges. Soon after, spot digital assets
began trading on Bitnomial, a CFTC registered-futures exchange and member of the
Intermarket Surveillance Group, a global body of exchanges sharing surveillance
information with member exchanges.
See
“Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Regulation of Digital Assets,
the Trust and the Shares—Regulatory changes or actions by the U.S. Congress or
any U.S. federal or state agencies may affect the value of the Shares or
restrict the use of SOL, validating activity or the operation of the Solana
Network or the Digital Asset Markets in a manner that adversely affects the
value of the Shares.”
Description
of the Trust
The
Trust is a Delaware Statutory Trust that was formed on November 9, 2021 by the
filing of the Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State in
accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (“DSTA”). On
January 5, 2026, the Trust changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust ETF to
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF and previously, on October 28, 2025, the Trust
changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) to Grayscale Solana Trust ETF
by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust with the
Delaware Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of the DSTA. The
Trust operates pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
The
Shares represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and
ownership of the Trust. The Trust is passive and is not managed like a
corporation or an active investment vehicle. The Trust’s SOL are held by the
Custodian on behalf of the Trust. The Trust’s SOL will be transferred out of the
Vault Balance only in the following circumstances: (i) transferred to pay the
Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor’s Staking Fee or any Additional Trust Expenses, (ii)
sold on an as-needed basis to pay Additional Trust Expenses or (iii) sold on
behalf of the Trust in the event the Trust terminates and liquidates its assets
or as otherwise required by law or regulation. Assuming that the Trust is
treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each delivery
or sale of SOL by the Trust to pay the Sponsor’s Fee or any Additional Trust
Expenses will be a taxable event for shareholders. See “—Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Consequences—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders.”
The
Trust is not a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act
and the Sponsor believes that the Trust is not required to register under the
Investment Company Act. The Trust will not trade, buy, sell or hold SOL
derivatives, including SOL futures contracts, on any futures exchange. The Trust
is authorized solely to take immediate delivery of actual SOL. The Sponsor does
not believe the Trust’s activities are required to be regulated by the CFTC
under the CEA as a “commodity pool” under current law, regulation and
interpretation. The Trust will not be operated by a CFTC-regulated commodity
pool operator because it will not trade, buy, sell or hold SOL derivatives,
including SOL futures contracts, on any futures exchange. Investors in the Trust
will not receive the regulatory protections afforded to investors in regulated
commodity pools, nor may the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange
or any futures exchange enforce its rules with respect to the Trust’s
activities. In addition, investors in the Trust will not benefit from the
protections afforded to investors in SOL futures contracts on regulated futures
exchanges.
The
Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time but only in Baskets. A Basket
equals a block of 10,000 Shares. See “—Description of Creation and Redemption of
Shares.” The Sponsor will determine the Trust’s NAV on each business day as of
4:00 p.m., New York time, or as soon thereafter as practicable. The Sponsor will
also determine the NAV per Share, which equals the NAV divided by the number of
outstanding Shares. Each business day, the Sponsor will publish the Trust’s NAV
and NAV per Share on the Trust’s website, etfs.grayscale.com/gsol, as soon as
practicable after the Trust’s NAV and NAV per Share have been determined by the
Sponsor. See “—Valuation of SOL and Determination of NAV.”
The
Trust’s assets consist solely of SOL, cash proceeds from the sale of SOL and any
rights of the Trust pursuant to any agreements, other than the Trust Agreement,
to which the Trust is a party. The Sponsor has committed to cause the Trust not
to take any Affirmative Action to acquire any Incidental Rights or IR Virtual
Currency, thereby irrevocably abandoning any Incidental Rights and IR Virtual
Currency to which the Trust may become entitled in the future. As a result, the
Trust does not expect to hold any Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency or to
take any Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency into account for the purposes
of determining the NAV or the NAV per Share.
Each
Share represents a proportional interest, based on the total number of Shares
outstanding, in each of the Trust’s assets as determined in the case of SOL by
reference to the Index Price, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities
(which include accrued but unpaid fees and expenses). The Sponsor expects that
the market price of the Shares will fluctuate over time in response to the
market prices of SOL. In addition, because the Shares reflect the estimated
accrued but unpaid expenses of the Trust, the amount of SOL represented by a
Share will gradually decrease over time as the Trust’s SOL are used to pay the
Trust’s expenses.
SOL
pricing information is available on a 24-hour basis from various financial
information service providers or Solana Network information sites, such as
CoinMarketCap.com. The spot price and bid/ask spreads may also be available
directly from Digital Asset Trading Platforms. As of December 31, 2025, the
Constituent Trading Platforms of the Index were Kraken, Crypto.com, Bitfinex,
Bitstamp by Robinhood, Gemini, LMAX Digital, Bullish, OKX, and Bybit. The Index
Provider may remove or add Digital Asset Trading Platforms to the Index in the
future at its discretion. Market prices for the Shares will be available from a
variety of sources, including brokerage firms, information websites and other
information service providers. In addition, on each business day the Trust’s
website will provide pricing information for the Shares.
The
Trust has no fixed termination date.
Service
Providers of the Trust
The
Sponsor
As
of the date of this Annual Report, the Trust’s Sponsor is Grayscale Investments
Sponsors, LLC. Until December 31, 2024, the Trust’s Sponsor was Grayscale
Investments, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company formed on May 29, 2013
and a consolidated subsidiary of DCG. See “—Overview of the Trust and the
Shares” for more information regarding the Reorganization on January 1, 2025.
The Sponsor’s principal place of business is 290 Harbor Drive, 4th Floor,
Stamford, Connecticut 06902, and its telephone number is (212) 668-1427. Under
the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act and the governing documents of the
Sponsor, DCG, the indirect parent company of the Sponsor, is not responsible for
the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Sponsor solely by reason of being
the indirect parent company of the Sponsor.
The
Sponsor is neither an investment adviser registered with the SEC nor a commodity
pool operator registered with the CFTC, and will not be acting in either such
capacity with respect to the Trust, and the Sponsor’s provision of services to
the Trust will not be governed by the Investment Advisers Act or the
CEA.
The
Sponsor arranged for the creation of the Trust and, following their uplisting on
October 29, 2025, listing of the Shares on NYSE Arca (the Shares were previously
quoted on OTCQX). As partial consideration for its receipt of the Sponsor’s Fee
from the Trust, the Sponsor is obligated to pay the Sponsor-paid Expenses. The
Sponsor also paid the costs of the Trust’s organization and the costs of the
initial sale of the Shares.
The
Sponsor is generally responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Trust
under the provisions of the Trust Agreement. This includes (i) preparing and
providing periodic reports and financial statements on behalf of the Trust for
investors, (ii) processing orders to create Baskets and coordinating the
processing of such orders with the Custodian and the Transfer Agent, (iii)
calculating and publishing the NAV and the NAV per Share of the Trust each
business day as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, or as soon thereafter as
practicable, (iv) selecting and monitoring the Trust’s service providers and
from time to time engaging additional, successor or replacement service
providers, (v) instructing the Custodian to transfer the Trust’s SOL, as needed
to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and any Additional Trust Expenses, (vi) upon
dissolution of the Trust, distributing the Trust’s remaining SOL or the cash
proceeds of the sale thereof to the owners of record of the Shares and (vii)
establishing the principal market for U.S. GAAP valuation. In addition, if there
is a fork in the Solana Network after which there is a dispute as to which
network resulting from the fork is the Solana Network, the Sponsor has the
authority to select the network that it believes in good faith is the Solana
Network, unless such selection or authority would otherwise conflict with the
Trust Agreement.
The
Sponsor does not store, hold, or maintain custody or control of the Trust’s SOL
but instead has entered into the Prime Broker Agreement with the Custodian to
facilitate the security of the Trust’s SOL.
The
Sponsor may transfer all or substantially all of its assets to an entity that
carries on the business of the Sponsor if at the time of the transfer the
successor assumes all of the obligations of the Sponsor under the Trust
Agreement. In such an event, the Sponsor will be relieved of all further
liability under the Trust Agreement.
The
Sponsor’s Fee is paid by the Trust to the Sponsor as compensation for services
performed under the Trust Agreement and as partial consideration for the
Sponsor’s agreement to pay the Sponsor-paid Expenses. See “—Expenses; Sales of
SOL.”
The
Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, select a different index provider, select a
different index price provided by the Index Provider, calculate the Index Price
by using the cascading set of rules set forth under “—Overview of the Solana
Industry and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index Price—Determination of the
Index Price When Index Price is Unavailable” above, or change the cascading set
of rules set forth above at any time.
Marketing
Agent Agreement
The
Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, is party to a marketing agent agreement dated
October 3, 2025 (the “Marketing Agent Agreement”) with Foreside Fund Services,
LLC (the “Marketing Agent” or “Foreside”). Under the Marketing Agent Agreement,
the Marketing Agent will provide the following services to the Sponsor: (i)
assist the Sponsor in facilitating Participant Agreements between and among
Authorized Participants, the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, and the Transfer
Agent; (ii) provide prospectuses to Authorized Participants; (iii) work with the
Transfer Agent to review and approve orders placed by the Authorized
Participants and transmitted to the Transfer Agent; (iv) review and file
applicable marketing materials with FINRA and (v) maintain, reproduce and store
applicable books and records related to the services provided under the
Marketing Agent Agreement. The Sponsor will pay the Marketing Agent an annual
fee, as well as certain out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Marketing Agent
incurred in connection with its assistance in the marketing of the Trust and its
Shares.
As
of October 29, 2025, the Sponsor amended, solely with respect to the Trust, the
Distribution and Marketing Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2022, among the
Sponsor, the Trust and Grayscale Securities, LLC (“Grayscale Securities”), an
affiliate of the Sponsor and an affiliate and related party of the Trust, to
remove the Trust as an entity covered by the Distribution and Marketing
Agreement. In its capacity as distributor and marketer, Grayscale Securities
assisted the Sponsor in developing an ongoing marketing plan for the Trust,
preparing marketing materials regarding the Shares, including the content on the
Trust’s website, and executing the marketing plan for the Trust.
Index
License Agreement
The
Sponsor has entered into the Index License Agreement with CoinDesk Indices,
Inc., the Index Provider, governing the Sponsor’s use of the Index for
calculation of the Index Price. The Index Provider may adjust the calculation
methodology for the Index without notice to, or consent of, the Trust or its
shareholders. Under the Index License Agreement, the Sponsor pays a monthly fee
and a fee based on the NAV of the Trust to the Index Provider in consideration
of its license to the Sponsor of Index-related intellectual property. The
initial term of the Index License Agreement was February 1, 2022 through the
later of February 29, 2024 and the latest date set forth on any order form
executed under the Index License Agreement. On June 20, 2023, the Sponsor and
the Index Provider, entered into an amendment to the Index License Agreement to
extend the initial term of the Index License Agreement from February 29, 2024,
to February 28, 2025. On February 5, 2025, the Sponsor and the Index Provider,
entered into an amendment to the Index License Agreement to extend the term of
the Index License Agreement from February 28, 2025, to February 29, 2028.
Thereafter, the Index License Agreement will automatically renew on an annual
basis, unless a notice of non-renewal is provided. The Index License Agreement
is terminable by either party upon written notice in the event of a material
breach that remains uncured for thirty days after initial written notice of such
breach. Further, either party may terminate the Index License Agreement
immediately upon notice under certain circumstances, including with respect to
the other party’s (i) insolvency, bankruptcy or analogous event or (ii)
violation of money transmission, taxation or trading regulations that materially
adversely affect either party’s ability to perform under the Index License
Agreement.
COINDESK®
and CoinDesk SOLANA BENCHMARK Rate (the “Index”) are trade or service marks of
CoinDesk Indices, Inc. (with its affiliates, including CC Data Limited, “CDI”)
and/or its licensors. CDI or CDI’s licensors own all proprietary rights in the
Data.
CDI
is not the issuer or producer of the Trust and has no responsibilities,
obligations, or duties to investors in or holders of the Trust. The Index is
licensed for use by the Sponsor as the sponsor of the Trust. The only
relationship that CDI has with the Sponsor in respect of the Trust is the
licensing of the Index, which is administered and published by CDI, or any
successor thereto, without regard to the Sponsor or the owners or holders of
Shares of the Trust.
Investors
or holders acquire shares of the Trust offered by the Sponsor and investors and
holders neither acquire any interest in the Index nor enter into any
relationship of any kind whatsoever with CDI upon making an investment in or
acquisition of the Trust. The Trust is not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or
promoted by CDI. CDI makes no representation or warranty, express or implied,
regarding the advisability of investing in or otherwise acquiring the Trust or
the advisability of investing in securities or digital assets generally
or
the
ability of the Index to track corresponding or relative market performance. CDI
has not passed on the legality or suitability of the Trust with respect to any
person or entity. CDI is not responsible for, nor has participated in, the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Trust to be
issued. CDI has no obligation to take the needs of the Sponsor or the owners or
holders of the Trust or any other third party into consideration in
administering, composing, calculating, or publishing the Index. CDI has no
obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing, or trading
of the Trust.
The
licensing agreement between the Sponsor and CDI is solely for the benefit of the
Sponsor and CDI and not for the benefit of the owners or holders of Shares of
the Trust or any other third parties.
CDI
shall have no liability to the Sponsor, the Trust, investors, holders or other
third parties for the quality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Index or any
data included therein or for interruptions in the delivery of the data. CDI
hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any other data included
therein. CDI reserves the right to change the methods of calculation or
publication, or to cease the calculation or publication of the Index and shall
not be liable for any miscalculation of or any incorrect, delayed, or
interrupted publication with respect to the Index. CDI shall not be liable for
any damages, including, without limitation, any special, indirect or
consequential damages, or any lost profits, even if advised of the possibility
of such, resulting from the use of the Index or any other data included therein
or with respect to the Trust.
Administration
and Accounting Agreement
The
Sponsor has entered into a Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement with BNY
Mellon Asset Servicing, a division of The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Fund
Administration and Accounting Agreement”), to provide administration and
accounting services to the Trust. Pursuant to the terms of the Fund
Administration and Accounting Agreement and under the supervision and direction
of the Sponsor and the Trust, BNY Mellon Asset Servicing keeps the operational
records of the Trust and prepares and files certain regulatory filings on behalf
of the Trust. BNY Mellon Asset Servicing may also perform other services for the
Trust pursuant to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement as mutually
agreed upon by the Sponsor, the Trust and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing from time
to time. The Administrator’s fees are paid on behalf of the Trust by the
Sponsor.
The
Trustee
CSC
Delaware Trust Company (formerly known as Delaware Trust Company) serves as
Delaware trustee of the Trust under the Trust Agreement. The Trustee has its
principal office at 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. The
Trustee is unaffiliated with the Sponsor. A copy of the Trust Agreement is
available for inspection at the Sponsor’s principal office identified
above.
The
Trustee is appointed to serve as the trustee of the Trust in the State of
Delaware for the sole purpose of satisfying the requirement of Section 3807(a)
of the DSTA that the Trust have at least one trustee with a principal place of
business in the State of Delaware. The duties of the Trustee will be limited to
(i) accepting legal process served on the Trust in the State of Delaware and
(ii) the execution of any certificates required to be filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State which the Delaware Trustee is required to execute under the
DSTA. To the extent that, at law or in equity, the Trustee has duties (including
fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or the
shareholders, such duties and liabilities will be replaced by the duties and
liabilities of the Trustee expressly set forth in the Trust Agreement. The
Trustee will have no obligation to supervise, nor will it be liable for, the
acts or omissions of the Sponsor, Transfer Agent, Custodian, Prime Broker, or
any other person.
Neither
the Trustee, either in its capacity as trustee or in its individual capacity,
nor any director, officer or controlling person of the Trustee is, or has any
liability as, the issuer, director, officer or controlling person of the issuer
of Shares. The Trustee’s liability in connection with the issuance and sale of
Shares is limited solely to the express obligations of the Trustee as set forth
in the Trust Agreement.
The
Trustee has not prepared or verified, and will not be responsible or liable for,
any information, disclosure or other statement in this Annual Report or in any
other document issued or delivered in connection with the sale or transfer of
the Shares. The Trust Agreement provides that the Trustee will not be
responsible or liable for the genuineness, enforceability, collectability,
value, sufficiency, location or existence of any of the SOL or other assets of
the Trust. See “—Description of the Trust Agreement.”
The
Trustee is permitted to resign upon at least 180 days’ notice to the Trust. The
Trustee will be compensated by the Sponsor and indemnified by the Sponsor and
the Trust against any expenses it incurs relating to or arising out of the
formation, operation or termination of the Trust, or the performance of its
duties pursuant to the Trust Agreement except to the extent that such expenses
result from gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Trustee.
The Sponsor has the discretion to replace the Trustee.
Fees
paid to the Trustee are a Sponsor-paid Expense.
The
Transfer Agent and the Co-Transfer Agent
The
Bank of New York Mellon serves as the Transfer Agent of the Trust pursuant to
the terms and provisions of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (the
“Transfer Agency and Service Agreement”). The Transfer Agent: (1) facilitates
the issuance and redemption of Shares of the Trust; (2) responds to
correspondence by Trust shareholders and others relating to its duties; (3)
maintains
shareholder
accounts; and (4) makes periodic reports to the Trust. The Transfer Agent has
its principal office at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286. A copy
of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is available for inspection at the
Sponsor’s principal office identified herein.
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a Delaware corporation, serves as a
co-transfer agent for the Trust (the “Co-Transfer Agent”) pursuant to the terms
and provisions of the Co-Transfer Agency Agreement (the “Co-Transfer Agency
Agreement”). The Co-Transfer Agent has its principal office at 1 State Street,
30th Floor, New York, New York 10004. A copy of the Co-Transfer Agency Agreement
is available for inspection at the Sponsor’s principal office identified
herein.
Fees
paid to the Transfer Agent and Co-Transfer Agent are a Sponsor-paid
Expense.
Administrator
BNY
Mellon Asset Servicing, a division of The Bank of New York Mellon. BNY Mellon
Asset Servicing also serves as the administrator for the Trust. The
Administrator’s fees are paid on behalf of the Trust by the Sponsor.
Authorized
Participants
An
Authorized Participant must enter into a “Participant Agreement” with the
Sponsor and the Trust to govern its placement of orders to create and redeem
Baskets. The Participant Agreement sets forth the procedures for the creation
and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of SOL required for creations. A
copy of the form of Participant Agreement is available for inspection at the
Sponsor’s principal office identified herein.
Each
Authorized Participant (i) is a registered broker-dealer and (ii) has entered
into a Participant Agreement with the Sponsor and the Transfer Agent. If and
when an Authorized Participant enters into or amends a Participant Agreement to
provide for creations and redemptions effected through in-kind orders (as
defined below), any Authorized Participants creating and redeeming Shares
through In-Kind Orders (as defined below) must own, or its designee in
connection with In-Kind Orders (“AP Designee”), must own, a SOL wallet address
that is known to the Custodian as belonging to the Authorized Participant or its
AP Designee and maintain an account with the Custodian.
The
Trust issues Shares to, and redeems Shares from, Authorized Participants on an
ongoing basis, but only in one or more Baskets (with a “Basket” being a block of
10,000 Shares). See “—Description of Creation and Redemption of
Shares.”
As
of the date of this filing, NYSE Arca has received regulatory approval
permitting the Trust to conduct creations and redemptions of Shares via in-kind
transactions with Authorized Participants or AP Designees in exchange for SOL.
The Trust is also able to accept Cash Orders (as defined herein). However, at
this time, the Trust is only permitted to conduct creations and redemptions of
Shares pursuant to Cash Orders (as described herein). See “Item 1A. Risk
Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the Shares—The current
unavailability of in-kind creations and redemptions of Shares could have adverse
consequences for the Trust” for more information.
As
of the date of this Annual Report, the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, and the
Transfer Agent entered into Participant Agreements with Jane Street Capital,
LLC, Virtu Americas LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., and ABN AMRO Clearing USA
LLC, pursuant to which such entities have agreed to act as Authorized
Participants. The Sponsor may engage additional Authorized Participants who are
unaffiliated with the Trust in the future.
No
Authorized Participant has any obligation or responsibility to the Sponsor or
the Trust to effect any sale or resale of Shares.
Liquidity
Providers
Liquidity
Providers facilitate the purchase and sale of SOL in connection with Cash Orders
for creations or redemptions of Baskets. The Liquidity Providers with which
Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, (in such capacity, the “Liquidity
Engager”), will engage in SOL transactions are third parties that are not
affiliated with the Sponsor or the Trust and are not acting as agents of the
Trust, the Sponsor, or any Authorized Participant. Except for the contractual
relationships between each Liquidity Provider and Grayscale Investments
Sponsors, LLC in its capacity as the Liquidity Engager, there is no contractual
relationship between each Liquidity Provider and the Trust, the Sponsor, or any
Authorized Participant.
As
of the date of this Annual Report, the Liquidity Engager has engaged JSCT, LLC,
Virtu Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd., Flow Traders B.V., Flowdesk, Cumberland DRW
LLC, and Galaxy Digital Trading Cayman LLC as Liquidity Providers. The Liquidity
Engager may engage additional Liquidity Providers who are unaffiliated with the
Trust in the future.
Jane
Street Capital, LLC, one of the Authorized Participants, is an affiliate of
JSCT, LLC, one of the Liquidity Providers. Virtu Americas LLC, one of the
Authorized Participants, is an affiliate of Virtu Financial Singapore Pte., Ltd,
one of the Liquidity Providers.
The
Custodian and Prime Broker
Coinbase
Custody Trust Company, LLC is a fiduciary under § 100 of the New York Banking
Law and a qualified custodian for purposes of Rule 206(4)-2(d)(6) under the
Investment Advisers Act. The Custodian is authorized to serve as the Trust’s
custodian under the Trust Agreement and pursuant to the terms and provisions of
the Prime Broker Agreement. The Custodian has its principal office at 200 Park
Avenue South, Suite 1208, New York, NY 10003. A copy of the Prime Broker
Agreement is available for inspection at the Sponsor’s principal office
identified herein.
Under
the Prime Broker Agreement, the Custodian controls and secures the Trust’s
“Vault Balance,” a segregated custody account to store private keys, which allow
for the transfer of ownership or control of the Trust’s SOL, on the Trust’s
behalf. The Custodian’s services (i) allow SOL to be deposited from a public
blockchain address to the Trust’s Vault Balance and (ii) allow the Trust or
Sponsor to withdraw SOL from the Trust’s Vault Balance to a public blockchain
address the Trust or Sponsor controls (the “Custodial and Prime Broker
Services”). Pursuant to the addendum to the Coinbase Custody Custodial Services
Agreement attached as Exhibit A to the Coinbase Prime Broker Agreement, the
Sponsor has caused, and from time to time may cause, the Trust to enter into
Staking Arrangements with the Custodian and one or more Staking Providers, which
may be affiliates of the Custodian or other trusted institutional validators, to
stake the Trust’s SOL via Provider-Facilitated Staking. The Sponsor anticipates
that the Trust’s SOL is and will be staked exclusively by means of
Provider-Facilitated Staking.
The
Vault Balance uses offline storage, or “cold” storage, mechanisms to secure the
Trust’s private keys. The term cold storage refers to a safeguarding method by
which the private keys corresponding to digital assets are
disconnected.
The
Custodian will withdraw from the Trust’s Vault Balance the amount of SOL
necessary to pay the Trust’s expenses.
Fees
paid to the Custodian are a Sponsor-paid Expense.
Under
the Prime Broker Agreement, each of the Custodian and the Trust has agreed to
indemnify and hold harmless the other party from any third-party claim or
third-party demand (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and any
fines, fees or penalties imposed by any regulatory authority) arising out of or
related to the Custodian’s or the Trust’s, as the case may be, breach of the
Prime Broker Agreement, inaccuracy in any of the Custodian’s or the Trust’s, as
the case may be, representations or warranties in the Prime Broker Agreement, or
the Trust’s violation, or the Custodian’s knowing violation, of any law, rule or
regulation, or the rights of any third party, except where such claim directly
results from the negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of the other such
party. In addition, the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Custodian with respect
to any Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency abandoned by the Trust and any
tax liability relating thereto or arising therefrom.
The
Custodian and its affiliates may from time to time purchase or sell SOL for
their own accounts and as agent for their customers or Shares for their own
accounts. The foregoing notwithstanding, SOL in the Vault Balance are not
treated as general assets of the Custodian and cannot be commingled with any
other digital assets held by the Custodian. The Custodian serves as a fiduciary
and custodian on the Trust’s behalf, and the SOL in the Vault Balance are
considered fiduciary assets that remain the Trust’s property at all
times.
Once
each calendar year, the Sponsor or the Trust may request that the Custodian
deliver a certificate signed by a duly authorized officer to certify that all
representations and warranties made by the Custodian in the Prime Broker
Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of such certificate, and
have been true and correct throughout the preceding year. In addition, the
Custodian has agreed to allow the Trust and the Sponsor to take any necessary
steps to verify that satisfactory internal control system and procedures are in
place, and to visit and inspect the systems on which the Custodian’s coins are
held.
If
the Custodian resigns in its capacity as custodian, the Sponsor may appoint an
additional or replacement custodian and enter into a custodian agreement on
behalf of the Trust with such custodian. Furthermore, the Sponsor and the Trust
may use SOL custody services or similar services provided by entities other than
Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC at any time without prior notice to Coinbase
Custody Trust Company, LLC.
The
Additional Custodian
In
addition, Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. (“Anchorage Digital” or the “Additional
Custodian”), a national trust bank chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of
the Currency, provides services related to custody and safekeeping of the
Trust’s SOL holdings, pursuant to a Master Custody Services Agreement, dated as
of August 8, 2025 (the “Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement”).
The
Sponsor currently utilizes Anchorage Digital’s services to custody a portion of
the Trust’s SOL. The Trust’s existing custody arrangement with Coinbase Custody
Trust Company, LLC is unaffected by the Trust’s entry into the Anchorage Digital
Custodian Agreement, and Coinbase remains the Trust’s primary custodian. The
Sponsor shall, in its sole discretion, determine the amounts held at either
custodian as permitted by the Trust Agreement. At the current time, the Sponsor
has not determined the total amount of the Trust’s SOL it will move to Anchorage
Digital. The addition of Anchorage Digital reflects the Sponsor’s ongoing risk
management
approach
as part of the Trust’s growing size. References to the “Custodian” in this
Annual Report refer to Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC, Anchorage Digital
and/or other custodians, collectively or in their individual capacities, as the
context may require.
Under
the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement, Anchorage Digital is required to keep
all of the private keys associated with the Trust’s SOL held at Anchorage
Digital in cold storage.
In
the event of a fork of the Blockchain, the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement
provides that Anchorage Digital may temporarily suspend services, and may, in
its sole discretion, determine whether or not to support (or cease supporting)
either branch of the forked protocol entirely, provided that Anchorage shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to avoid ceasing to support both branches of
such forked protocol.
The
Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement requires the Trust to indemnify Anchorage
Digital, its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, agents,
employees and representatives against certain losses arising from or related to
the Trust’s material breach of the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement, among
other things, except where a claim was caused by certain acts of Anchorage
Digital. The Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement also requires Anchorage
Digital to maintain insurance policies and coverage.
The
foregoing description of the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement filed as an exhibit to the
Trust’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 26, 2025, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
Custody
of the Trust’s SOL
Digital
assets and digital asset transactions are recorded and validated on blockchains,
the public transaction ledgers of a digital asset network. Each digital asset
blockchain serves as a record of ownership for all of the units of such digital
asset, even in the case of certain privacy-preserving digital assets, where the
transactions themselves are not publicly viewable. All digital assets recorded
on a blockchain are associated with a public blockchain address, also referred
to as a digital wallet. Digital assets held at a particular public blockchain
address may be accessed and transferred using a corresponding private
key.
Key
Generation
Public
addresses and their corresponding private keys are generated by the Custodian in
secret key generation ceremonies at secure locations inside faraday cages, which
are enclosures used to block electromagnetic fields and thus mitigate against
attacks. The Custodian uses quantum random number generators to generate the
public and private key pairs.
Once
generated, private keys are encrypted, separated into “shards”, and then further
encrypted. After the key generation ceremony, all materials used to generate
private keys, including computers, are destroyed. All key generation ceremonies
are performed offline. No party other than the Custodian has access to the
private key shards of the Trust, including the Trust itself.
Key
Storage
Private
key shards are distributed geographically by the Prime Broker and the Custodian
(together, the “Custodial Entities”) in secure vaults around the world,
including in the United States. The locations of the secure vaults may change
regularly and are kept confidential by the Custodian and the Prime Broker for
security purposes.
The
Vault Balance primarily uses “cold” storage mechanisms to secure a substantial
portion of the Trust’s private keys. A substantial portion of the Trust’s SOL
holdings are held in cold storage at all times, with a portion of the Settlement
Balance held temporarily in hot storage from time to time, for purposes of
facilitating the receipt and distribution of SOL in connection with the creation
and redemption of Baskets. Any SOL credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance is
stored in omnibus accounts, either on the Prime Broker’s systems or at Coinbase
Connected Venues, using a combination of cold and hot storage mechanisms to
secure the private keys representing the assets credited to the Trust’s
Settlement Balance.
Cold
storage is a safeguarding method with multiple layers of protections and
protocols, by which the private keys corresponding to the Trust’s SOL are
generated and stored in an offline manner. A digital wallet may receive deposits
of digital assets but may not send digital assets without use of the digital
assets’ corresponding private keys. In order to send digital assets from a
digital wallet in which the private keys are kept in cold storage, either the
private keys must be retrieved from cold storage and entered into an online, or
“hot”, digital asset software program to sign the transaction, or the unsigned
transaction must be transferred to the cold server in which the private keys are
held for signature by the private keys and then transferred back to the online
digital asset software program. At that point, the user of the digital wallet
can transfer its digital assets. While private keys held in hot storage are more
accessible and therefore enable more efficient transfers, such assets are more
vulnerable to theft, loss or damage.
Security
Procedures
The
Custodian and the Prime Broker hold the Trust’s private keys in custody in
accordance with the terms and provisions of the Prime Broker Agreement.
Transfers to and from the Vault Balance and, where held in cold storage, the
Trust’s Settlement Balance, require certain security procedures, including but
not limited to, multiple encrypted private key shards, usernames, passwords
and
2-step
verification. Multiple private key shards held by the applicable Custodial
Entity or Entities must be combined to reconstitute the private key to sign any
transaction in order to transfer the Trust’s assets. Private key shards are
distributed geographically by the Custodial Entities in secure vaults around the
world, including in the United States.
As
a result, if any one secure vault is ever compromised, this event will have no
impact on the ability of the Trust to access its assets, other than a possible
delay in operations, while one or more of the other secure vaults is used
instead. These security procedures are intended to remove single points of
failure in the protection of the Trust’s assets.
Transfers
of SOL to the Vault Balance from the Settlement Balance will be available to the
Trust once processed on the Blockchain, subject to the availability of the Prime
Broker’s online platform. When SOL is credited to the Settlement Balance,
certain movements to allocate the balance among (i) omnibus cold storage wallets
and omnibus hot storage wallets on the Prime Broker’s platform; or (ii) omnibus
accounts at Coinbase Connected Venues may not be viewable by the Trust via the
Prime Broker’s online portal. In addition, on a monthly basis the Custodial
Entities will provide the Sponsor with an account statement identifying the
amount of cash and SOL in the Trust’s Accounts at the end of the period and
listing all account activity during that period.
The
process of accessing and withdrawing SOL from the Trust to redeem a Basket by an
Authorized Participant follows the same general procedure as transferring SOL to
the Trust to create a Basket by an Authorized Participant, only in reverse. See
“—Description of Creation and Redemption of Shares.”
The
Marketing Agent
Prior
to October 29, 2025, Grayscale Securities was the distributor and marketer of
the Shares. Since October 29, 2025, Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) is
the marketing agent of the Shares, and Grayscale Securities ceased acting as the
distributor and marketer of the Shares of the Trust. Foreside is a registered
broker-dealer with the SEC and is a member of FINRA.
In
its capacity as marketing agent, Foreside provides the following services to the
Sponsor: (i) assist the Sponsor in facilitating Participant Agreements between
and among Authorized Participants, the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, and the
Transfer Agent; (ii) provide prospectuses to Authorized Participants; (iii) work
with the Transfer Agent to review and approve orders placed by the Authorized
Participants and transmitted to the Transfer Agent; (iv) review and file
applicable marketing materials with FINRA and (v) maintain, reproduce and store
applicable books and records related to the services provided under the
Marketing Agent Agreement.
The
Sponsor has entered into a Marketing Agent Agreement with Foreside. The Sponsor
may engage additional or successor marketing agents in the future.
Description
of the Shares
The
Trust is authorized under the Trust Agreement to create and issue an unlimited
number of Shares. Shares will be issued only in Baskets (a Basket equals a block
of 10,000 Shares) in connection with creations. The Shares represent units of
fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Trust and have
no par value. The Shares are listed on NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol
“GSOL.”
Description
of Limited Rights
The
Shares do not represent a traditional investment and should not be viewed as
similar to “shares” of a corporation operating a business enterprise with
management and a board of directors. A shareholder will not have the statutory
rights normally associated with the ownership of shares of a corporation. Each
Share is transferable, is fully paid and non-assessable and entitles the holder
to vote on the limited matters upon which shareholders may vote under the Trust
Agreement. For example, shareholders do not have the right to elect or
remove
directors and will not receive dividends. The Shares do not entitle their
holders to any conversion or pre-emptive rights or, except as discussed below,
any redemption rights or rights to distributions.
Voting
and Approvals
The
shareholders take no part in the management or control of the Trust. Under the
Trust Agreement, shareholders have limited voting rights. For example, in the
event that the Sponsor withdraws, a majority of the shareholders may elect and
appoint a successor sponsor to carry out the affairs of the Trust. The Sponsor
is also permitted to make certain restatements, amendments or supplements to the
Trust Agreement that would materially adversely affect the interests of the
shareholders as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion with a 20-day
notice to shareholders. Additionally, the Sponsor is permitted to make certain
restatements, amendments or supplements to the Trust Agreement that could
adversely affect the status of the Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, but only if certain
conditions set forth in the amendments relating to the qualification of the
Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes are satisfied.
Furthermore, subject to certain limitations, the Sponsor may make any other
amendments to the Trust Agreement which do not materially adversely affect the
interests of the shareholders in its sole discretion without shareholder
consent.
Distributions
Pursuant
to the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trust may make distributions on the
Shares in-cash or in-kind. In addition, if the Trust is terminated and
liquidated, the Sponsor will distribute to the shareholders any amounts of the
cash proceeds of the liquidation remaining after the satisfaction of all
outstanding liabilities of the Trust and the establishment of reserves for
applicable taxes, other governmental charges and contingent or future
liabilities as the Sponsor will determine. See “—Description of the Trust
Agreement—Termination
of the Trust.” Shareholders of record on the record date fixed by the Transfer
Agent for a distribution will be entitled to receive their pro
rata portions
of any distribution.
Creation
of Shares
The
Trust creates Shares at such times and for such periods as determined by the
Sponsor, but only in one or more whole Baskets. A Basket equals 10,000 Shares.
See “—Description of Creation and Redemption of Shares.” The creation of a
Basket requires the delivery to the Trust of the amount of SOL (or cash to
acquire the amount of SOL) represented by one Share immediately prior to such
creation multiplied by 10,000. The Trust may from time to time halt creations,
including for extended periods of time, for a variety of reasons, including in
connection with forks, airdrops and other similar occurrences.
Redemption
of Shares
On
October 28, 2025, the Sponsor’s application to list and trade the Trust’s Shares
on NYSE Arca under the Generic Listing Standards was approved and the Trust
began trading on NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025 (the “Uplisting Date”), following
the effectiveness of the Trust’s registration statement on Form S-1, as amended
(File No. 333-286374). In connection with the uplisting of the Shares, the
Sponsor authorized the commencement of the Trust’s redemption program in
reliance on Regulation M exemptive relief available to similarly situated
commodity-based exchange-traded products.
Shares
are redeemable only in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement and
the relevant Participant Agreement. Through its redemption program, the Trust
redeems Shares from Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Although the
Trust redeems Baskets by distributing SOL or proceeds from the disposition of
SOL, at this time, an Authorized Participant can only submit Cash Orders. In a
Cash Order, the Authorized Participant will accept cash from the Cash Account
(as defined herein) in connection with the redemption of Baskets.
Cash
Orders are facilitated by the Transfer Agent and Grayscale Investments Sponsors,
LLC, which acts on behalf of the Trust in its capacity as Liquidity Engager and
will engage one or more Liquidity Providers that is not an agent of, or
otherwise acting on behalf of, any Authorized Participant receiving SOL in
connection with such orders. If and when Authorized Participants enter into or
amend their respective Participant Agreements to provide for in-kind creations
and redemptions, the Trust may also redeem Baskets via In-Kind Orders, pursuant
to which an Authorized Participant or its AP Designee would deposit SOL directly
with the Trust or receive SOL directly from the Trust. However, at this time
Baskets will not be redeemed through In-Kind Orders and will only be redeemed
through Cash Orders. See “Description of Creation and Redemption of
Shares.”
The
Sponsor may suspend the Trust’s redemption program in its sole discretion, or
the redemption program may otherwise become unavailable, which could cause the
Shares to trade at a discount to the NAV per Share. See “Item 1A. Risk
Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the Share—Any suspension or other
unavailability of the Trust’s redemption program may cause the Shares to trade
at a discount to the NAV per Share.”
Book-Entry
Form
Shares
are held primarily in book-entry form by the Transfer Agent. The Sponsor or its
delegate will direct the Transfer Agent to credit or debit, as applicable, the
number of Baskets to the applicable Authorized Participant. The Transfer Agent
will issue or cancel Baskets, as applicable. Transfers will be made in
accordance with standard securities industry practice. The Sponsor may cause the
Trust to issue Shares in certificated form in limited circumstances in its sole
discretion.
Share
Splits
In
its discretion, the Sponsor may direct the Transfer Agent to declare a split or
reverse split in the number of Shares outstanding and to make a corresponding
change in the number of Shares constituting a Basket. For example, if the
Sponsor believes that the per Share price in the secondary market for Shares has
risen or fallen outside a desirable trading price range, it may declare such a
split or reverse split.
Description
of Creation and Redemption of Shares
General
The
Trust issues Shares to and redeems Shares from Authorized Participants on an
ongoing basis, but only in one or more Baskets (with a “Basket” being a block of
10,000 Shares). The Trust will not issue fractions of a Basket. The Sponsor
believes that the creation
and
redemption order size of 10,000 Shares will enable Authorized Participants to
manage inventory and facilitate an effective arbitrage mechanism for the Trust.
However, the Sponsor may in the future adjust the creation and redemption order
size in order to improve the effectiveness of the activities of Authorized
Participants in the secondary market for the Shares if the Sponsor determines it
to be necessary or advisable. As such, the Sponsor does not expect that the size
of the Baskets will have an impact on the arbitrage mechanism.
The
creation and redemption of Baskets will be made only upon the delivery to the
Trust, or the distribution or other disposition by the Trust, of the amount of
whole and fractional SOL represented by each Basket being created or redeemed,
which is determined by dividing (x) the amount of SOL owned by the Trust at 4:00
p.m., New York time, on the trade date of a creation or redemption order, after
deducting the amount of SOL representing the U.S. dollar value of accrued but
unpaid fees and expenses of the Trust (converted using the Index Price at such
time, and carried to the eighth decimal place), by (y) the number of Shares
outstanding at such time (with the quotient so obtained calculated to one
one-hundred-millionth of one SOL (i.e., carried to the eighth decimal place)),
and multiplying such quotient by 10,000 (the “Basket Amount”). The U.S. dollar
value of a Basket is calculated by multiplying the Basket Amount by the Index
Price as of the trade date (the “Basket NAV”). The Basket NAV multiplied by the
number of Baskets being created or redeemed is referred to as the “Total Basket
NAV.” All questions as to the calculation of the Basket Amount will be
conclusively determined by the Sponsor and will be final and binding on all
persons interested in the Trust. One or more major market data vendors may
provide an intra-day indicative value (“IIV”) per Share updated every 15
seconds, as calculated by NYSE Arca or a third-party financial data provider
during NYSE Arca’s Core Trading Session (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., New York time).
Such IIV will be calculated using the same methodology as the NAV per Share of
the Trust, specifically by using the prior day’s closing NAV per Share as a base
and updating that value during the NYSE Arca Core Trading Session to reflect
changes in the value of the Trust’s NAV during the trading day. The IIV on a per
Share basis disseminated during the Core Trading Session should not be viewed as
a real-time update of the NAV, which is calculated once a day. The amount of SOL
represented by a Share will gradually decrease over time as the Trust’s SOL are
used to pay the Trust’s expenses.
Authorized
Participants are the only persons that may place orders to create and redeem
Baskets. Each Authorized Participant must (i) be a registered broker-dealer and
(ii) enter into a Participant Agreement with the Sponsor and the Transfer Agent.
If and when Authorized Participants enter into or amend their respective
Participant Agreements to provide for creations and redemptions effected through
In-Kind Orders, any Authorized Participants creating and redeeming Shares
through In-Kind Orders must own a SOL wallet address that is known to the
Custodian as belonging to the Authorized Participant and maintain an account
with the Custodian (or if the Authorized Participant does not itself trade in
SOL, a designee of such Authorized Participant (each, an “AP Designee”) must own
a SOL wallet address that is known to the Custodian as belonging to such AP
Designee and maintain an account with the Custodian.
An
Authorized Participant may act for its own account or as agent for
broker-dealers, custodians and other securities market participants that wish to
create or redeem Baskets. Shareholders who are not Authorized Participants will
only be able to create or redeem their Shares through an Authorized
Participant.
The
creation of Baskets requires the delivery to the Trust of the Total Basket
Amount (or cash to acquire the Total Basket Amount) and the redemption of
Baskets requires the distribution or other disposition by the Trust of the Total
Basket Amount. Although the Trust creates Baskets only upon the receipt of SOL,
and redeems Baskets only by distributing SOL or proceeds from the disposition of
SOL, at this time an Authorized Participant can only submit Cash Orders,
pursuant to which the Authorized Participant will deposit cash into, or accept
cash from, a segregated account maintained by the Transfer Agent in the name of
the Trust for purposes of receiving and distributing cash in connection with the
creation and redemption of Baskets (such account, the “Cash Account”), as
Authorized Participants have not entered into or amended their respective
Participant Agreements to provide for creations and redemptions effected through
in-kind orders. The Trust may effect creations and redemptions through in-kind
transactions if and when Authorized Participants enter into or amend their
respective Participant Agreements to provide for such transactions.
Cash
Orders will be facilitated by the Transfer Agent and Grayscale Investments
Sponsors, LLC. On an order-by-order basis, Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC,
acting in its capacity as Liquidity Engager, will engage one or more Liquidity
Providers to obtain or receive SOL in exchange for cash in connection with such
order, as described in more detail below. Each Liquidity Provider must enter
into a Liquidity Provider Agreement with the Liquidity Engager and the Sponsor
(on behalf of the Trust), which will obligate it to obtain or receive SOL in
connection with creations and redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders.
Unless
the Sponsor requires that a Cash Order be effected at actual execution prices
(an “Actual Execution Cash Order”), each Authorized Participant that submits a
Cash Order to create or redeem Baskets will pay a fee (the “Variable Fee”) based
on the Total Basket NAV (a “Variable Fee Cash Order”), and any price
differential between (x) the Total Basket NAV on the trade date and (y) the
price realized in acquiring or disposing of the corresponding Total Basket
Amount, as the case may be, will be borne solely by the Liquidity Provider until
such SOL have been received or liquidated by the Trust. The Variable Fee is
intended to cover all of a Liquidity Provider’s expenses in connection with the
creation or redemption order, including any exchange fees that the Liquidity
Provider incurs in connection with buying or selling SOL. The amount may be
changed by the Sponsor in its sole discretion at any time, and Liquidity
Providers will communicate to the Sponsor in advance the Variable Fee they would
be willing to accept in connection with a Variable Fee Cash Order, based on
market conditions and other factors existing at the time of such Variable Fee
Cash Order.
Alternatively,
the Sponsor may require that a Cash Order be effected as an Actual Execution
Cash Order, in its sole discretion based on market conditions and other factors
existing at the time of such Cash Order, and under such circumstances, any price
differential between (x) the Total Basket NAV on the trade date and (y) the
price realized in acquiring or disposing of the corresponding Total Basket
Amount, as the case may be, will be borne solely by such Authorized Participant
until such SOL have been received or liquidated by the Trust. See “—Creation
Procedures—Actual Execution Cash Orders” and “—Redemption Procedures—Actual
Execution Cash Orders.”
In
the case of creations pursuant to Cash Orders, to transfer the Total Basket
Amount to the Trust’s Vault Balance, the Liquidity Provider will transfer SOL to
one of the public key addresses associated with the Vault Balance and as
provided by the Sponsor. In the case of redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders, the
same procedure is conducted, but in reverse, using the public key addresses
associated with the wallet of the Liquidity Provider, and as provided by such
party. All such transactions will be conducted on the Blockchain and parties
acknowledge and agree that such transfers may be irreversible if done
incorrectly. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and
the Shares—SOL transactions are irrevocable and stolen or incorrectly
transferred SOL may be irretrievable. As a result, any incorrectly executed SOL
transactions could adversely affect the value of the Shares.”
At
this time the Trust does not create and redeem shares via in-kind transactions
with Authorized Participants. If and when one or more Authorized Participants
enter into or amend a Participant Agreement to provide for in-kind creations and
redemptions the Trust may also create and redeem Baskets via In-Kind Orders,
pursuant to which an Authorized Participant or its AP Designee would deposit SOL
directly with the Trust or receive SOL directly from the Trust. However, at this
time Baskets will not be created or redeemed through In-Kind Orders and will
only be created or redeemed through Cash Orders. There can be no assurance as to
whether or when any Authorized Participant will enter into or amend a
Participant Agreement to provide for in-kind creations and redemption. See “Item
1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the Shares—The current
unavailability of in-kind creations and redemptions of Shares could have adverse
consequences for the Trust.”
Authorized
Participants do not pay a transaction fee to the Trust in connection with the
creation or redemption of Baskets, but there may be transaction fees associated
with the validation of the transfer of SOL by the Solana Network, which will be
paid by the Custodian in the case of redemptions and an Authorized Participant,
its AP Designee or the Liquidity Provider in the case of creations. Service
providers may charge Authorized Participants or AP Designees administrative fees
for order placement and other services related to the creation or redemption of
Baskets. As discussed above, Authorized Participants will also pay the Variable
Fee in connection with Variable Fee Cash Orders. As discussed in further detail
below under “—Creation Procedures—Actual Execution Cash Orders” and “—Redemption
Procedures—Actual Execution Cash Orders”, under certain circumstances Authorized
Participants may also be required to deposit additional cash in the Cash
Account, or be entitled to receive excess cash from the Cash Account, in
connection with creations and redemptions pursuant to Actual Execution Cash
Orders. Authorized Participants will receive no fees, commissions or other form
of compensation or inducement of any kind from either the Sponsor or the Trust
and no such person has any obligation or responsibility to the Sponsor or the
Trust to effect any sale or resale of Shares.
The
Participant Agreements and the related procedures attached thereto may be
amended by the Sponsor and the relevant Authorized Participant. Under the
Participant Agreements, the Sponsor has agreed to indemnify each Authorized
Participant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
The
following description of the procedures for the creation and redemption of
Baskets is only a summary and shareholders should refer to the relevant
provisions of the Trust Agreement and the form of Participant Agreement for more
detail.
Creation
Procedures
On
any business day, an Authorized Participant may place an order with the Transfer
Agent to create one or more Baskets. Orders for creation must be placed with the
Transfer Agent no later than 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, and Cash Orders for
creation must be placed with the Transfer Agent no later than 1:59:59 p.m., New
York time (the “Order Cutoff Time”).
The
Sponsor may in its sole discretion limit the number of Shares created pursuant
to Cash Orders on any specified day without notice to the Authorized
Participants and may direct the Marketing Agent to reject any Cash Orders in
excess of such capped amount. In exercising its discretion to limit the number
of Shares created pursuant to Cash Orders, the Sponsor expects to take into
consideration a number of factors, including (i) the availability of Liquidity
Providers to facilitate Cash Orders and (ii) to the extent Authorized
Participants have entered into or amended Participant Agreements to provide for
in-kind creations and redemptions, the cost of processing Cash Orders relative
to the cost of processing In-Kind Orders. If the Sponsor decides to limit Cash
Orders and the Trust is otherwise unable to satisfy creation orders made in
cash, the Trust’s ability to create new Shares could be negatively impacted or,
if Authorized Participants have not entered into or amended Participant
Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions as of such time,
would be unavailable, which could impact the Shares’ liquidity and/or cause the
Shares to trade at premiums to the NAV per Share, and otherwise have a negative
impact on the value of the Shares. In addition, if the Sponsor decides to limit
Cash Orders at a time when the Shares are trading at a premium to the NAV per
Share, and in-kind creations are not then being effected pursuant to Participant
Agreements, the arbitrage mechanism may fail to effectively function, which
could impact the Shares’ liquidity and/or cause the Shares to trade at premiums
to the NAV per Share, and otherwise have a negative impact on the value of the
Shares. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the
Shares—The current unavailability of in-kind creations and
redemptions
of
Shares could have adverse consequences for the Trust.”
Creations
pursuant to Cash Orders will take place as follows, where “T” is the trade date
and each day in the sequence must be a business day. Before a creation order is
placed, the Sponsor determines if such creation pursuant to a Cash Order will be
a Variable Fee Cash Order or an Actual Execution Cash Order, which determination
is communicated to the Authorized Participant.
|
|
| |
|
Trade
Date (T) |
|
Settlement
Date
(T+1,
or T+2, as established at the time of order placement) |
•
The
Authorized Participant places a creation order with the Transfer
Agent.
•
The
Marketing Agent accepts (or rejects) the creation order, which is
communicated to the Authorized Participant by the Transfer Agent.
•
The
Sponsor notifies the Liquidity Provider of the creation order.
•
The
Sponsor determines the Total Basket NAV and any Variable Fee and
Additional Creation Cash as soon as practicable after 4:00 p.m., New York
time. |
|
•
The
Authorized Participant delivers to the Cash Account:
(x) in
the case of a Variable Fee Cash Order, the Total Basket NAV, plus any
Variable Fee; or
(y) in
the case of an Actual Execution Cash Order, the Total Basket NAV, plus any
Additional Creation Cash, less any Excess Creation Cash, if applicable
(such amount, as applicable, the “Required Creation Cash”).
•
The
Liquidity Provider transfers the Total Basket Amount to the Trust’s Vault
Balance.
•
Once
the Trust is in simultaneous possession of (x) the Total Basket Amount and
(y) the Required Creation Cash, the Trust issues the aggregate number of
Shares corresponding to the Baskets ordered by the Authorized Participant,
which the Transfer Agent holds for the benefit of the Authorized
Participant.
•
Cash
equal to the Required Creation Cash is delivered to the Liquidity Provider
from the Cash Account.
•
The
Transfer Agent delivers Shares to the Authorized Participant by crediting
the number of Baskets created to the Authorized Participant’s DTC
account. |
Variable
Fee Cash Orders
Unless
the Sponsor determines otherwise in its sole discretion based on market
conditions and other factors existing at the time of such Cash Order, all
creations pursuant to Cash Orders are expected to be executed as Variable Fee
Cash Orders, and any price differential between (x) the Total Basket NAV on the
trade date and (y) the price realized in acquiring the corresponding Total
Basket Amount will be borne solely by the Liquidity Provider until such SOL have
been received by the Trust.
The
Sponsor anticipates that the Trust’s cost to acquire the Total Basket Amount in
connection with a Variable Fee Cash Order will equal the sum of the
corresponding Total Basket NAV and Variable Fee to be delivered by the
Authorized Participant to the Trust. In the event that, by 12:00 p.m., New York
time on the settlement date of a creation pursuant to a Variable Fee Cash Order,
either (x) the Trust’s Vault Balance has not been credited with SOL in an amount
equal to the Total Basket Amount or (y) the Cash Account has not been credited
with the Total Basket NAV, plus any Variable Fee, such Cash Order will be deemed
a failed trade, with any consideration that has been delivered by the Authorized
Participant or the Liquidity Provider in respect of such Cash Order being
returned by the Trust.
The
Transfer Agent shall under no circumstances cause the Trust to issue Shares in
respect of a Variable Fee Cash Order until such time as each of (x) the Total
Basket Amount and (y) the Total Basket NAV, plus any Variable Fee, has been
delivered to the Trust, and the Trust is in simultaneous possession of
both.
Actual
Execution Cash Orders
With
respect to a creation pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, as between the
Trust and an Authorized Participant, the Authorized Participant is responsible
for the dollar cost of the difference between the SOL price utilized in
calculating Total Basket NAV on the trade date and the price at which the Trust
acquires the SOL on the settlement date. If the price realized in acquiring the
corresponding Total Basket Amount is higher than the Total Basket NAV, the
Authorized Participant will bear the dollar cost of such difference by
delivering cash in the amount of such difference (the “Additional Creation
Cash”) to the Cash Account. If the price realized in acquiring the corresponding
Total Basket Amount is lower than the Total Basket NAV, the Authorized
Participant will benefit from
such
difference, with the Trust promptly returning cash in the amount of such excess
(the “Excess Creation Cash”) to the Authorized Participant.
In
the event that, by 12:00 p.m., New York time on the settlement date of a
creation pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, either (x) the Trust’s
Vault Balance has not been credited with SOL in an amount equal to the Total
Basket Amount or (y) the Cash Account has not been credited with the Total
Basket NAV (net of any Additional Creation Cash or Excess Creation Cash, if
applicable), such Cash Order will be deemed a failed trade, with any
consideration that has been delivered by the Authorized Participant or the
Liquidity Provider in respect of such Cash Order being returned by the
Trust.
The
Transfer Agent shall under no circumstances cause the Trust to issue Shares in
respect of a Cash Order until such time as each of (x) the Total Basket Amount
and (y) the Total Basket NAV (net of any Additional Creation Cash or Excess
Creation Cash, if applicable) has been delivered to the Trust, and the Trust is
in simultaneous possession of both.
Redemption
Procedures
The
procedures by which an Authorized Participant can redeem one or more Baskets
mirror the procedures for the creation of Baskets. On any business day, an
Authorized Participant may place a redemption order specifying the number of
Baskets to be redeemed.
The
redemption of Shares pursuant to Cash Orders will only take place if approved by
the Sponsor in writing, in its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis. In
exercising its discretion to approve the redemption of Shares pursuant to Cash
Orders, the Sponsor expects to take into consideration a number of factors,
including (i) the availability of Liquidity Providers to facilitate Cash Orders
and (ii) to the extent Authorized Participants have entered into or amended
Participant Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions, the
cost of processing Cash Orders relative to the cost of processing In-Kind
Orders. If the Sponsor decides to limit Cash Orders and the Trust is unable to
satisfy redemption orders made in cash, the Trust’s ability to create new Shares
could be negatively impacted or, if Authorized Participants have not entered
into or amended Participant Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and
redemptions as of such time, would be unavailable, which could impact the
Shares’ liquidity and/or cause the Shares to trade at discounts, and could have
a negative impact on the value of the Shares. In addition, if the Sponsor
decides to limit Cash Orders at a time when the Shares are trading at a discount
to the NAV per Share, and in-kind redemptions are not then being effected
pursuant to Participant Agreements, the arbitrage mechanism may fail to
effectively function, which could impact the Shares’ liquidity and/or cause the
Shares to trade at discounts to the NAV per Share, and otherwise have a negative
impact on the value of the Shares. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors
Related to the Trust and the Shares—The current unavailability of in-kind
creations and redemptions of Shares could have adverse consequences for the
Trust.” for more information.
Cash
Orders for redemption must be placed no later than 1:59:59 p.m., New York time
on each business day. The Authorized Participants may only redeem Baskets and
cannot redeem any Shares in an amount less than a Basket.
Redemptions
pursuant to Cash Orders will take place as follows, where “T” is the trade date
and each day in the sequence must be a business day. Before a redemption
pursuant to Cash Order is placed, the Sponsor determines if such redemption
order will be a Variable Fee Cash Order or an Actual Execution Cash Order, which
determination is communicated to the Authorized Participant.
|
|
| |
|
Trade
Date (T) |
|
Settlement
Date
(T+1,
or T+2, as established at the time of order placement) |
•
The
Authorized Participant places a redemption order with the Transfer
Agent.
•
The
Marketing Agent accepts (or rejects) the redemption order, which is
communicated to the Authorized Participant by the Transfer
Agent.
•
The
Sponsor notifies the Liquidity Provider of the redemption
order.
•
The
Sponsor determines the Total Basket NAV and, in the case of a Variable Fee
Cash Order, any Variable Fee, as soon as practicable after 4:00 p.m., New
York time. |
|
•
The
Authorized Participant delivers Baskets to be redeemed from its DTC
account to the Transfer Agent.
•
The
Liquidity Provider delivers to the Cash Account:
(x) in
the case of a Variable Fee Cash Order, the Total Basket NAV less any
Variable Fee; or
(y) in
the case of an Actual Execution Cash Order, the actual proceeds to the
Trust from the liquidation of the Total Basket Amount (such amount, as
applicable, the “Required Redemption Cash”).
•
Once
the Trust is in simultaneous possession of (x) the Total Basket Amount and
(y) the Required Redemption Cash, the Transfer Agent cancels the Shares
comprising the number of Baskets redeemed by the Authorized
Participant.
•
The
Custodian sends the Liquidity Provider the Total Basket Amount, and cash
equal to the Required Redemption Cash is delivered to the Authorized
Participant from the Cash Account. |
Variable
Fee Cash Orders
Unless
the Sponsor determines otherwise in its sole discretion based on market
conditions and other factors existing at the time of such Cash Order, all
redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders are expected to be executed as Variable Fee
Cash Orders, and any price differential between (x) the Total Basket NAV on the
trade date and (y) the price realized in disposing of the corresponding Total
Basket Amount will be borne solely by the Liquidity Provider.
The
Sponsor anticipates that the Trust’s proceeds from liquidating the Total Basket
Amount in connection with a Variable Fee Cash Order will equal the corresponding
Total Basket NAV less the Variable Fee to be delivered by the Liquidity Provider
to the Trust. In the event that, by 12:00 p.m. (New York time) on the settlement
date of a redemption pursuant to a Variable Fee Cash Order, either (x) the
Transfer Agent’s account at DTC has not been credited with the total number of
Shares corresponding to the total number of Baskets to be redeemed or (y) the
Cash Account has not been credited with the Total Basket NAV, less any Variable
Fee, such Cash Order will be deemed a failed trade, with any consideration that
has been delivered by the Authorized Participant or the Liquidity Provider in
respect of such Cash Order being returned by the Trust.
The
Transfer Agent shall under no circumstances deliver the Required Redemption Cash
to the Authorized Participant in respect of a Variable Fee Cash Order until such
time as (x) the Baskets to be redeemed have been delivered to the Transfer Agent
and (y) the Total Basket NAV, less any Variable Fee, has been delivered to the
Cash Account, and the Trust and/or the Transfer Agent is in simultaneous
possession of both.
Actual
Execution Cash Orders
With
respect to a redemption pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, as between
the Trust and an Authorized Participant, the Authorized Participant is
responsible for the dollar cost of the difference between the SOL price utilized
in calculating Total Basket NAV on the trade date and the price at which the
Trust disposes of the SOL on the settlement date. If the price realized in
disposing the corresponding Total Basket Amount on the settlement date is lower
than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date, the Authorized Participant will
bear the dollar cost of such difference (the “Redemption Cash Shortfall”), with
the amount of cash to be delivered to the Authorized Participant being reduced
by the amount of such Redemption Cash Shortfall. If the price realized in
disposing the corresponding Total Basket Amount on the settlement date is higher
than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date, the Trust will deliver cash in the
amount of such excess (the “Additional Redemption Cash”) to the Authorized
Participant.
In
the event that, by 12:00 p.m. (New York time) on the settlement date of a
redemption pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, either (x) the Transfer
Agent’s account at DTC has not been credited with the total number of Shares
corresponding to the total number of Baskets to be redeemed or (y) the Cash
Account has not been credited with the Total Basket NAV (plus any Additional
Redemption Cash or net of any Redemption Cash Shortfall), such Cash Order will
be deemed a failed trade, with any consideration that has been delivered by the
Authorized Participant or the Liquidity Provider in respect of such Cash Order
being returned by the Trust.
The
Transfer Agent shall under no circumstances deliver the Required Redemption Cash
to the Authorized Participant in respect of a Cash Order until such time as (x)
the Total Basket Amount has been delivered to the Transfer Agent and (y) the
Total Basket NAV (plus any Additional Redemption Cash or net of any Redemption
Cash Shortfall, if applicable) has been delivered to the Trust, and the Trust
and/or the Transfer Agent is in simultaneous possession of both.
Suspension
or Rejection of Orders and Total Basket Amount
The
creation or redemption of Shares may be suspended generally, or refused with
respect to particular requested creations or redemptions, during any period when
the transfer books of the Transfer Agent are closed or if circumstances outside
the control of the Sponsor or its delegates make it for all practical purposes
not feasible to process creation orders or redemption orders or for any other
reason at any time or from time to time. The Marketing Agent may reject an order
or, after accepting an order, may cancel such order, if: (i) such order is not
presented in proper form as described in the Participant Agreement, (ii) to the
extent Authorized Participants have entered into or amended Participant
Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions, in the case of
In-Kind Orders, the transfer of the Total Basket Amount comes from an account
other than a SOL wallet address that is known to the Custodian as belonging to
the Authorized Participant or its AP Designee or (iii) the fulfillment of the
order, in the opinion of counsel, might be unlawful, among other reasons. None
of the Sponsor or its delegates will be liable for the suspension, rejection or
acceptance of any creation order or redemption order.
The
Sponsor will notify investors of any suspension of creations or redemptions of
Shares by filing a current report on Form 8-K. Suspension of the creation or
redemption of Shares could negatively impact the Shares’ liquidity and/or cause
the Shares to trade at premiums and discounts, and otherwise have a negative
impact on the value of the Shares.
Tax
Responsibility
Authorized
Participants are responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, stamp tax,
recording tax, value-added tax or similar tax or governmental charge applicable
to the creation and redemption of Baskets, regardless of whether such tax or
charge is imposed directly on the Authorized Participants, and agree to
indemnify the Sponsor and the Trust if the Sponsor or the Trust is required by
law to pay any such tax, together with any applicable penalties, additions to
tax or interest thereon.
Valuation
of SOL and Determination of NAV
The
Sponsor will evaluate the SOL held by the Trust and determine the NAV of the
Trust in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Trust Documents. The
following is a description of the material terms of the Trust Documents as they
relate to valuation of the Trust’s SOL and the NAV calculations, which is
calculated using non-GAAP methodology and is not used in the Trust’s financial
statements.
On
each business day at 4:00 p.m., New York time, or as soon thereafter as
practicable (the “Evaluation Time”), the Sponsor will evaluate the SOL held by
the Trust and calculate and publish the NAV of the Trust. To calculate the NAV,
the Sponsor will:
1.
Determine
the Index Price as of such business day.
2.
Multiply
the Index Price by the Trust’s aggregate amount of SOL owned by the Trust as of
4:00 p.m., New York time, on the immediately preceding day, less the aggregate
amount of SOL payable as the accrued and unpaid Sponsor’s Fee and Sponsor’s
Staking Fee as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the immediately preceding day.
3.
Add
the U.S. dollar value of SOL, calculated using the Index Price, receivable under
pending creation orders, if any, determined by multiplying the number of the
Creation Baskets represented by such creation orders by the Basket Amount and
then multiplying such product by the Index Price.
4.
Subtract
the U.S. dollar amount of accrued and unpaid Additional Trust Expenses, if any.
5.
Subtract
the U.S. dollar value of the SOL, calculated using the Index Price, which are
either (i) to be distributed under pending redemption orders, if any, determined
by multiplying the number of Baskets to be redeemed represented by such
redemption orders by the Basket Amount and then multiplying such product by the
Index Price, or (ii) to be distributed to shareholders pursuant to a binding
obligation of the Trust following the declaration of an in-kind dividend
(including through interests in any liquidating trust or other vehicle formed to
hold such SOL) (the amount derived from steps 1 through 5 above, the “NAV Fee
Basis Amount”).
6.
Subtract
the U.S. dollar amount of the Sponsor’s Fee that accrues for such business day,
as calculated based on the NAV Fee Basis Amount for such business day.
In
the event that the Sponsor determines that the primary methodology used to
determine the Index Price is not an appropriate basis for valuation of the
Trust’s SOL, the Sponsor will utilize the cascading set of rules as described in
“—Overview of the Solana Industry and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index
Price.”
The
Sponsor will publish the Index Price, the Trust’s NAV and the NAV per Share on
the Trust’s website as soon as practicable after its determination. If the NAV
and NAV per Share have been calculated using a price per SOL other than the
Index Price for such Evaluation Time, the publication on the Trust’s website
will note the valuation methodology used and the price per SOL resulting from
such calculation.
In
the event of a hard fork of the Solana Network, the Sponsor will, if permitted
by the terms of the Trust Agreement, use its discretion to determine, in good
faith, which peer-to-peer network, among a group of incompatible forks of the
Solana Network, is generally accepted as the network for SOL and should
therefore be considered the appropriate network for the Trust’s purposes. The
Sponsor will base its determination on a variety of then relevant factors,
including (but not limited to) the following: (i) the Sponsor’s beliefs
regarding expectations of the core developers of SOL, users, services,
businesses, validators and other constituencies and (ii) the actual continued
acceptance of, validating power on, and community engagement with the Solana
Network.
The
shareholders may rely on any evaluation furnished by the Sponsor. The
determinations that the Sponsor makes will be made in good faith upon the basis
of, and the Sponsor will not be liable for any errors contained in, information
reasonably available to it. The Sponsor will not be liable to the Authorized
Participants, the shareholders or any other person for errors in judgment.
However, the preceding liability exclusion will not protect the Sponsor against
any liability resulting from gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith
in the performance of its duties.
Expenses;
Sales of SOL
The
Trust’s only ordinary recurring expense is expected to be the Sponsor’s Fee.
From inception to October 28, 2025, the Sponsor’s Fee was 2.5%. Effective
October 29, 2025, the Sponsor’s Fee was lowered to 0.35%. The Sponsor’s Fee will
accrue daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate of 0.35% of the NAV Fee Basis
Amount of the Trust as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each day; provided that
for a day that is not a business day, the calculation will be based on the NAV
Fee Basis Amount from the most recent business day, reduced by the accrued and
unpaid Sponsor’s Fee for such most recent business day and for each day after
such most recent business day and prior to the relevant calculation date. This
dollar amount for each daily accrual will then be converted into SOL by
reference to the same Index Price used to determine such accrual. The Sponsor’s
Fee is payable in SOL to the Sponsor daily in arrears.
The
Sponsor, from time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the
Sponsor’s Fee in its sole discretion for stated periods of time. Effective
November 5, 2025, the Sponsor has determined to waive a portion of the Sponsor’s
Fee until the earlier of (x) February 5, 2026 and (y) the first date on which
the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0 billion (such period, the “Fee
Waiver
Period”). If the Trust’s NAV exceeded $1.0 billion prior to February
5, 2026, the Sponsor’s Fee charged on assets over $1.0 billion would have become
0.35%. All investors will incur the same Sponsor’s Fee, which is the weighted
average for those fee rates. Following the expiration of the Fee Waiver Period
on February 5, 2026, the effective Sponsor’s Fee is now 0.35%. From November 5,
2025 to December 31, 2025, the Trust’s assets did not exceed $1.0 billion and no
Sponsor’s Fee had been incurred.
Expenses
to Be Paid by the Sponsor
The
Trust pays the Sponsor’s Fee to the Sponsor. As partial consideration for its
receipt of the Sponsor’s Fee from the Trust, the Sponsor is obligated under the
Trust Agreement to assume and pay all fees and other expenses incurred by the
Trust in the ordinary course of its affairs, excluding taxes, but including: (i)
the Marketing Fee; (ii) the Administrator Fee, if any; (iii) the Custodian Fee
and fees for any other security vendor engaged by the Trust; (iv) the Transfer
Agent Fee; (v) the Trustee fee; (vi) fees and expenses related to the listing,
quotation or trading of the Shares on any Secondary Market (including customary
legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) in an amount up to $600,000 in any
given fiscal year; (vii) ordinary course legal fees and expenses; (viii) audit
fees; (ix) regulatory fees, including, if applicable, any fees relating to
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act; (x)
printing and mailing costs; (xi) the costs of maintaining the Trust’s website;
and (xii) applicable license fees (each a “Sponsor-paid Expense”), provided that
any expense that qualifies as an Additional Trust Expense will be deemed to be
an Additional Trust Expense and not a Sponsor-paid Expense. The Sponsor, from
time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee of the
Trust in its discretion for stated periods of time. The Sponsor has previously
waived the Sponsor’s Fee during the Fee Waiver Period, which ended on February
5, 2026. Presently, the Sponsor does not intend to waive any of the Sponsor’s
Fee for the Trust and, except as set forth above, there are no circumstances
under which the Sponsor has determined it will definitely waive the fee. The
Sponsor is under no obligation to waive any portion of its fees, and any such
waiver shall create no obligation to waive any such fees during any period not
covered by the waiver.
The
Sponsor’s Fee will generally be paid in SOL.
After
the Trust’s payment of the Sponsor’s Fee to the Sponsor, the Sponsor may elect
to convert the SOL received as payment of the Sponsor’s Fee into U.S. dollars.
The rate at which the Sponsor converts such SOL to U.S. dollars may differ from
the rate at which the relevant Sponsor’s Fee was determined. The Trust will not
be responsible for any fees and expenses incurred by the Sponsor to convert SOL
received in payment of the Sponsor’s Fee into U.S. dollars.
Extraordinary
and Other Expenses
In
certain extraordinary circumstances, the Trust may incur certain extraordinary,
non-recurring expenses that are not Sponsor-paid Expenses, including, but not
limited to: taxes and governmental charges; expenses and costs of any
extraordinary services performed by the Sponsor (or any other service provider)
on behalf of the Trust to protect the Trust or the interests of shareholders;
any indemnification of the Custodian or other agents, service providers or
counterparties of the Trust; the fees and expenses related to the listing,
quotation or trading of the Shares on any Secondary Market (including legal,
marketing and audit fees and expenses) to the extent exceeding $600,000 in any
given fiscal year; and extraordinary legal fees and expenses, including any
legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with litigation, regulatory
enforcement or investigation matters (collectively, “Additional Trust
Expenses”). If Additional Trust Expenses are incurred, the Trust will be
required to pay these Additional Trust Expenses by selling or delivering SOL.
Generally, the Sponsor will cover such expenses on behalf of the Trust and the
Trust will reimburse the Sponsor by delivering to the Sponsor SOL in an amount
equal to such expenses. When the Trust and the Sponsor, acting on behalf of the
Trust, sell or deliver, as applicable, SOL, they generally do not transact
directly with counterparties other than the Authorized Participants, a Liquidity
Provider or other similarly eligible financial institutions that are subject to
federal and state licensing requirements and maintain practices and policies
designed to comply with AML and KYC regulations.
The
Sponsor or any of its affiliates may be reimbursed only for the actual cost to
the Sponsor or such affiliate of any expenses that it advances on behalf of the
Trust for payment of which the Trust is responsible. In addition, the Trust
Agreement prohibits the Trust from paying to the Sponsor or such affiliate for
indirect expenses incurred in performing services for the Trust in its capacity
as the Sponsor (or an affiliate of the Sponsor) of the Trust, such as salaries
and fringe benefits of officers and directors, rent or depreciation, utilities
and other administrative items generally falling within the category of the
Sponsor’s “overhead.”
Disposition
of SOL
To
cause the Trust to pay the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor will instruct the
Custodian to (i) withdraw from the Vault Balance the amount of SOL, determined
as described above in “—Expenses; Sales of SOL,” equal to the accrued but unpaid
Sponsor’s Fee and (ii) transfer such SOL to an account maintained by the
Custodian for the Sponsor at such times as the Sponsor determines in its
absolute discretion. In addition, if the Trust incurs any Additional Trust
Expenses, the Sponsor or its delegates (i) will instruct the Custodian to
withdraw from the Vault Balance SOL in such quantity as may be necessary to
permit payment of such Additional Trust Expenses and
(ii)
may either (x) cause the Trust to convert such SOL into U.S. dollars or other
fiat currencies at the Actual Exchange Rate or (y) when the Sponsor incurs such
expenses on behalf of the Trust, cause the Trust (or its delegate) to deliver
such SOL in-kind to the Sponsor, in each case in such quantity as may be
necessary to permit payment of such Additional Trust Expenses. The Sponsor’s Fee
and Additional Trust Expenses payable by the Trust will generally be paid in
SOL. Shareholders do not have the option of choosing to pay their proportionate
shares of Additional Trust Expenses in lieu of having their shares of Additional
Trust Expenses paid by the Trust’s delivery or disposition of SOL. Assuming that
the Trust is a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the transfer
or sale of SOL to pay the Trust’s expenses will be a taxable event for
shareholders. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax
Consequences to U.S. Holders.”
Because
the amount of SOL held by the Trust will decrease as a consequence of the
payment of the Sponsor’s Fee in SOL or the sale of SOL to pay Additional Trust
Expenses (and the Trust will incur additional fees associated with converting
SOL into U.S. dollars), the amount of SOL represented by a Share will decline at
such time and the Trust’s NAV may also decrease. Accordingly, the shareholders
will bear the cost of the Sponsor’s Fee and any Additional Trust Expenses. New
SOL deposited into the Vault Balance in exchange for additional new Baskets
issued by the Trust will not reverse this trend.
The
Sponsor will also cause the sale of the Trust’s SOL if the Sponsor determines
that sale is required by applicable law or regulation or in connection with the
termination and liquidation of the Trust. The Sponsor will not be liable or
responsible in any way for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale
of SOL.
The
quantity of SOL to be delivered to the Sponsor or other relevant payee in
payment of the Sponsor’s Fee or any Additional Trust Expenses, or sold to permit
payment of Additional Trust Expenses, will vary from time to time depending on
the level of the Trust’s expenses and the value of SOL held by the Trust. See
“—Expenses; Sales of SOL.” Assuming that the Trust is a grantor trust for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, each delivery or sale of SOL by the Trust for the
payment of expenses will be a taxable event to shareholders. See “—Material U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders.”
Discretion
of the Index Provider
The
Index Provider has sole discretion over the determination of the Index Price and
may change the methodologies for determining the Index Price from time to
time.
Description
of the Trust Agreement
The
following is a description of the material terms of the Trust Agreement. The
Trust Agreement establishes the roles, rights and duties of the Sponsor and the
Trustee.
The
Sponsor
Liability
of the Sponsor and Indemnification
Neither
the Sponsor nor the Trust insure the Trust’s SOL. The
Sponsor and its affiliates (each a “Covered Person”) will not be liable to the
Trust or any shareholder for any loss suffered by the Trust which arises out of
any action or inaction of such Covered Person if such Covered Person determined
in good faith that such course of conduct was in the best interests of the
Trust. However, the preceding liability exclusion will not protect any Covered
Person against any liability resulting from its own willful misconduct, bad
faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties.
Each
Covered Person will be indemnified by the Trust against any loss, judgment,
liability, expense incurred or amount paid in settlement of any claim sustained
by it in connection with the Covered Person’s activities for the Trust, provided
that (i) the Covered Person was acting on behalf of, or performing services for,
the Trust and had determined, in good faith, that such course of conduct was in
the best interests of the Trust and such liability or loss was not the result of
fraud, gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or a material breach of
the Trust Agreement on the part of such Covered Person and (ii) any such
indemnification will be recoverable only from the property of the Trust. Any
amounts payable to an indemnified party will be payable in advance under certain
circumstances.
Fiduciary
and Regulatory Duties of the Sponsor
The
Sponsor is not effectively subject to the duties and restrictions imposed on
“fiduciaries” under both statutory and common law. Rather, the general fiduciary
duties that would apply to the Sponsor are defined and limited in scope by the
Trust Agreement.
Under
Delaware law, a shareholder may bring a derivative action if the shareholder is
a shareholder at the time the action is brought and either (i) was a shareholder
at the time of the transaction at issue or (ii) acquired the status of
shareholder by operation of law or the Trust’s governing instrument from a
person who was a shareholder at the time of the transaction at issue.
Additionally, Section 3816(e) of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act specifically
provides that “a beneficial owner’s right to bring a derivative action may be
subject to such additional standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth
in the governing instrument of the statutory trust, including, without
limitation, the requirement that beneficial owners owning a specified beneficial
interest in the statutory trust join in the bringing of the derivative action.”
In addition to the requirements of applicable law, Section 7.4 of the Trust
Agreement provides that no shareholder will have the right, power or authority
to bring or maintain a derivative action, suit or other proceeding on behalf of
the
Trust
unless two or more shareholders who (i) are not “Affiliates” (as defined in the
Trust Agreement and below) of one another and (ii) collectively hold at least
10.0% of the outstanding Shares join in the bringing or maintaining of such
action, suit or other proceeding. The Trust selected the 10.0% ownership
threshold because the Trust believed that this was a threshold that investors
would be comfortable with based on market precedent.
This
provision applies to any derivative action brought in the name of the Trust
other than claims brought under the federal securities laws or the rules and
regulations thereunder, to which Section 7.4 does not apply. Due to this
additional requirement, a shareholder attempting to bring a derivative action in
the name of the Trust will be required to locate other shareholders with which
it is not affiliated and that have sufficient Shares to meet the 10.0% threshold
based on the number of Shares outstanding on the date the claim is brought and
thereafter throughout the duration of the action, suit or
proceeding.
“Affiliate”
is defined in the Trust Agreement to mean any natural person, partnership,
limited liability company, statutory trust, corporation, association or other
legal entity (each, a “Person”) directly or indirectly owning, controlling or
holding with power to vote 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
such Person, (ii) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting securities
are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held with power to vote by such
Person, (iii) any Person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by or
under common control of such Person, (iv) any employee, officer, director,
member, manager or partner of such Person, or (v) if such Person is an employee,
officer, director, member, manager or partner, any Person for which such Person
acts in any such capacity.
Any
shareholders seeking to bring a derivative action may determine whether the
10.0% ownership threshold required to bring a derivative action has been met by
dividing the number of Shares owned by such shareholders by the total number of
Shares outstanding. The Trust offers Shares on a periodic basis at such times
and for such periods as the Sponsor determines in its sole discretion. As a
result, in order to maintain the 10.0% ownership threshold required to maintain
a derivative action, shareholders may need to increase their holdings or locate
additional shareholders during the pendency of a claim. The Trust posts the
number of Shares outstanding as of the end of each month on its website and as
of the end of each quarter in its annual and quarterly filings with the SEC. The
Trust additionally reports sales of unregistered securities on Form 8-K pursuant
to Item 3.02 thereof. Shareholders may monitor the number of Shares outstanding
at any time for purposes of calculating their ownership threshold by reviewing
the Trust’s website and SEC filings and by requesting the number of Shares
outstanding on any date from the Sponsor at any time pursuant to Sections 7.2
and 8.1 of the Trust Agreement. Shareholders have the opportunity at any time to
increase their holdings or locate other shareholders to maintain the 10.0%
threshold throughout the duration of a derivative claim. Shareholders may do so
by requesting from the Sponsor the list of the names and last known address of
all shareholders pursuant to Sections 7.2 and 8.1 of the Trust Agreement and
Section 3819(a) of the DSTA. Because the Trust is a grantor trust, it may only
issue one class of securities, the Shares.
The
Sponsor is not aware of any reason to believe that Section 7.4 of the Trust
Agreement is not enforceable under state or federal law. The Court of Chancery
of Delaware has stated that “[t]he DSTA is enabling in nature and, as such,
permits a trust through its declarations of trust to delineate additional
standards and requirements with which a stockholder-plaintiff must comply to
proceed derivatively in the name of the trust.” Hartsel v. Vanguard Group, Inc.,
Del. Ch. June 15, 2011. However, there is limited case law addressing the
enforceability of provisions like Section 7.4 under state and federal law and it
is possible that this provision would not be enforced by a court in another
jurisdiction or under other circumstances.
Beneficial
owners may have the right, subject to certain legal requirements, to bring class
actions in federal court to enforce their rights under the federal securities
laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC. Beneficial
owners who have suffered losses in connection with the purchase or sale of their
beneficial interests may be able to recover such losses from the Sponsor where
the losses result from a violation by the Sponsor of the anti-fraud provisions
of the federal securities laws.
Actions
Taken to Protect the Trust
The
Sponsor may prosecute, defend, settle or compromise actions or claims at law or
in equity that it considers necessary or proper to protect the Trust or the
interests of the shareholders. The expenses incurred by the Sponsor in
connection therewith (including the fees and disbursements of legal counsel)
will be expenses of the Trust and are deemed to be Additional Trust Expenses.
The Sponsor will be entitled to be reimbursed for the Additional Trust Expenses
it pays on behalf of the Trust.
Successor
Sponsors
If
the Sponsor is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, the Trust may dissolve and a
Liquidating Trustee may be appointed to terminate and liquidate the Trust and
distribute its remaining assets. The Trustee will have no obligation to appoint
a successor sponsor or to assume the duties of the Sponsor, and will have no
liability to any person because the Trust is or is not terminated. However, if a
certificate of dissolution or revocation of the Sponsor’s charter is filed (and
ninety (90) days have passed after the date of notice to the Sponsor of
revocation without a reinstatement of the Sponsor’s charter) or the withdrawal,
removal, adjudication or admission of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Sponsor
has occurred, shareholders holding at least a majority (over 50%) of the Shares
may agree in writing to continue the affairs of the Trust and to select,
effective as of the date of such event, one or more successor sponsors within
ninety (90) days of any such event.
The
Trustee
The
Trustee is a fiduciary under the Trust Agreement and must satisfy the
requirements of Section 3807 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. However, the
fiduciary duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the Trustee are limited
by, and are only those specifically set forth in, the Trust
Agreement.
Limitation
on Trustee’s Liability
Under
the Trust Agreement, the Sponsor has exclusive control of the management of all
aspects of the activities of the Trust and the Trustee has only nominal duties
and liabilities to the Trust. The Trustee is appointed to serve as the trustee
for the sole purpose of satisfying Section 3807(a) of the DSTA which requires
that the Trust have at least one trustee with a principal place of business in
the State of Delaware. The duties of the Trustee are limited to (i) accepting
legal process served on the Trust in the State of Delaware and (ii) the
execution of any certificates required to be filed with the Delaware Secretary
of State which the Trustee is required to execute under the DSTA.
To
the extent the Trustee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities
to the Trust or the shareholders under the DSTA, such duties and liabilities
will be replaced by the duties and liabilities of the Trustee expressly set
forth in the Trust Agreement. The Trustee will have no obligation to supervise,
nor will it be liable for, the acts or omissions of the Sponsor, Transfer Agent,
Custodian or any other person. Neither the Trustee, either in its capacity as
trustee or in its individual capacity, nor any director, officer or controlling
person of the Trustee is, or has any liability as, the issuer, director, officer
or controlling person of the issuer of Shares. The Trustee’s liability is
limited solely to the express obligations of the Trustee as set forth in the
Trust Agreement.
Under
the Trust Agreement, the Sponsor has the exclusive management, authority and
control of all aspects of the activities of the Trust. The Trustee has no duty
or liability to supervise or monitor the performance of the Sponsor, nor does
the Trustee have any liability for the acts or omissions of the Sponsor. The
existence of a trustee should not be taken as an indication of any additional
level of management or supervision over the Trust. The Trust Agreement provides
that the management authority with respect to the Trust is vested directly in
the Sponsor and that the Trustee is not responsible or liable for the
genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or
existence of any of the SOL or other assets of the Trust.
Possible
Repayment of Distributions Received by Shareholders; Indemnification by
Shareholders
The
Shares are limited liability investments. Investors may not lose more than the
amount that they invest plus any profits recognized on their investment.
Although it is unlikely, the Sponsor may, from time to time, make distributions
to the shareholders. However, shareholders could be required, as a matter of
bankruptcy law, to return to the estate of the Trust any distribution they
received at a time when the Trust was in fact insolvent or in violation of its
Trust Agreement. In addition, the Trust Agreement provides that shareholders
will indemnify the Trust for any harm suffered by it as a result of
shareholders’ actions unrelated to the activities of the Trust.
The
foregoing repayment of distributions and indemnity provisions (other than the
provision for shareholders indemnifying the Trust for taxes imposed upon it by a
state, local or foreign taxing authority, which is included only as a formality
due to the fact that many states do not have statutory trust statutes therefore
the tax status of the Trust in such states might, theoretically, be challenged)
are commonplace in statutory trusts and limited partnerships.
Indemnification
of the Trustee
The
Trustee and any of the officers, directors, employees and agents of the Trustee
will be indemnified by the Trust as primary obligor and the Sponsor as secondary
obligor and held harmless against any loss, damage, liability, claim, action,
suit, cost, expense, disbursement (including the reasonable fees and expenses of
counsel), tax or penalty of any kind and nature whatsoever, arising out of,
imposed upon or asserted at any time against such indemnified person in
connection with the performance of its obligations under the Trust Agreement,
the creation, operation or termination of the Trust or the transactions
contemplated therein; provided, however, that neither the Trust nor the Sponsor
will be required to indemnify any such indemnified person for any such expenses
which are a result of the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of
such indemnified person. If the Trust has insufficient assets or improperly
refuses to pay such an indemnified person within 60 days of a request for
payment owed under the Trust Agreement, the Sponsor will, as secondary obligor,
compensate or reimburse the Trustee or indemnify, defend and hold harmless such
an indemnified person as if it were the primary obligor under the Trust
Agreement. Any amount payable to such an indemnified person under the Trust
Agreement may be payable in advance under certain circumstances and will be
secured by a lien on the Trust property. The obligations of the Sponsor and the
Trust to indemnify such indemnified persons under the Trust Agreement will
survive the termination of the Trust Agreement.
Holding
of Trust Property
The
Trust will hold and record the ownership of the Trust’s assets in a manner such
that it will be owned for the benefit of the shareholders for the purposes of,
and subject to and limited by the terms and conditions set forth in, the Trust
Agreement. The Trust will
not
create, incur or assume any indebtedness or borrow money from or loan money to
any person. The Trustee may not commingle its assets with those of any other
person.
The
Trustee may employ agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors and nominees and
will not be answerable for the conduct or misconduct of any such custodians,
agents, attorneys or nominees if such custodians, agents, attorneys and nominees
have been selected with reasonable care.
Resignation,
Discharge or Removal of Trustee; Successor Trustees
The
Trustee may resign as Trustee by written notice of its election so to do,
delivered to the Sponsor with at least 180 days’ notice. The Sponsor may remove
the Trustee in its discretion. If the Trustee resigns or is removed, the
Sponsor, acting on behalf of the shareholders, will appoint a successor trustee.
The successor Trustee will become fully vested with all of the rights, powers,
duties and obligations of the outgoing Trustee.
If
the Trustee resigns and no successor trustee is appointed within 180 days after
the Trustee notifies the Sponsor of its resignation, the Trustee will terminate
and liquidate the Trust and distribute its remaining assets.
Amendments
to the Trust Agreement
In
general, the Sponsor may amend the Trust Agreement without the consent of any
shareholder. In particular, the Sponsor may, without the approval of the
shareholders, amend the Trust Agreement if the Trust is advised at any time by
the Trust’s accountants or legal counsel that the amendments are necessary to
permit the Trust to take the position that it is a grantor trust for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The Sponsor is also permitted to make certain
restatements, amendments or supplements to the Trust Agreement that would
materially adversely affect the interests of the shareholders as determined by
the Sponsor in its sole discretion with a 20-day notice to shareholders.
Additionally, the Sponsor is permitted to make certain restatements, amendments
or supplements to the Trust Agreement that could adversely affect the status of
the Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but only if
certain conditions set forth in the amendments relating to the qualification of
the Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes are satisfied.
Furthermore, subject to certain limitations, the Sponsor may make any other
amendments to the Trust Agreement which do not materially adversely affect the
interests of the shareholders in its sole discretion without shareholder
consent.
Termination
of the Trust
Pursuant
to the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trust is required to dissolve under
certain circumstances. In addition, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion,
dissolve the Trust for a number of reasons, including if the Sponsor determines,
in its sole discretion, that it is desirable or advisable for any reason to
discontinue the affairs of the Trust.
Upon
dissolution of the Trust and surrender of Shares by the shareholders,
shareholders will receive a distribution in U.S. dollars or in SOL at the sole
discretion of the Sponsor, after the Sponsor has sold the Trust’s SOL, if
applicable, and has paid or made provision for the Trust’s claims and
obligations.
If
the Trust is forced to liquidate, the Trust will be liquidated under the
Sponsor’s direction. The Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, will engage directly
with Digital Asset Markets to liquidate the Trust’s SOL as promptly as possible
while obtaining the best fair value possible. The proceeds therefrom will be
applied and distributed in the following order of priority: (a) to the expenses
of liquidation and termination and to creditors, including shareholders who are
creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of
liabilities of the Trust other than liabilities for distributions to
shareholders and (b) to the holders of Shares pro rata in accordance with the
respective percentages of Shares that they hold. It is expected that the Sponsor
would be subject to the same regulatory requirements as the Trust, and
therefore, the markets available to the Sponsor will be the same markets
available to the Trust.
Governing
Law
The
Trust Agreement and the rights of the Sponsor, Trustee and shareholders under
the Trust Agreement are governed by the laws of the State of
Delaware.
Description
of the Prime Broker Agreement
The
Prime Broker Agreement establishes the rights and responsibilities of the
Custodian, the Prime Broker, the Sponsor and the Trust with respect to the
Trust’s SOL which is held in accounts maintained and operated by the Custodian,
as a fiduciary with respect to the Trust’s assets, and the Prime Broker
(together with the Custodian, the “Custodial Entities”) on behalf of the Trust.
For a general description of the Custodian’s obligations, see “—Service
Providers of the Trust—The Custodian and Prime Broker.”
Account;
Location of SOL
All
of the Trust’s SOL, other than that which is credited to a settlement balance
maintained with the Prime Broker (the “Settlement Balance”), is held in custody
accounts maintained on the books of the Custodian, as to which the Custodian
controls the private keys which allow for the transfer of ownership or control
of the Trust’s SOL on the Trust’s behalf (the “Vault Balance”). The Prime
Broker
Agreement
provides that the Trust’s Vault Balance will be held by the Custodian in
segregated wallets or accounts. The Custodian will keep all of the private keys
associated with the Trust’s SOL held in the Vault Balance in an offline manner.
The term “cold storage” refers to a safeguarding method where the storage of
private keys may involve keeping such keys’ materials on a non-networked
computer or electronic device or storing the private keys on a storage device.
Cold storage is a safeguarding method with multiple layers of protections and
protocols, by which the private keys corresponding to the Trust’s SOL are
generated and stored in an offline manner. The term “hot storage” refers to the
safeguarding method by which the private keys are held online, where they are
more accessible, leading to more efficient transfers, though they are
potentially more vulnerable to theft, loss or damage.
Additionally,
at the Sponsor’s discretion, a portion of the Trust’s SOL holdings may be
credited to the Settlement Balance, which will be reflected in a ledger
maintained on the books of the Prime Broker. The Prime Broker Agreement provides
that any SOL credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance will be held (i) in
omnibus cold storage wallets; (ii) in omnibus hot storage wallets; or (iii) in
omnibus accounts with one of the third-party venues to which Coinbase has
established connections (each, a “Coinbase Connected Venue”). The Settlement
Balance shall be separate from the Vault Balance and any other account(s) the
Trust or the Sponsor maintain with the Custodian. From time to time, the Prime
Broker may temporarily keep a portion of the private keys associated with the
SOL credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance in hot storage for purposes of
facilitating the receipt and distribution of SOL in connection with the creation
and redemption of Baskets.
Private
key shards associated with the Trust’s SOL are distributed geographically by the
Custodial Entities in secure vaults around the world, including in the United
States. The locations of the secure vaults may change and are kept confidential
by the Custodian for security purposes.
The
Prime Broker Agreement states that the Custodian serves as a fiduciary and
custodian on the Trust’s behalf with respect to the Trust’s SOL held in the
Vault Balance and the SOL in the Vault Balance are considered fiduciary assets
that remain the Trust’s property at all times and are not treated as general
assets of the Custodian. Under the Prime Broker Agreement, the Custodian
represents and warrants that it has no right, interest, or title in the SOL in
the Trust’s Vault Balance, and agrees that it will not, directly or indirectly,
lend, pledge, hypothecate or rehypothecate such digital assets. The Custodian
does not reflect such digital assets as assets on the balance sheet of the
Custodian, but does reflect the obligation to safeguard such digital assets with
a corresponding asset measured at fair value for such obligation. With respect
to the Trust’s SOL credited to the Settlement Balance, the Prime Broker
maintains an internal ledger that specifies the SOL credited to the Trust’s
Settlement Balance. The Prime Broker Agreement states that the Prime Broker
treats such SOL as custodial assets held for the benefit of the Trust, and shall
not be considered the property of the Prime Broker. Additionally, under the
Prime Broker Agreement, the Prime Broker represents and warrants that it will
not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, loan, rehypothecate or otherwise
alienate the Trust’s SOL credited to the Settlement Balance.
The
Prime Broker Agreement also contains an agreement by the parties to treat the
digital assets credited to the Trust’s Vault Balance and Settlement Balance as
“financial assets” under Article 8 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code
(“Article 8”) and to treat the Vault Balance and Settlement Balance as
“securities accounts” with respect to which the Trust is the “entitlement
holder” within the meaning of Article 8. The Custodial Entities’ ultimate
parent, Coinbase Global, Inc. (“Coinbase Global”), has stated in its public
securities filings that in light of the inclusion in its custody agreements of
provisions relating to Article 8 it believes that a court would not treat
custodied digital assets as part of its general estate, although due to the
novelty of digital assets courts have not yet considered this type of treatment
for custodied digital assets. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related to
the Trust and the Shares—The Trust relies on third-party service providers to
perform certain functions essential to the affairs of the Trust and the
replacement of such service providers could pose challenges to the safekeeping
of the Trust’s SOL and to the operations of the Trust.”
Safekeeping
of SOL
The
Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in safe custody on
behalf of the Trust all SOL received by the Custodian. All SOL credited to the
Vault Balance will (i) be held in the Vault Balance at all times, and the Vault
Balance will be controlled by the Custodian; (ii) be labeled or otherwise
appropriately identified as being held for the Trust; (iii) be held on a
non-fungible basis; (iv) not be commingled with other digital assets held by the
Custodian, whether held for the Custodian’s own account or the account of other
clients other than the Trust; and (v) not without the prior written consent of
the Trust be deposited or held with any third-party depositary, custodian,
clearance system or wallet. Additionally, the Custodian will use commercially
reasonable efforts to keep the private key or keys for the Vault Balance secure,
and will not disclose such keys to the Trust, the Sponsor or to any other
individual or entity except to the extent that any keys are disclosed consistent
with a standard of commercially reasonable efforts and as part of a multiple
signature solution that would not result in the Trust or the Sponsor “storing,
holding, or maintaining custody or control of” the SOL “on behalf of others”
within the meaning of the New York BitLicense Rule (23 NYCRR Part 200) as in
effect as of June 24, 2015 such that it would require the Trust or the Sponsor
to become licensed under such law.
SOL
credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance may be held in omnibus wallets
maintained by the Prime Broker and/or at Coinbase Connected Venues. While the
SOL credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance could be commingled with other
assets, the SOL in the Trust’s Settlement Balance will represent entitlement to
a pro-rata share of the SOL held in such omnibus wallets and/or at Coinbase
Connected Venues. In all circumstances the Prime Broker will keep an internal
ledger that specifies the assets credited to the Settlement Balance such that
the Trust, its auditors and regulators can identify the Trust’s pro-rata share
of the SOL held in omnibus wallets and/or
at
Coinbase Connected Venues. Neither the Trust nor the Sponsor have a contractual
relationship with the Coinbase Connected Venues utilized by the Custodial
Entities.
Insurance
Pursuant
to the terms of the Prime Broker Agreement, the Custodian is required to
maintain insurance in such types and amounts as are commercially reasonable for
the custodial services it provides. The Custodian has advised the Sponsor that
it has insurance coverage pursuant to policies held by Coinbase Global, which
procures fidelity (or crime) insurance coverage at commercially reasonable
amounts for the custodial services provided. This insurance coverage is limited
to losses of the digital assets the Custodian custodies on behalf of its
clients, including the Trust’s SOL, resulting from theft, including internal
theft by employees of Coinbase and its subsidiaries and theft or fraud by a
director of Coinbase if the director is acting in the capacity of an employee of
Coinbase or its subsidiaries. Although the Prime Broker is not required to
maintain insurance under the terms of the Prime Broker Agreement, the Custodial
Entities have also advised the Sponsor that they maintain insurance coverage
pursuant to such policies held by Coinbase Global.
Moreover,
while the Custodian maintains certain capital reserve requirements depending on
the assets under custody and to the extent required by applicable law, and such
capital reserves may provide additional means to cover client asset losses, the
Sponsor does not know the amount of such capital reserves, and neither the Trust
nor the Sponsor have access to such information. The Trust cannot be assured
that the Custodian will maintain capital reserves sufficient to cover losses
with respect to the Trust’s digital assets. Furthermore, Coinbase has
represented in securities filings that the total value of crypto assets in its
possession and control is significantly greater than the total value of
insurance coverage that would compensate Coinbase in the event of theft or other
loss of funds.
Deposits,
Withdrawals and Storage
The
Custodian and the Prime Broker provide for: (i) holding of the Trust’s SOL in
the Vault Balance and the Settlement Balance; (ii) transfer of the Trust’s SOL
between the relevant Vault Balance and the Settlement Balance; (iii) the deposit
of SOL from a public blockchain address into the respective account or accounts
in which the Vault Balance or the Settlement Balance are maintained; and (iv)
the withdrawal of SOL from the Vault Balance to a public blockchain address the
Trust controls (each such transaction is a “Custody Transaction”) (collectively,
the “Custodial and Prime Broker Services”).
The
Custodian reserves the right to refuse to process or to cancel any pending
Custody Transaction as required by law or in response to a subpoena, court
order, or other binding government order or to enforce transaction, threshold,
and condition limits, in each case as communicated to the Trust as soon as
reasonably practicable where the Custodian is permitted to do so, or if the
Custodian reasonably believes that the Custody Transaction may violate or
facilitate the violation of an applicable law, regulation or applicable rule of
a governmental authority or self-regulatory organization. The Custodial Entities
may suspend, restrict, or terminate the Trust’s and the Sponsor’s access to the
Custodial and Prime Broker Services, and/or suspend, restrict, or close the
accounts associated with the Trust’s Vault Balance and Settlement Balance (the
“Accounts”) if the Trust or Sponsor has taken certain actions, including any
prohibited use or prohibited business as set forth in the Prime Broker
Agreement, or if either or both of the Custodial Entities are required to do so
by a subpoena, court order, or other binding government order.
From
the time the Custodian has verified the authorization of a complete set of
instructions to withdraw SOL from the Vault Balance, the Custodian will have a
limited amount of time to process and complete such withdrawal. The Custodian
will ensure that initiated deposits are processed in a timely manner but the
Custodian makes no representations or warranties regarding the amount of time
needed to complete processing which is dependent upon many factors outside of
the Custodian’s control.
Transactions
relating to SOL held in the Settlement Balance occur on the
Blockchain.
The
Custodial Entities make no other representations or warranties with respect to
the availability and/or accessibility of SOL or the availability and/or
accessibility of the Vault Balance, the Settlement Balance or the Custodial and
Prime Broker Services.
Security
of the Accounts
The
Custodial Entities securely store all digital asset private keys held by the
Custodian on secure servers or offline, in cold storage. Under the Prime Broker
Agreement, the Custodian must use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the
private key or keys to the Vault Balance secure, and may not disclose such
private keys to the Sponsor, Trust or any other individual or
entity.
The
Custodial Entities have implemented and will maintain reasonable information
security programs that include policies and procedures that are reasonably
designed to safeguard the Custodial Entities’ electronic systems and the Trust’s
and the Sponsor’s confidential information from, among other things,
unauthorized access or misuse. In the event of a Data Security Event (as defined
in the Prime Broker Agreement), the Custodial Entities will promptly (subject to
any legal or regulatory requirements) notify the Trust and the
Sponsor.
Record
Keeping; Inspection and Auditing
The
Custodian will keep timely and accurate records as to the deposit, disbursement,
investment and reinvestment of the SOL in the Vault Balance, and such records
must be retained by the Custodian for no less than seven years. The Prime Broker
Agreement also provides that each Custodial Entity will permit, to the extent it
may legally do so, the Trust’s third-party representatives, upon thirty days’
notice, to inspect, take extracts from and audit the records that it maintains,
take such steps as necessary to verify that satisfactory internal control
systems and procedures are in place, as the Trust may reasonably request. The
Prime Broker is obligated to notify the Trust of any audit report prepared by
its internal or independent auditors if such report reveals any material
deficiencies or makes any material objections.
The
Trust and the Sponsor obtain and perform a comprehensive review of the Services
Organization Controls (“SOC”) 1 report and SOC 2 each year. For additional
information, see “—Description of Trust Documents—Description of the Prime
Broker Agreement—Annual Certificate and Report.” In addition to the review of
SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, the Trust, the Sponsor and/or their respective auditors
may inspect or audit the Custodian’s records in a variety of manners if
considered necessary. Such processes, may include validating the existing
balances as reflected on the Custodian’s user interface to nodes of the
underlying blockchain and confirming that such digital assets are associated
with its public keys to validate the existence and exclusive ownership of the
digital assets. To validate software functionality of the private keys, the
Trust may transfer a portion of its digital assets from one public key to
another public key of the Trust.
The
Trust, the Sponsor and their independent auditors may evaluate the Custodian’s
protection of private keys and other customer information, including review of
supporting documentation related to the processes surrounding key lifecycle
management, the key generation process (hardware, software, and algorithms
associated with generation) the infrastructure used to generate and store
private keys, how private keys are stored (for example, cold wallets), the
segregation of duties in the authorization of digital asset transactions, and
the number of users required to process a transaction and the monitoring of
addresses for any unauthorized activity. For additional information, see
“—Custody of the Trust’s SOL.”
Once
each calendar year, the Trust and the Sponsor are entitled to request that the
Custodial Entities provide a copy of the SOC 1 report and SOC 2 report once per
calendar year. Such reports are required to be dated within one year prior to
such request. The Custodial Entities reserve the right to combine the SOC 1 and
SOC 2 reports into a comprehensive report. In the event that the Custodial
Entities do not deliver a SOC 1 Report or SOC 2 Report, as applicable, the
Sponsor and the Trust will be entitled to terminate the Prime Broker Agreement.
In addition to the review of SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, the Trust may also request
letters of representation on a quarterly basis between SOC reports regarding any
known changes or conclusions to the SOC 1 and SOC 2 report.
Standard
of Care; Limitations of Liability
The
Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in safe custody on
behalf of the Trust all SOL received by the Custodian. The Custodial Entities
are liable to the Sponsor and the Trust for the loss of any SOL to the extent
such loss resulted from the negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of the
Custodial Entities. To the extent any loss is caused by a Custodial Entity’s
negligence, fraud or willful misconduct, the Custodial Entities are required to
return to the Trust a quantity of SOL equal to the quantity of any such lost
SOL.
The
Custodial Entities’ or Trust’s total liability under the Prime Broker Agreement
will not exceed the greater of: (i) the value of the SOL or cash involved in the
event, including but not limited to transaction(s) or deliveries(s), giving rise
to such liability at the time of the event giving rise to such liability; (ii)
the aggregate amount of fees paid by the Trust to the Custodial Entities in
respect of the Custodial and Prime Broker Services in the 12-month period prior
to the event giving rise to such liability; or (iii) five million U.S. dollars.
The Custodian’s total liability under the Prime Broker Agreement will not exceed
the greater of: (i) the aggregate amount of fees paid by the Trust to the
Custodian in respect of the custodial services in the 12-month period prior to
the event giving rise to such liability; or (ii) the value of the SOL on deposit
in the Vault Balance at the time of the events giving rise to the liability
occurred, the value of which will be determined in accordance with the Prime
Broker Agreement. In addition, the Custodian’s maximum liability in respect of
each cold storage address that holds SOL shall be limited to $100 million (the
“Cold Storage Threshold”). The Sponsor monitors the value of SOL deposited in
cold storage addresses for whether the Cold Storage Threshold has been met by
determining the U.S. dollar value of SOL deposited in each cold storage address
on business days. Although the Cold Storage Threshold has to date not been met
for a given cold storage address, to the extent it is met the Trust would not
have a claim against the Custodian with respect to the digital assets held in
such address to the extent the value exceeds the Cold Storage
Threshold.
The
Custodial Entities and the Trust are not liable to each other for any special,
incidental, indirect, punitive, or consequential damages, whether or not the
other party had been advised of such losses or knew or should have known of the
possibility of such damages. In addition, the Custodial Entities are not liable
to the Trust for circumstances resulting from certain force majeure
events.
Indemnity
The
Trust and the Custodial Entities have agreed to indemnify one another from and
against certain claims or losses, subject to customary exceptions and
limitations.
Fees
and Expenses
The
Sponsor will pay an annualized fee to the Coinbase Entities, covering the
Trust’s use of the Custodial and Prime Broker Services, that is accrued on a
monthly basis as a percentage of the Trust’s monthly assets under custody. The
Sponsor will also pay a monthly fee to the Prime Broker, covering withdrawals
and deposits to or from the Settlement Balance in connection with the creation
and redemption of Shares.
Term;
Termination and Suspension
The
Prime Broker Agreement will remain in effect until either party terminates the
Prime Broker Agreement; provided, however, that the Coinbase Entities shall not
restrict, suspend, or modify any Prime Broker Services following termination of
the Prime Broker Agreement by a Custodial Entity without Cause (as defined in
the Prime Broker Agreement) or by the Trust until the end of the applicable
notice period and neither party’s termination of the Prime Broker Agreement will
be effective until the Trust and/or the Custodial Entities, as the case may be,
have fully satisfied their obligations thereunder.
The
Trust may terminate the Prime Broker Agreement in whole or in part upon thirty
days’ prior written notice to the applicable Custodial Entity; and (ii) for
Custodian Cause (as defined in the Prime Broker Agreement) at any time by
written notice to the Prime Broker, effective immediately, or on such later date
as may be specified in such notice. The Trust will also be entitled to terminate
the Prime Broker Agreement in the event that the Custodial Entities do not
deliver a SOC 1 Report or SOC 2 Report, as applicable. See “—Record Keeping;
Inspection and Auditing.”
The
Custodial Entities may terminate the Prime Broker Agreement (i) upon one hundred
eighty days’ prior written notice to the Trust; and (ii) for Cause at any time
by written notice to the Trust, effective immediately, or on such later date as
may be specified in the notice.
In
the event that either the Trust or the Custodial Entities terminate the Prime
Broker Agreement without Cause, the Custodial Entities shall use reasonable
efforts to assist the Trust with transferring any digital assets, fiat currency
or funds associated with the Trust’s Accounts to another custodial services
provider within ninety days of receipt of the applicable termination
notice.
Governing
Law
The
Prime Broker Agreement is governed by New York law.
MATERIAL
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The
following discussion addresses the material U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the ownership of Shares. This discussion does not describe all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to a beneficial owner of Shares in light of
the beneficial owner’s particular circumstances, including tax consequences
applicable to beneficial owners subject to special rules, such as:
•
financial
institutions;
•
dealers
in securities or commodities;
•
traders
in securities or commodities that have elected to apply a mark-to-market method
of tax accounting in respect thereof;
•
persons
holding Shares as part of a hedge, “straddle,” integrated transaction or similar
transaction;
•
Authorized
Participants (as defined below);
•
U.S.
Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
•
entities
or arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
•
real
estate investment trusts;
•
regulated
investment companies; and
•
tax-exempt
entities, including individual retirement accounts.
This
discussion applies only to Shares that are held as capital assets and does not
address alternative minimum tax consequences or consequences of the Medicare
contribution tax on net investment income.
If
an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes holds Shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a
partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of
the partnership. Partnerships holding Shares and partners in those partnerships
are urged to consult their tax advisers about the particular U.S. federal income
tax consequences of owning Shares.
This
discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial
decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations (“Treasury
Regulations”) as of the date hereof, changes to any of which subsequent to the
date hereof may affect the tax consequences described herein. For the avoidance
of doubt, this summary does not discuss any tax consequences arising under the
laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction. Shareholders are urged
to consult their tax advisers about the application of the U.S. federal income
tax laws to their particular situations, as well as any tax consequences arising
under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
Tax
Treatment of the Trust
The
Sponsor intends to take the position that the Trust is properly treated as a
grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Trust is a
grantor trust, the Trust will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather,
if the Trust is a grantor trust, each beneficial owner of Shares will be treated
as directly owning its pro
rata
share of the Trust’s assets and a pro
rata
portion of the Trust’s income, gains, losses and deductions will “flow through”
to each beneficial owner of Shares.
The
Staking Condition has been satisfied as to the particular form of Staking
described herein, and the Sponsor intends to continue to take the position that
the Trust is properly treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and that any Staking activity undertaken by the Trust in compliance
with the opinion, ruling or other guidance relied upon to satisfy the Staking
Condition will not prevent the Trust from continuing to qualify as a grantor
trust for such purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) recently issued a
revenue procedure providing a staking safe harbor for certain grantor trust
vehicles whose beneficial interests are listed and traded on a national
securities exchange (the “2025 Revenue Procedure”). However, certain aspects of
the 2025 Revenue Procedure are unclear, and therefore the Trust may not
currently satisfy all conditions of the safe harbor. Accordingly, due to the
uncertainty regarding the ability of a grantor trust to engage in Staking
activities, there can be no assurance that the IRS or any court would agree with
the Sponsor’s position (or with any opinion of counsel delivered to the Sponsor
in support thereof). Therefore, the Trust might cease to qualify as a grantor
trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The
Trust has taken certain positions with respect to the tax consequences of
Incidental Rights and its receipt of IR Virtual Currency. If the IRS were to
disagree with, and successfully challenge, any of these positions, the Trust
might not qualify as a grantor trust. In addition, the Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment Notices (as defined herein) provide that the Trust will irrevocably
abandon, effective immediately prior to each Creation Time or Redemption Time,
all Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be
entitled as of such time and with respect to which it has not taken any
Affirmative Action at or prior to such time.
The
Sponsor has committed to cause the Trust to irrevocably abandon any Incidental
Rights and IR Virtual Currency to which the Trust may become entitled in the
future. There can be no complete assurance that these abandonments will be
treated as effective for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Trust were
treated as owning any asset other than SOL as of any date on which it creates or
redeems Shares, it might cease to qualify as a grantor trust for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
In
addition, at this time the Trust is not permitted to create or redeem Shares via
in-kind transactions with Authorized
Participants. Unless and until
Authorized Participants enter into or amend their respective Participant
Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions, Baskets will be
created or redeemed only through Cash Orders. In general, investment vehicles
intended to be treated as grantor trusts for U.S. federal income tax purposes
historically have created additional trust interests only in-kind, and there is
no authority directly addressing whether a grantor trust may create or redeem
trust interests under procedures similar to those that govern Cash Orders.
Accordingly, there can be no complete assurance that the creation or redemption
of Shares under the procedures governing Cash Orders will not cause the Trust to
fail to qualify as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
Moreover,
because of the evolving nature of digital assets, it is not possible to predict
potential future developments that may arise with respect to digital assets,
including forks, airdrops and other similar occurrences. Assuming that the Trust
is currently a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, certain
future developments could render it impossible, or impracticable, for the Trust
to continue to be treated as a grantor trust for such purposes.
If
the Trust is not properly classified as a grantor trust, the Trust might be
classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, due
to the uncertain treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the Trust were classified
as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax consequences of
owning Shares generally would not be materially different from the tax
consequences described herein, although there might be certain differences,
including with respect to timing of the recognition of taxable income or loss.
In addition, tax information reports provided to beneficial owners of Shares
would be made in a different form. Moreover,
it is possible, in that case, that a portion of the Trust’s income would be
considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a trade or business
in the United States and, accordingly, a non-U.S. person owning Shares could be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to that
“effectively connected” income and be required to file a U.S. tax return. If
none of the Trust’s Staking income were considered to be “effectively connected”
income, a non-U.S. person owning Shares would be subject to withholding on its
pro rata portion of U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical”
(“FDAP”) income as described below. Tax-exempt shareholders may also recognize
“unrelated business taxable income” (“UBTI”) from the Trust’s Staking activities
if the Trust is not treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
If
the Trust were not classified as either a grantor trust or a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would be classified as a corporation for
such purposes. In that event, the Trust would be subject to entity-level U.S.
federal income tax (currently at the rate of 21%) on its net taxable income and
certain distributions made by the Trust to shareholders would be treated as
taxable dividends to the extent of the Trust’s current and accumulated earnings
and profits. Any such dividend distributed to a beneficial owner of Shares that
is a non-U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be subject to
U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as provided in
an applicable tax treaty).
The
remainder of this discussion is based on the assumption that the Trust will be
treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Uncertainty
Regarding the U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of Digital Assets
Each
beneficial owner of Shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes
as the owner of an undivided interest in the SOL (and any Incidental Rights
and/or IR Virtual Currency) held in the Trust. Due to the new and evolving
nature of digital assets and the absence of comprehensive guidance with respect
to digital assets, many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax
treatment of digital assets are uncertain.
In
2014, the IRS released a notice (the “Notice”) discussing certain aspects of the
treatment of “convertible virtual currency” (that is, digital assets that have
an equivalent value in fiat currency or that act as substitutes for fiat
currency) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the Notice, the IRS stated
that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such digital assets (i) are
“property,” (ii) are not “currency” for purposes of the provisions of the Code
relating to foreign currency gain or loss and (iii) may be held as a capital
asset. In 2019, the IRS released a revenue ruling and a set of “Frequently Asked
Questions” that has been updated from time to time since (the “Ruling &
FAQs”). The Ruling & FAQs provide some additional guidance, including
guidance to the effect that, under certain circumstances, hard forks of digital
assets are taxable events giving rise to ordinary income and guidance with
respect to the determination of the tax basis of digital assets. Moreover,
in 2023, the IRS released a revenue ruling that provided guidance on digital
asset staking, including guidance to the effect that staking rewards will, under
certain circumstances, be treated as giving rise to taxable income (the “2023
Staking Guidance”). Further, the IRS recently issued the 2025 Revenue Procedure,
which provides a staking safe harbor for certain grantor trust vehicles.
However, the Notice, the Ruling & FAQs, the 2023 Staking Guidance and the
2025 Revenue Procedure do not address other significant aspects of the U.S.
federal income tax treatment of digital assets. For example, for a
non-U.S.
Holder,
there currently is no guidance directly addressing whether or in what
circumstances engaging in certain activities to generate yield on digital
assets, including Staking, could give rise to income that is effectively
connected with a trade or business in the United States. Similarly, for a U.S.
tax-exempt shareholder, there currently is no guidance directly addressing
whether or in what circumstances such activities could give rise to
UBTI.
Moreover, although the Ruling & FAQs address the treatment of hard forks,
there continues to be uncertainty with respect to the timing and amount of the
income inclusions. While the Ruling & FAQs do not address most situations in
which airdrops occur, it is clear from the reasoning of the Ruling & FAQs
that the IRS generally would treat an airdrop as a taxable event giving rise to
ordinary income.
There
can be no assurance that the IRS will not alter its position with respect to
digital assets in the future or that a court would uphold the treatment set
forth in the Notice the Ruling & FAQs, the 2023 Staking Guidance and the
2025 Revenue Procedure. It is also unclear what additional guidance on the
treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be issued
in the future. Any such alteration of the current IRS positions or additional
guidance could result in adverse tax consequences for shareholders and could
have an adverse effect on the prices of digital assets, including the price of
SOL in the Digital Asset Market, and therefore could have an adverse effect on
the value of Shares. Future developments that may arise with respect to digital
assets may increase the uncertainty with respect to the treatment of digital
assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, the Notice addresses
only digital assets that are “convertible virtual currency,” and it is
conceivable that, as a result of a fork, airdrop or similar occurrence, the
Trust could hold certain types of digital assets that are not within the scope
of the Notice, in the event the Sponsor seeks to change the Trust’s policy with
respect to Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency, subject to NYSE Arca
obtaining regulatory approval from the SEC.
The
remainder of this discussion assumes that SOL, and any Incidental Rights or IR
Virtual Currency that the Trust may hold, is properly treated for U.S. federal
income tax purposes as property that may be held as a capital asset and that is
not currency for purposes of the provisions of the Code relating to foreign
currency gain and loss.
Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of an
investment in the Trust and in digital assets in general, including, in the case
of shareholders that are generally exempt from U.S. federal income taxation,
whether such shareholders may recognize UBTI as a consequence of Staking or the
occurrence of a fork, airdrop or similar event.
Tax
Consequences to U.S. Holders
As
used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a Share for U.S.
federal income tax purposes that is:
•
an
individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal
income tax purposes;
•
a
corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or
of any political subdivision thereof; or
•
an
estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation
regardless of its source.
Except
as specifically noted, the discussion below assumes that each U.S. Holder will
acquire all of its Shares on the same date for the same price per Share and
solely for cash or solely for SOL that were originally acquired by the U.S.
Holder for cash on the same date.
As
discussed in the section entitled “Description of Creation and Redemption of
Shares,” a U.S. Holder may be able to acquire Shares of the Trust by
contributing SOL in-kind to the Trust (either directly or through an Authorized
Participant acting as agent of the U.S. Holder). Assuming that the Trust is
properly treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such a
contribution should not be a taxable event to the U.S. Holder.
For
U.S. federal income tax purposes, each U.S. Holder will be treated as owning an
undivided interest in the SOL held in the Trust and will be treated as directly
realizing its pro rata share of the Trust’s income, gains, losses and deductions
(including any Staking income). When a U.S. Holder purchases Shares solely for
cash, (i) the U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in its pro rata share of the SOL
held in the Trust will be equal to the amount paid for the Shares and (ii) the
U.S. Holder’s holding period for its pro rata share of such SOL will begin on
the date of such purchase. When a U.S. Holder acquires Shares in exchange for
SOL, (i) the U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in its pro rata share of the SOL
held in the Trust will be equal to the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the SOL that
the U.S. Holder transferred to the Trust and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s holding
period for its pro rata share of such SOL generally will include the period
during which the U.S. Holder held the SOL that the U.S. Holder transferred to
the Trust. The Ruling & FAQs confirm that if a taxpayer acquires tokens of a
digital asset at different times and for different prices, the taxpayer has a
separate tax basis in each lot of such tokens. Under the Ruling & FAQs, if a
U.S. Holder that owns more than one lot of SOL contributes a portion of its SOL
to the Trust in exchange for Shares, the U.S. Holder could designate the lot(s)
from which such contribution will be made, provided that the U.S. Holder is able
to identify specifically which SOL it is contributing and to substantiate its
tax basis in that SOL. In general, if a U.S. Holder acquires Shares (i) solely
for cash at different prices, (ii) partly for cash and partly in exchange for a
contribution of SOL or (iii) in exchange for a contribution of SOL with
different tax bases, the U.S. Holder’s share of the Trust’s SOL will consist of
separate lots
with
separate tax bases. In addition, in this situation, the U.S. Holder’s holding
period for the separate lots may be different. In
addition, any SOL received as Staking Consideration received by the Trust will
constitute a separate lot with a separate tax basis and holding
period.
Gains
or losses from the sale of SOL to fund cash redemptions are expected to be
treated as incurred only by the shareholder that is being redeemed. However,
when the Trust transfers SOL to the Sponsor as payment of the Sponsor’s Fee or
the Sponsor’s Staking Fee, or sells SOL to fund payment of any cash
distributions or of any Additional Trust Expenses, each U.S. Holder will be
treated as having sold its pro
rata
share of that SOL for their fair market value at that time (which, in the case
of SOL sold by the Trust, generally will be equal to the cash proceeds received
by the Trust in respect thereof). As a result, each U.S. Holder will recognize
gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the fair market
value of the U.S. Holder’s pro
rata
share of the SOL transferred and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s tax basis for its
pro
rata
share of the SOL transferred. Any such gain or loss will be short-term capital
gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for its pro rata share of the
SOL is one year or less and long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s
holding period for its pro
rata share
of the SOL is more than one year. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its pro rata
share of any SOL transferred by the Trust generally will be determined by
multiplying the tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of all of the SOL
held in the Trust immediately prior to the transfer by a fraction the numerator
of which is the amount of SOL transferred and the denominator of which is the
total amount of SOL held in the Trust immediately prior to the transfer.
Immediately after the transfer, the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its pro rata
share of the SOL remaining in the Trust will be equal to the tax basis of its
pro rata share of the SOL held in the Trust immediately prior to the transfer,
less the portion of that tax basis allocable to its pro rata share of the SOL
transferred. A
U.S. Holder’s receipt of distributions of cash proceeds from the sale of SOL
(other than in connection with a redemption) should not, itself, be a taxable
event to a U.S. Holder.
As
noted above, the IRS has taken the position in the Ruling & FAQs that, under
certain circumstances, a hard fork of a digital asset constitutes a taxable
event giving rise to ordinary income, and it is clear from the reasoning of the
Ruling & FAQs that the IRS generally would treat an airdrop as a taxable
event giving rise to ordinary income. As described above, the Sponsor has
committed to causing the Trust to abandon all Incidental Rights and IR Virtual
Currency to which the Trust otherwise might become entitled. If, however, the
Trust were to receive and retain IR Virtual Currency in the future, a U.S.
Holder would have a basis in that IR Virtual Currency equal to the amount of
income the U.S. Holder recognizes as a result of such fork or airdrop and the
U.S. Holder’s holding period for such IR Virtual Currency would begin as of the
time it recognizes such income. Similarly,
although the IRS has not issued similar guidance with respect to staking, if the
Trust receives any Staking Consideration in connection with Staking, it is
likely that a U.S. Holder will have a basis in any SOL received as part of such
Staking Consideration equal to the amount of income that the U.S. Holder
recognizes and the U.S. Holder’s holding period for such Staking Consideration
will begin as of the time it recognizes such income.
U.S.
Holders’ pro rata shares of the expenses incurred by the Trust will be treated
as “miscellaneous itemized deductions” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As
a result, a non-corporate U.S. Holder’s share of these expenses will not be
deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
On
a sale or other disposition of Shares, a U.S. Holder will be treated as having
sold the SOL underlying such Shares. Accordingly, the U.S. Holder generally will
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the
amount realized on the sale of the Shares and (ii) the portion of the U.S.
Holder’s tax basis in its pro rata share of the SOL held in the Trust that is
attributable to the Shares that were sold or otherwise subject to a disposition.
Such tax basis generally will be determined by multiplying the tax basis of the
U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of all of the SOL held in the Trust immediately
prior to such sale or other disposition by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of Shares disposed of and the denominator of which is the total
number of Shares held by such U.S. Holder immediately prior to such sale or
other disposition (such fraction, expressed as a percentage, the “Share
Percentage”). If the U.S. Holder’s share of the Trust’s SOL consists of separate
lots with separate tax bases and/or holding periods, the U.S. Holder will be
treated as having sold the Share Percentage of each such lot. Gain or loss
recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of Shares will
generally be short-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period
for the SOL underlying such Shares is one year or less and long-term capital
gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the SOL underlying such
Shares is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to
significant limitations.
If
the Trust redeems all or a portion of a U.S. Holder’s Shares in exchange for the
underlying SOL represented by the redeemed Shares, such redemption generally
will not be a taxable event to the U.S. Holder. The U.S. Holder’s tax basis in
the SOL received in the redemption generally will be the same as the U.S.
Holder’s tax basis for the portion of its pro rata share of the SOL held in the
Trust immediately prior to the redemption that was attributable to the Shares
redeemed, determined as described above, and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its
remaining pro rata portion, if any, of the SOL held in the Trust after the
redemption will be equal to the tax basis of its pro rata share of the total
amount of the SOL held in the Trust immediately prior to the redemption, less
the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the SOL received in the redemption. The U.S.
Holder’s holding period with respect to the SOL received will generally include
the period during which the U.S. Holder held the Shares so redeemed. A
subsequent sale of the SOL received in such redemption will generally be a
taxable event.
After
any sale or other disposition of fewer than all of a U.S. Holder’s Shares, the
U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its pro
rata
share of the SOL held in the Trust immediately after the disposition will equal
the tax basis in its pro
rata
share of the total amount of the SOL held in the Trust immediately prior to the
disposition, less the portion of that tax basis that is taken into account in
determining the amount of gain or loss recognized by the U.S. Holder on the
disposition (or, in the case of a redemption pursuant to an In-Kind Order, the
portion of tax basis that is treated as the basis of the SOL received by the
U.S. Holder in the redemption).
Any
brokerage or other transaction fee incurred by a U.S. Holder in purchasing
Shares generally will be added to the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the underlying
assets of the Trust. Similarly, any brokerage fee or other transaction fee
incurred by a U.S. Holder in selling Shares generally will reduce the amount
realized by the U.S. Holder with respect to the sale.
If
the Trust receives Staking Consideration, that Staking Consideration would be
reportable to shareholders as taxable income under current IRS
guidance.
In
the absence of guidance to the contrary, it is possible that any income
recognized by a U.S. tax-exempt shareholder as a consequence of Staking, or the
occurrence of a hard fork, airdrop or similar event, would constitute UBTI. A
tax-exempt shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding whether such
shareholder may recognize some UBTI as a consequence of an investment in
Shares.
Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
As
used herein, the term “non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a Share for
U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not a U.S. Holder. The term “non-U.S.
Holder” does not include (i) a nonresident alien individual who is present in
the United States for 183 days or more in a taxable year, (ii) a former U.S.
citizen or U.S. resident or an entity that has expatriated from the United
States; (iii) a person whose income in respect of Shares is effectively
connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States; or (iv)
an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Shareholders described in the preceding sentence should consult their tax
advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning
Shares.
A
non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or
withholding tax with respect to its share of any gain recognized on the Trust’s
transfer of SOL in payment of the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor’s Staking Fee or
any Additional Trust Expense or on the Trust’s sale or other disposition of SOL.
In addition, assuming that the Trust holds no asset other than SOL, a non-U.S.
Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax
with respect to any gain it recognizes on a sale or other disposition of Shares.
A non-U.S. Holder also will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income or
withholding tax with respect to any distribution received from the Trust,
whether in cash or in-kind.
Provided
that it does not constitute income that is treated as “effectively connected”
with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, U.S.-source FDAP
income received, or treated as received, by a non-U.S. Holder will generally be
subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (subject to possible
reduction or elimination pursuant to an applicable tax treaty and to statutory
exemptions such as the portfolio interest exemption). Although the Sponsor has
committed to causing the Trust to abandon all Incidental Rights and IR Virtual
Currency to which the Trust may become entitled in the future, and although
there is no guidance on point, if the Trust were to receive and retain IR
Virtual Currency arising from a future fork, airdrop or similar occurrence, it
is likely that any ordinary income recognized by a non-U.S. Holder as a result
would constitute FDAP income. It
is also possible that the receipt of any Staking Consideration by the Trust
would constitute FDAP income.
It is unclear, however, whether any such FDAP income would be properly treated
as U.S.-source or foreign-source FDAP income. Based
on the current manner in which the Trust’s Staking activities are undertaken and
certain assurances from the Trust’s Staking Providers regarding their
connections to the United States, the Trust believes that its income from
staking rewards should not be treated as U.S.-source FDAP income. However, that
conclusion is not free from doubt under current law due to the lack of direct
governing authority, and no assurance can be given that a withholding agent
(including a broker through which Shares are held) will not take a contrary
position. In addition, changes in law or changes to the Trust’s Staking
Arrangements could cause all or a portion of the Trust’s staking rewards to be
treated as U.S.-source FDAP income in the future.
A
non-U.S. Holder that is a resident of a country that maintains an income tax
treaty with the United States may be eligible to claim the benefits of that
treaty to reduce or eliminate, or to obtain a partial or full refund of, the 30%
U.S. withholding tax on its share of any U.S.-source FDAP income, but only if
the non-U.S. Holder’s home country treats the Trust as “fiscally transparent,”
as defined in applicable Treasury Regulations.
In
order to prevent the possible imposition of U.S. “backup” withholding and (if
applicable) to qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax at source under a
treaty, a non-U.S. Holder must comply with certain certification requirements
(generally, by delivering a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E to the
relevant withholding agent).
U.S.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
The
Trust or the appropriate broker will file certain information returns with the
IRS and provide shareholders with information regarding their annual income (if
any) and expenses with respect to the Trust in accordance with applicable
Treasury Regulations.
A
U.S. Holder will generally be subject to information reporting requirements and
backup withholding unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt
recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a
correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to
backup withholding. In order to avoid the information reporting and backup
withholding requirements, a non-U.S. Holder may have to comply with
certification procedures to establish that it is not a U.S. person. The amount
of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against the shareholder’s
U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
FATCA
As
discussed above, it is unclear whether any ordinary income recognized by a
non-U.S. Holder as a result of a fork, airdrop or similar occurrence or Staking
Consideration would constitute U.S.-source FDAP income. Provisions of the Code
commonly referred to as “FATCA” require withholding of 30% on payments of
U.S.-source FDAP income and, subject to the discussion of proposed Treasury
Regulations below, of gross proceeds of dispositions of certain types of
property that produce U.S.-source FDAP income to, “foreign financial
institutions” (which is broadly defined for this purpose and in general includes
investment vehicles) and certain other non-U.S. entities unless various U.S.
information reporting and due diligence requirements (generally relating to
ownership by U.S. persons of interests in or accounts with those entities) have
been satisfied, or an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between
the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these
requirements. In addition, regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury (the preamble to which indicates that taxpayers may rely on the
regulations pending their finalization) would eliminate the requirement under
FATCA of withholding on gross proceeds. If FATCA withholding is imposed, a
beneficial owner that is not a foreign financial institution generally may
obtain a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax
return (which may entail significant administrative burden). Shareholders should
consult their tax advisers regarding the effects of FATCA on an investment in
the Trust.
Item
1A. Risk
Factors
The
following risks, some of which have occurred and any of which may occur in the
future, can have a material adverse effect on our business or financial
performance, which in turn can affect the price of the Shares. These are not the
only risks we face. There may be other risks we are not currently aware of or
that we currently deem not to be material but may become material in the
future.
The
risk factors below should be read in conjunction with the other information
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Trust’s financial
statements and related notes thereto, and our other filings with the
SEC.
Risk
Factors Related to Digital Assets
The
trading prices of many digital assets, including SOL, have experienced extreme
volatility and may continue to do so. Extreme volatility in the future,
including declines in the trading prices of SOL, could have a material adverse
effect on the value of the Shares and the Shares could lose all or substantially
all of their value.
The
trading prices of many digital assets, including SOL, have experienced extreme
volatility throughout their existence and may continue to do so. For instance,
following significant increases throughout the majority of 2020, digital asset
prices, including SOL, experienced significant volatility throughout 2021 and
2022. This volatility became extreme in November 2022 when FTX Trading Ltd.
(“FTX”) halted customer withdrawals. Additionally, on October 10, 2025, it was
reported that a sharp decline in digital asset market prices triggered the
liquidation of approximately $20 billion in leveraged positions across the
digital asset industry. Any similar halting of withdrawals or liquidations
across leveraged positions in the digital asset industry in the future could
further impact trading prices. See “—Recent developments in the digital asset
economy have led to extreme volatility and disruption in digital asset markets,
a loss of confidence in participants of the digital asset ecosystem, significant
negative publicity surrounding digital assets broadly and market-wide declines
in liquidity.” Digital asset prices, including SOL, have continued to fluctuate
widely through the date of this Annual Report.
Extreme
volatility in the future, including declines in the trading prices of SOL, could
have a material adverse effect on the value of the Shares and the Shares could
lose all or substantially all of their value. Furthermore, negative perception,
a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the digital asset economy may
reduce confidence in the digital asset economy and may result in greater
volatility in the price of SOL and other digital assets, including a
depreciation in value. The Trust is not actively managed and will not take any
actions to take advantage, or mitigate the impacts, of volatility in the price
of SOL. For additional information that quantifies the volatility of SOL prices
and the value of the Shares, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Historical NAV and SOL
Prices.”
Furthermore,
changes in U.S. political leadership and economic policies may create
uncertainty that materially affects the price of SOL and the Trust’s Shares. For
example, on March 6, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to
establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a United States Digital Asset
Stockpile. Pursuant to this Executive Order, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will
be capitalized with Bitcoin owned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that
was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings, and the
Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce are authorized to develop budget-neutral
strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin, provided that those strategies
impose no incremental costs on American taxpayers. Conversely, the Digital Asset
Stockpile will consist of all digital assets other than Bitcoin owned by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury that were forfeited in criminal or civil asset
forfeiture proceedings, but the U.S. government will not acquire additional
assets for the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile beyond those obtained through such
proceedings. The anticipation of a U.S. government-funded strategic
cryptocurrency reserve had motivated large-scale purchases of certain digital
assets in the expectation of the U.S. government acquiring such digital assets
to fund such reserve, and the market price of such digital assets decreased
significantly as a result of the ultimate content of the Executive Order. Any
similar action or omission by the U.S. federal administration or other
government authorities with respect to SOL or other digital assets may
negatively and significantly impact the price of SOL and the Trust’s
Shares.
Digital
assets such as SOL were only introduced within the past two decades, and the
medium-to-long term value of the Shares is subject to a number of factors
relating to the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies and to
the fundamental investment characteristics of digital assets.
Digital
assets such as SOL were only introduced within the past two decades, and the
medium-to-long term value of the Shares is subject to a number of factors
relating to the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies, such as
the recency of their development, their dependence on the internet and other
technologies, their dependence on the role played by users, developers and
validators and the potential for malicious activity. For example, the
realization of one or more of the following risks could materially adversely
affect the value of the Shares:
•
Digital
asset networks and related protocols are in the early stages of development.
Given the recency of the development of digital asset networks and related
protocols, digital assets and the underlying digital asset networks and related
protocols may not function as intended and parties may be unwilling to use
digital assets, which would dampen the growth, if any, of digital asset networks
and related protocols.
•
The
loss of access to a private key required to access a digital asset may be
irreversible. If a private key is lost and no backup of the private key is
accessible, or if the private key is otherwise compromised, the owner would be
unable to access the digital asset corresponding to that private
key.
•
Digital
asset networks and related protocols are dependent upon the internet. A
disruption of the internet or a digital asset network or related protocol, such
as the Solana Network, would affect the ability to transfer digital assets,
including SOL, and, consequently, their value.
•
The
acceptance of software patches or upgrades to a digital asset network by a
significant, but not overwhelming, percentage of the users and validators in a
digital asset network, such as the Solana Network, could result in a “fork” in
such network’s blockchain, resulting in the operation of multiple separate
blockchain networks.
•
Digital
asset validating operations can consume significant amounts of electricity,
which may have a negative environmental impact and give rise to public opinion
against allowing, or government regulations restricting, the use of electricity
for validating operations. Additionally, validators may be forced to cease
operations during an electricity shortage or power outage.
•
Many
digital asset networks face significant scaling challenges and are being
upgraded with various features to increase the speed and throughput of digital
asset transactions. These attempts to increase the volume of transactions may
not be effective.
•
The
open-source structure of many digital asset network protocols, such as the
protocol for the Solana Network, means that developers and other contributors
are often not compensated for their contributions in maintaining and developing
such protocols. As a result, the developers and other contributors of a
particular digital asset may lack a financial incentive to maintain or develop
the network or may lack the resources to adequately address emerging issues.
Alternatively, some developers may be funded by companies whose interests are at
odds with other participants in a particular digital asset network. A failure to
properly monitor and upgrade the protocol of the Solana Network could damage
that network.
•
Moreover,
in the past, flaws in the source code for digital asset networks and related
protocols have been exposed and exploited, including flaws that disabled some
functionality for users, exposed users’ personal information and/or resulted in
the theft of users’ digital assets. The cryptography underlying the Solana
Network could prove to be flawed or ineffective, or developments in mathematics
and/or technology, including advances in digital computing, algebraic geometry
and quantum computing, could result in such cryptography becoming ineffective.
Quantum computing technology is an emerging phenomenon which, because it is
still developing, makes it difficult to predict its ultimate effect on the
future value of SOL and other digital assets. However, if quantum computing
technology is able to advance and significantly increase its capacity relative
to the capacity of today’s leading quantum computers, it could potentially
undermine the viability of many of the cryptographic algorithms used across the
world’s information technology infrastructure, including the cryptographic
algorithms used for digital assets like SOL. If quantum computing is able to
advance in that way, there is a risk that quantum computing could materially
reduce the security assumptions underlying the Solana Network and result in the
cryptography underlying the Solana Network becoming ineffective. If such is
realized, it could compromise the security of the Solana Network or allow a
malicious actor to compromise the wallets holding SOL owned by the Trust or
others on the Solana Network, which would result in losses to shareholders. For
example, if sufficiently powerful quantum computers are developed, they could
use known quantum algorithms to derive private keys from publicly available
public keys, potentially allowing malicious actors to forge transaction
signatures and misappropriate SOL. There is no guarantee that new quantum-proof
architectures will be built and appropriate transitions will be implemented
across the network at scale in a timely manner; any such changes could require
the achievement of broad consensus within the Solana Network community and may
result in a fork (or multiple forks), and there can be no assurance that such
consensus would be achieved or the changes implemented successfully. In such a
scenario, the Solana Network may not be able to transition to quantum-resistant
cryptography in a timely or effective manner. In any of these circumstances, a
malicious actor may be able to take the Trust’s SOL, which would adversely
affect the value of the Shares. Moreover, functionality of the Solana Network
may be negatively affected by such an exploit such that it is no longer
attractive to users, thereby dampening demand for SOL. Even if another digital
asset other than SOL were affected by similar circumstances, any reduction in
confidence in the source code or cryptography underlying digital asset networks
and related protocols generally could negatively affect the demand for digital
assets and therefore adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
Moreover,
because digital assets, including SOL, have existed for a short period of time
and are continuing to be developed, there may be additional risks to digital
asset networks and related protocols that are impossible to predict as of the
date of this Annual Report.
Digital
assets represent a relatively new and rapidly evolving industry, and the value
of the Shares depends on the acceptance of SOL.
The
first digital asset, Bitcoin, was launched in 2009. SOL was launched in 2017. In
general, digital asset networks, including the Solana Network and related
protocols represent a relatively new and rapidly evolving industry that is
subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to evaluate. For example, the
realization of one or more of the following risks could materially adversely
affect the value of the Shares:
•
SOL
is only selectively accepted as a means of payment by retail and commercial
outlets, and use of SOL by consumers remains limited. Banks and other
established financial institutions, whether voluntarily or in response to
regulatory feedback, may refuse to process funds for SOL transactions; process
wire transfers to or from Digital Asset Trading Platforms, SOL-related companies
or service providers; or maintain accounts for persons or entities transacting
in SOL. As a result, the prices of SOL are largely determined by speculators and
validators, thus contributing to price volatility that makes retailers less
likely to accept SOL in the future. While the use of other digital assets, such
as Bitcoin, to purchase goods and services from commercial or service businesses
is developing, SOL has not yet been accepted in the same manner because it has a
slightly different purpose than Bitcoin.
•
Banks
may not provide banking services, or may cut off banking services, to businesses
that provide digital asset-related services or that accept digital assets as
payment, which could dampen liquidity in the market and damage the public
perception of digital assets generally or any one digital asset in particular,
such as SOL, and their or its utility as a payment system, which could decrease
the price of digital assets generally or individually.
•
The
prices of digital assets may be determined on a relatively small number of
Digital Asset Trading Platforms by a relatively small number of market
participants, many of whom are speculators or those intimately involved with the
issuance of such digital assets, such as validators or developers, which could
contribute to price volatility that makes retailers less likely to accept
digital assets in the future.
•
Certain
privacy-preserving features have been or are expected to be introduced to a
number of digital asset networks. If any such features are introduced to the
Solana Network, any trading platforms or businesses that facilitate transactions
in SOL may be at an increased risk of criminal or civil lawsuits, or of having
banking services cut off if there is a concern that these features interfere
with the performance of anti-money laundering duties and economic sanctions
checks.
•
Users,
developers and validators may switch to or adopt certain digital asset networks
or protocols at the expense of their engagement with other digital asset
networks and protocols, which may negatively impact those networks and
protocols, including the Solana Network.
The
Solana protocol was only conceived in 2017 and the Solana protocol or its
Proof-of-History timestamping mechanism may not function as intended, which
could have an adverse impact on the value of SOL and an investment in the
Shares.
The
Solana protocol was first conceived by Anatoly Yakovenko in a 2017 whitepaper,
and introduced the Proof-of-History (“PoH”) timestamping mechanism. PoH is a
timestamping mechanism that automatically orders on-chain transactions by
creating a historical record that proves an event has occurred at a specific
moment in time. PoH is intended to provide a transaction processing speed and
capacity advantage over other blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum,
which rely on sequential production of blocks and can lead to delays caused by
miner or validator confirmations.
PoH
is a new blockchain technology that is not widely used, and may not function as
intended. For example, it may require more specialized equipment to participate
in the network and fail to attract a significant number of users. In addition,
there may be flaws in the cryptography underlying PoH or the Solana protocol,
including flaws that affect functionality of the Solana Network or make the
network vulnerable to attack.
For
example, at multiple times during 2022, the Solana Network experienced
significant disruptions, later attributed to a type of denial of service attack
caused by an extreme amount of transaction activity, and was offline for
extended periods during these disruptions, ranging from 1.5 to 18 hours. The
Solana Network has experienced subsequent disruptions as well.
Smart
contracts are a new technology and ongoing development may magnify initial
problems, cause volatility on the networks that use smart contracts and reduce
interest in them, which could have an adverse impact on the value of
SOL.
Smart
contracts are programs that run on a blockchain that execute automatically when
certain conditions are met. Since smart contracts typically cannot be stopped or
reversed, vulnerabilities in their programming can have damaging effects. For
example, in June 2016, a vulnerability in the smart contracts underlying The
DAO, a distributed autonomous organization for venture capital funding, allowed
an attack by a hacker to syphon approximately $60 million worth of Ether from
The DAO’s accounts into a segregated account. In the aftermath of the theft,
certain developers and core contributors pursued a “hard fork” of the Ethereum
network in order to erase any record of the theft. Despite these efforts, the
price of Ether dropped approximately 35% in the aftermath of the attack and
subsequent hard fork. In addition, in July 2017, a vulnerability in a smart
contract for a multi-signature wallet software developed by Parity led
to
a
$30 million theft of Ether, and in November 2017, a new vulnerability in
Parity’s wallet software led to roughly $160 million worth of Ether being
indefinitely frozen in an account. In another example, in February 2022, a
vulnerability in a smart contract for Wormhole, a bridge between the Ethereum
and Solana networks led to a $320 million theft of Ether. While persons
associated with Solana Labs and/or the Solana Foundation are understood to have
played a key role in bringing the network back online, the broader community
also played a key role, as Solana validators coordinated to upgrade and restart
the network. Other smart contracts, such as bridges between blockchain networks
and DeFi protocols have also been manipulated, exploited or used in ways that
were not intended or envisioned by their creators such that attackers syphoned
over $3.8 billion worth of digital assets from smart contracts in 2022. Initial
problems and continued problems with the development, design and deployment of
smart contracts may have an adverse effect on the value of SOL, which could have
a negative impact on the value of the Shares.
Changes
in the governance of a digital asset network or protocol may not receive
sufficient support from users and validators, which may negatively affect that
digital asset network’s or protocol’s ability to grow and respond to
challenges.
The
governance of some digital asset networks and protocols, such as the Solana
Network, is generally by voluntary consensus and open competition. For such
networks and protocols, there may be a lack of consensus or clarity on that
network’s or protocol’s governance, which may stymie such network’s or
protocol’s utility, adaptability and ability to grow and face
challenges.
The
foregoing notwithstanding, the underlying software for some digital asset
networks and protocols, such as the Solana Network, is informally or formally
managed or developed by a group of core developers that propose amendments to
the relevant network’s or protocol’s source code. Core developers’ roles may
evolve over time, generally based on self-determined participation. If a
significant majority of users and validators were to adopt amendments to a
decentralized network based on the proposals of such core developers, such
network would be subject to new source code that may adversely affect the value
of the relevant digital asset.
As
a result of the foregoing, it may be difficult to find solutions or marshal
sufficient effort to overcome any future problems, especially long-term
problems, on digital asset networks.
Digital
asset networks face significant scaling challenges and efforts to increase the
volume and speed of transactions may not be successful.
Many
digital asset networks face significant scaling challenges due to the fact that
public, permissionless blockchains generally face a tradeoff between security
and scalability. One means through which digital asset networks that utilize
public, permissionless blockchains achieve security is decentralization, meaning
that no intermediary is responsible for securing and maintaining these systems.
For example, a greater degree of decentralization of a public, permissionless
blockchain generally means a given digital asset network is less susceptible to
manipulation or capture. In practice, this typically means that every single
node on a given digital asset network is responsible for securing the system by
processing every transaction and maintaining a copy of the entire state of the
network. As a result, a digital asset network that utilizes a public,
permissionless blockchain may be limited in the number of transactions it can
process by the computing capabilities of each single fully participating node.
Many developers are actively researching and testing scalability solutions for
public blockchains that do not necessarily result in lower levels of security or
decentralization, such as off-chain payment channels and Layer 2 networks.
Off-chain payment channels would allow parties to transact without requiring the
full processing power of a blockchain. Layer 2 networks can increase the
scalability of a blockchain by allowing users to transact on a second blockchain
deployed on top of a “Layer 1” network.
As
of December 31, 2025, the Solana Network handled approximately 4,160
transactions per second. In an effort to increase the volume of transactions
that can be processed on a given digital asset network, many digital asset
networks are being upgraded with various features to increase the speed and
throughput of digital asset transactions.
As
corresponding increases in throughput lag behind growth in the use of digital
asset networks, average transaction fees and settlement times may increase
considerably. Since inception, transaction fees on the Solana Network have
comprised of a fixed rate of 0.000005 SOL per transaction, plus a variable fee
component based on the computation resources used during the transaction. SOL
holders can also pay an additional prioritization fee to expedite their
transaction. Increased transaction fees and decreased settlement speeds could
preclude certain uses for SOL (e.g., micropayments), and could reduce demand
for, and the price of, SOL, which could adversely impact the value of the
Shares.
There
is no guarantee that any of the mechanisms in place or being explored for
increasing the scale of settlement or throughput of Solana Network transactions
will be effective, or how long these mechanisms will take to become effective,
which could adversely impact the value of the Shares.
Digital
asset networks are developed by a diverse set of contributors and the perception
that certain high-profile contributors will no longer contribute to the network
could have an adverse effect on the market price of the related digital
asset.
Digital
asset networks and related protocols are often developed by a diverse set of
contributors, but are also often developed by identifiable and high-profile
contributors. The perception that certain high-profile contributors may no
longer contribute to the applicable digital asset network or protocol may have
an adverse effect on the market price of any related digital assets. For
example, in June 2017,
an
unfounded rumor circulated that Ethereum protocol developer Vitalik Buterin had
died. Following the rumor, the price of Ether decreased approximately 20% before
recovering after Buterin himself dispelled the rumor. Some have speculated that
the rumor led to the decrease in the price of Ether. In the event a high-profile
contributor to the Solana Network, such as Anatoly Yakovenko, is perceived as no
longer contributing to the Solana Network due to death, retirement, withdrawal,
incapacity, or otherwise, whether or not such perception is valid, it could
negatively affect the price of SOL, which could adversely impact the value of
the Shares.
Digital
assets may have concentrated ownership and large sales or distributions by
holders of such digital assets, or any ability to participate in or otherwise
influence a digital asset’s underlying network, could have an adverse effect on
the market price of such digital asset.
As
of December 31, 2025, the largest 100 SOL wallets held approximately 29% of the
SOL in circulation. Moreover, it is possible that other persons or entities
control multiple wallets that collectively hold a significant amount of SOL,
even if they individually only hold a small amount, and it is possible that some
of these wallets are controlled by the same person or entity. Further, holders
with substantial SOL positions may directly or indirectly exert influence over
other ecosystem participants such as validators, developers, or major wallet and
infrastructure providers. For example, these large holders may signal large
potential sales or otherwise affect the stability of the market price of SOL,
which could influence protocol development, governance dynamics, or market
conditions. As a result of this concentration of ownership, large sales or
distributions by such holders could have an adverse effect on the market price
of SOL.
Validators
may suffer losses due to Staking, or Staking may prove unattractive to
validators, which could adversely affect the Solana Network.
Validation
on the Solana Network requires SOL to be transferred into smart contracts on the
underlying blockchain network not under the control of the person who owns such
SOL. If the Solana Network source code or protocol were to fail to behave as
expected, suffer cybersecurity attacks or hacks, experience security issues, or
encounter other problems, such transferred (i.e., staked) SOL may be
irretrievably lost. In addition, the Solana Network’s underlying protocol
dictates requirements for participation in validation activity, and may impose
penalties, if the relevant activities are not performed correctly.
In
addition, the Solana Networks dictate requirements for participation in
validation activity, and may impose penalties, if the relevant activities are
not performed correctly. The Solana Network’s penalties (i.e., “slashing”) may
be imposed if a validator commits malicious acts related to the validation of
blocks with invalid transactions. Currently on the Solana Network, slashing is
theoretically possible by social consensus, rather than being automatically
applied by the protocol’s code. The Solana community generally aspires to slash
100% of staked assets in cases where a Solana node is maliciously trying to
violate safety rules and 0% during routine operations. As a result, there is
currently no automatic slashing in the Solana Network. Rather, for regular
consensus, after a safety violation, the Solana Network will halt. The
validators will analyze the data prior to the halt to determine who was
responsible and propose that the stake of the malicious actors responsible for
the safety violation should be slashed after restart, typically 100% of their
stake. Future protocol upgrades may include the implementation of automated
slashing mechanisms, where penalties would be triggered and enforced directly by
the network code without requiring social coordination. As of December 31, 2025,
there have been no slashing events on the Solana Network. Automatic slashing
(i.e. slashing functionality that is applied by the protocol’s code) is expected
to be introduced in the future.
Separately,
as part of the “activating” and “de-activating” or “cooling down” processes of
staking, staked SOL will be inaccessible for a variable period of time
determined by a range of factors, including network congestion, resulting in
potential inaccessibility during those periods. “Activation” is the funding of a
validator to be included in the active set, thereby allowing the validator to
participate in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake consensus protocol.
“De-activating” is the request to exit from the active set and no longer
participate in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake consensus protocol. As part
of these “activating” and “de-activating” processes of staking on the Solana
Network, any staked SOL will be inaccessible for a period of time, denominated
in “epochs.” On the Solana Network, an epoch is approximately two days, and
deactivation can take between one to several epochs to complete. The duration of
activation and de-activation periods are dependent on a range of network-based
factors, including the point at which an unstaking transaction is submitted
during an epoch, the overall responsiveness and reliability of the Solana
validator network (commonly referred to as “cluster performance”), the speed at
which validators reach agreement on the network’s state (commonly referred to as
“consensus pace”), network congestion, and validator-specific behaviors such as
the batching of unstaking transactions, each of which may increase deactivation
times. Once the de-activation period ends, the stake becomes fully inactive and
can be withdrawn.
Since
staking was enabled on the Solana Network in 2021, unstaking durations have
varied based on network performance. For example, unstaking times have ranged
from approximately 1.7 days in December 2021 to over 3.6 days in January 2022.
On average, since mid-2023, it has taken approximately 2.3 days to complete
staking deactivation, assuming the process is initiated near the beginning of an
epoch and under normal conditions. Because the Solana Network processes
deactivations at epoch boundaries, unstaking can typically be completed within a
single epoch; however, as described above, actual durations may ultimately vary
based on validator-specific factors and network state.
The
Solana Network requires the payment of base fees and the practice of paying
prioritization fees is common, and such fees can become significant as the
amount and complexity of the transaction grows, depending on the degree of
network congestion and the price of SOL. Any cybersecurity attacks, security
issues, hacks, penalties, slashing events, or other problems could damage
validators’ willingness to participate in validation, discourage existing and
future validators from serving as such, and adversely impact the Solana
Network’s adoption or the price of SOL. Any disruption of validation on the
Solana Network could interfere with network operations and cause the Solana
Network to be less attractive to users and application developers than competing
blockchain networks, which could cause the price of SOL to decrease. The limited
liquidity during the “activation” or “de-activation” processes could dissuade
potential validators from participating, which could interfere with network
operations or security and cause the Solana Network to be less attractive to
users and application developers than competing blockchain networks, which could
cause the price of SOL to decrease.
The
Sponsor has satisfied the Staking Condition with respect to certain liquidity
procedures, which it believes will ensure that it will satisfy existing and
reasonably foreseen redemption requests. Specifically, the Sponsor intends to
maintain a portion of unstaked SOL in the Trust (the “Liquidity Sleeve”).
Because the SOL in the Liquidity Sleeve is freely transferable, there is no
timing mismatch between settlement of Shares in primary market redemptions and
the SOL transfer time. The percentage of the Trust’s SOL comprising the
Liquidity Sleeve will be dynamic and subject to adjustment based on anticipated
primary and secondary market activity of the Shares and the SOL de-activation
process. As of the date of this filing, the Sponsor generally seeks to stake as
much of the Trust’s SOL as is practicable (i.e., up to 100%) at all times, with
the remainder of the Trust’s SOL remaining unstaked in the Liquidity Sleeve in
order to address the various exceptions and other considerations described
herein, but may maintain a greater proportion of the Trust’s SOL in the
Liquidity Sleeve from time to time in order to satisfy existing and reasonably
foreseen redemption requests.
The
Sponsor anticipates that it will engage in staking with respect to all of the
Trust’s SOL at all times, except (i) as necessary to pay the Sponsor’s Fee, (ii)
as necessary to pay any additional Trust expenses, (iii) as necessary to satisfy
existing and reasonably foreseen potential redemption requests (assuming the
Trust is then permitted to operate an ongoing redemption program) as determined
by the Sponsor, (iv) as necessary to reduce the SOL obtained by the Trust as
Staking Consideration to cash for distribution at regular intervals, (v) if the
Sponsor determines that Staking raises significant governmental, policy or
regulatory concerns or is subject or likely subject to a specialized regulatory
regime, (vi) if the Sponsor determines there exists vulnerabilities in the
source code or cryptography underlying the Solana Network, (vii) if the
Custodian or Staking Provider discontinues their arrangements with the Trust,
(viii) if the Sponsor otherwise determines that continued Staking of such
portion of the Trust’s assets would be inconsistent with the Trust’s purpose of
protecting and preserving the value of the Trust Estate, (ix) to fund or
replenish the Liquidity Sleeve (as defined herein) or (x) in accordance with any
other exception that is expressly contemplated by an opinion, ruling or tax
guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition. All SOL received by the Trust in
connection with the creation of new Shares, or as Staking Consideration, would
also be staked upon receipt by the Trust, unless one or more of the exceptions
described in clauses (i)-(ix) above applies. Moreover, any staked SOL which must
be un-staked in order to fulfill a distribution in connection with a redemption
(to the extent such distribution cannot be fulfilled utilizing the portion of
the Trust’s SOL that has not been staked, or through another mechanism to manage
liquidity in connection with Redemption Orders contemplated by an opinion of a
Tax Advisor, a Tax Ruling or Tax Guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition)
will be un-staked only after the redemption request is approved by the Trust,
the Sponsor executes an un-stake or withdrawal transaction through the
Custodian, and such transaction is processed by the Solana Network. The Staking
Provider will not be able to transfer unstaked SOL or Staking Consideration to
another address on the Solana Network.
As
of the date of this filing, the Sponsor generally seeks to stake as much of the
Trust’s SOL as is practicable (i.e., up to 100%) at all times, with the
remainder of the Trust’s SOL remaining unstaked in order to address the various
exceptions and other considerations described herein. The approximate percentage
of the Trust’s SOL that is staked each day will be reported the following day at
4:00 p.m., New York time, on etfs.grayscale.com/gsol.
If
the digital asset reward or transaction fees for recording transactions on the
Solana Network are not sufficiently high to incentivize validators, or if
certain jurisdictions continue to limit or otherwise regulate validating
activities, validators may cease expanding validating power or demand high
transaction fees, which could negatively impact the value of SOL and the value
of the Shares.
If
the digital asset awards or transaction fees for recording transactions on the
Solana Network are not sufficiently high to incentivize validators, or if
certain jurisdictions continue to limit or otherwise regulate validating
activities, validators may cease expending validating
power to validate blocks and confirmations of transactions on the Blockchain
could be slowed. For example, the realization of one or more of the following
risks could materially adversely affect the value of the Shares:
•
Over
the past several years, digital asset validating operations have evolved from
individual users validating with computer processors, graphics processing units
and first-generation application specific integrated circuit machines to
“professionalized” validating operations using proprietary hardware or
sophisticated machines. If the profit margins of digital asset validating
operations are not sufficiently high, digital asset validators are more likely
to immediately sell digital assets earned by validating, resulting in an
increase in liquid supply of that digital asset, which would generally tend to
reduce that digital asset’s market price.
•
A
reduction in digital assets staked by validators on the Solana Network could
increase the likelihood of a malicious actor or botnet obtaining control. See
“—If a malicious actor or botnet obtains control of more than 50% of the
validating power on the Solana Network, or otherwise obtains control over the
Solana Network through its influence over core developers or otherwise, such
actor or botnet could manipulate the Blockchain to adversely affect the value of
the Shares or the ability of the Trust to operate.”
•
Validators
have historically accepted relatively low transaction confirmation fees on most
digital asset networks. If validators demand higher transaction fees for
recording transactions in the Blockchain, the cost of using SOL may increase and
the marketplace may be reluctant to accept SOL as a means of payment.
Alternatively, validators could collude in an anti-competitive manner to reject
low transaction fees on the Solana Network and force users to pay higher fees,
thus reducing the attractiveness of the Solana Network. Higher transaction
confirmation fees resulting through collusion or otherwise may adversely affect
the attractiveness of the Solana Network, the value of SOL and the value of the
Shares.
•
To
the extent that any validators cease to record transactions that do not include
the payment of a transaction fee in validated blocks or do not record a
transaction because the transaction fee is too low, such transactions will not
be recorded on the SOL Blockchain until a block is validated by a validator who
is willing to accept a lower fee. Any widespread delays in the recording of
transactions could result in a loss of confidence in the digital asset
network.
•
During
the course of ordering transactions and validating blocks, validators may be
able to prioritize certain transactions in return for increased transaction
fees, an incentive system known as “Maximal Extractable Value” or MEV. For
example, in blockchain networks that facilitate DeFi protocols in particular,
such as the Solana Network, users may attempt to gain an advantage over other
users by increasing offered transaction fees. Certain software solutions, such
as Flashbots, have been developed which facilitate validators in capturing MEV
produced by these increased fees. The MEV incentive system may lead to an
increase in transaction fees on the Solana Network, which may diminish its use.
Users or other stakeholders on the Solana Network could also view the existence
of MEV as unfair manipulation of decentralized digital asset networks, and
refrain from using DeFi protocols or the Solana Network generally. In addition,
it’s possible regulators or legislators could enact rules which restrict the use
of MEV, which could diminish the popularity of the Solana Network among users
and validators. Any of these or other outcomes related to MEV may adversely
affect the value of SOL and the value of the Shares.
Proof-of-stake
blockchains are a relatively recent innovation, and have not been subject to as
widespread use or adoption over as long of a period of time as traditional
proof-of-work blockchains.
Certain
digital assets, such as bitcoin, use a “proof-of-work” consensus algorithm. The
genesis block on the Bitcoin blockchain was mined in 2009, and Bitcoin’s
blockchain has been in operation since then. Many newer blockchains enabling
smart contract functionality, including the current Ethereum network following
the completion of the Merge in 2022, use a newer consensus algorithm known as
“proof-of-stake.” While their proponents believe that they may have certain
advantages, the “proof-of-stake” consensus mechanisms and governance systems
underlying many newer blockchain protocols, including the Solana Network, and
their associated digital assets – including the SOL held by the Trust – have not
been tested at scale over as long of a period of time or subject to as
widespread use or adoption as, for example, Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus
mechanism has. This could lead to these blockchains, and their associated
digital assets, having undetected vulnerabilities, structural design flaws,
suboptimal incentive structures for network participants (e.g., validators),
technical disruptions, or a wide variety of other problems, any of which could
cause these blockchains not to function as intended, lead to outright failure to
function entirely causing a total outage or disruption of network activity, or
to suffer other operational problems or reputational damage, leading to a loss
of users or adoption or a loss in value of the associated digital assets,
including the Trust’s assets. Over the long term, there can be no assurance that
the proof-of-stake blockchain on which the Trust’s assets rely will achieve
widespread scale or adoption or perform successfully; any failure to do so could
negatively impact the value of the Trust’s assets.
If
a malicious actor or botnet obtains control of a sufficient amount of the
validating power on the Solana Network, or otherwise obtains control over the
Solana Network through its influence over core developers or otherwise, such
actor or botnet could manipulate the Blockchain to adversely affect the value of
the Shares or the ability of the Trust to operate.
All
networked systems are vulnerable to various types of attacks. As with any
computer network, the Solana Network could be attacked. For example, the Solana
Network is currently vulnerable to several types of attacks,
including:
•
“33%
attack” where, if a validator or group of validators were to gain control of
more than 33% of the total staked SOL on the Solana Network, a malicious actor
could temporarily impede or delay block confirmation or even cause a temporary
fork in the blockchain.
•
“50%
attack” where, if a validator or group of validators acting in concert were to
gain control of more than 50% of the total staked SOL on the Solana Network, a
malicious actor would be able to gain full control of the Solana Network and the
ability to manipulate the blockchain on a forward-looking basis, including
censoring transactions following the achievement
of
threshold, double-spending and fraudulent block propagation, while the attacker
maintains the threshold. In theory, the minority non-attackers might reach
social consensus to reject blocks proposed by the malicious majority attacker,
reducing the attacker’s ability to engage in malicious activity, but there can
be no assurance this would happen or that non-attackers would be able to
coordinate effectively.
•
“>66%
attack” where, if a validator or group of validators acting in concert were to
gain control of more than 66% of the total staked SOL on the Solana Network, a
malicious actor could permanently and irreversibly manipulate the blockchain,
including censorship, double-spending and fraudulent block propagation, both on
a forward-and backward-looking basis. The attacker could unilaterally finalize
their preferred chain without the votes of any other stakers, and could also
reverse past finalized blocks. The Solana Network’s proof-of-stake consensus
mechanism requires a 2/3 supermajority of validators who have staked SOL to vote
in favor in order to finalize transactions and add blocks to the Solana
Blockchain.
Although
there are no known reports of malicious control of the Solana Network, if groups
of coordinating or connected SOL holders that together have more than 50% of
outstanding SOL were to stake that SOL and run validators, they could exert
authority over the validation of SOL transactions. This risk is heightened if a
substantial amount of the validating power on the network falls within the
jurisdiction of a single governmental authority. If network participants,
including the core developers and the administrators of validating pools, do not
act to ensure greater decentralization of Solana Network validators, the
feasibility of a malicious actor obtaining control of the validating power on
the Solana Network will increase, which may adversely affect the value of SOL
and the value of the Shares.
A
malicious actor may also obtain control over the Solana Network through its
influence over core developers by gaining direct control over a core developer
or an otherwise influential programmer. The less that the Solana ecosystem
grows, the greater the possibility that a malicious actor may be able to
maliciously influence the Solana Network in this manner. Moreover, it is
possible that a group of SOL holders that together control more than a
substantial amount of outstanding SOL are in fact part of the initial or current
core developer group, or are otherwise influential members of the Solana
community. To the extent that the initial or current core developer groups also
control higher than a threshold of outstanding SOL necessary for an attack, as
some believe, the risk of this particular group of users causing the Solana
Network to adopt updates to the core protocol that this particular group wants
to be implemented will be even greater, and should this materialize, it may
adversely affect the value of the Shares.
If
validators
exit the Solana Network, it could increase the likelihood of a malicious actor
obtaining control.
Validators
exiting the network could make the Solana Network more vulnerable to a malicious
actor obtaining control of a large percentage of staked SOL, which might enable
them to manipulate the Blockchain by censoring or manipulating specific
transactions, as discussed previously. If the Blockchain suffers such an attack,
the price of SOL could be negatively affected, and a loss of confidence in the
Solana Network could result. Any reduction in confidence in the transaction
confirmation process or staking power of the Solana Network may adversely affect
an investment in the Trust.
A
temporary or permanent “fork” or a “clone” could adversely affect the value of
the Shares.
The
Solana Network operates using open-source protocols, meaning that any user can
download the software, modify it and then propose that the users and validators
of SOL adopt the modification. When a modification is introduced and a
substantial majority of users and validators’ consent to the modification, the
change is implemented and the network remains uninterrupted. However, if less
than a substantial majority of users and validators’ consent to the proposed
modification, and the modification is not compatible with the software prior to
its modification, the consequence would be what is known as a “hard fork” of the
Solana Network, with one group running the pre-modified software and the other
running the modified software. The effect of such a fork would be the existence
of two versions of Solana running in parallel, yet lacking interchangeability.
For example, in September 2022, the Ethereum network transitioned to a
proof-of-stake model, in an upgrade referred to as the “Merge.” Following the
Merge, a hard fork of the Ethereum network occurred, as certain Ethereum miners
and network participants planned to maintain the proof-of-work consensus
mechanism that was removed as part of the Merge. This version of the network was
rebranded as “Ethereum Proof-of-Work.”
Forks
may also occur as a digital asset network community’s response to a significant
security breach. For example, in July 2016, Ethereum “forked” into Ethereum and
a new digital asset, Ethereum Classic, as a result of the Ethereum network
community’s response to a significant security breach. In June 2016, an
anonymous hacker exploited a smart contract running on the Ethereum network to
syphon approximately $60 million of Ether held by The DAO, a distributed
autonomous organization, into a segregated account. In response to the exploit,
most participants in the Ethereum community elected to adopt a “fork” that
effectively reversed the exploit. However, a minority of users continued to
develop the original blockchain, referred to as “Ethereum Classic” with the
digital asset on that blockchain now referred to as ETC. ETC now trades on
several Digital Asset Trading Platforms. A fork may also occur as a result of an
unintentional or unanticipated software flaw in the various versions of
otherwise compatible software that users run. Such a fork could lead to users
and validators abandoning the digital asset with the flawed software. It is
possible, however, that a substantial number of users and validators could adopt
an incompatible version of the digital asset while resisting community-led
efforts to merge the two chains. This could result in a permanent fork, as in
the case of Ethereum and Ethereum Classic.
Furthermore,
a hard fork can lead to new security concerns. For example, when the Ethereum
and Ethereum Classic networks split in July 2016, replay attacks, in which
transactions from one network were rebroadcast to nefarious effect on the other
network, plagued Ethereum trading platforms through at least October 2016. An
Ethereum trading platform announced in July 2016 that it had lost 40,000
Ethereum Classic, worth about $100,000 at that time, as a result of replay
attacks. Similar replay attack concerns occurred in connection with the Bitcoin
Cash and Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision networks split in November 2018. Another
possible result of a hard fork is an inherent decrease in the level of security
due to significant amounts of validating power remaining on one network or
migrating instead to the new forked network. After a hard fork, it may become
easier for an individual validator or validating pool’s validating power to
exceed 50% of the validating power of a digital asset network that retained or
attracted less validating power, thereby making digital asset networks that rely
on proof-of-stake more susceptible to attack.
Digital
asset networks and related protocols may also be cloned. Unlike a fork of a
digital asset network, which modifies an existing blockchain, and results in two
competing digital asset networks, each with the same genesis block, a “clone” is
a copy of a protocol’s codebase, but results in an entirely new blockchain and
new genesis block. Tokens are created solely from the new “clone” network and,
in contrast to forks, holders of tokens of the existing network that was cloned
do not receive any tokens of the new network. A “clone” results in a competing
network that has characteristics substantially similar to the network it was
based on, subject to any changes as determined by the developer(s) that
initiated the clone.
A
hard fork may adversely affect the price of SOL at the time of announcement or
adoption. For example, the announcement of a hard fork could lead to increased
demand for the pre-fork digital asset, in anticipation that ownership of the
pre-fork digital asset would entitle holders to a new digital asset following
the fork. The increased demand for the pre-fork digital asset may cause the
price of the digital asset to rise. After the hard fork, it is possible the
aggregate price of the two versions of the digital asset running in parallel
would be less than the price of the digital asset immediately prior to the fork.
Furthermore, while the Trust would be entitled to both versions of the digital
asset running in parallel, the Sponsor will, as permitted by the terms of the
Trust Agreement, determine which version of the digital asset is generally
accepted as the Solana Network and should therefore be considered the
appropriate network for the Trust’s purposes, and there is no guarantee that the
Sponsor will choose the digital asset that is ultimately the most valuable fork.
Either of these events could therefore adversely impact the value of the Shares.
For example, following the DAO hack in July 2016, holders of Ethereum voted
on-chain to reverse the hack, effectively causing a hard fork. For the days
following the vote, the price of Ethereum rose from $11.65 on July 15, 2016 to
$14.66 on July 21, 2016, the day after the first Ethereum Classic block was
mined. A clone may also adversely affect the price of SOL at the time of
announcement or adoption. For example, on November 6, 2016, Rhett Creighton, a
Zcash developer, cloned the Zcash network to launch Zclassic, a substantially
identical version of the Zcash network that eliminated the Founders’ Reward. For
the days following the date the first Zclassic block was mined, the price of ZEC
fell from $504.57 on November 5, 2016 to $236.01 on November 7, 2016 in the
midst of a broader sell off of ZEC beginning immediately after the Zcash network
launch on October 28, 2016. A clone may also adversely affect the price of SOL
at the time of announcement or adoption.
A
future fork in or clone of the Solana Network could adversely affect the value
of the Shares or the ability of the Trust to operate.
In
the event of a hard fork of the Solana Network, the Sponsor will, if permitted
by the terms of the Trust Agreement, use its discretion to determine which
network should be considered the appropriate network for the Trust’s purposes,
and in doing so may adversely affect the value of the Shares.
In
the event of a hard fork of the Solana Network, the Sponsor will, as permitted
by the terms of the Trust Agreement, use its discretion to determine, in good
faith, which digital asset network, among a group of incompatible forks of the
Solana Network, is generally accepted as the Solana Network and should therefore
be considered the appropriate digital asset network for the Trust’s purposes.
The Sponsor will base its determination on a variety of then relevant factors,
including, but not limited to, the Sponsor’s beliefs regarding expectations of
the core developers of SOL, users, services, businesses, validators and other
constituencies, as well as the actual continued acceptance of, validating power
on, and community engagement with, the Solana Network. There is no guarantee
that the Sponsor will choose the digital asset network or digital asset that is
ultimately the most valuable fork, and the Sponsor’s decision may adversely
affect the value of the Shares as a result. The Sponsor may also disagree with
shareholders, security vendors and the Index Provider on what is generally
accepted as SOL and should therefore be considered “SOL” for the Trust’s
purposes, which may also adversely affect the value of the Shares as a
result.
Any
name change and any associated rebranding initiative by the core developers of
SOL may not be favorably received by the digital asset community, which could
negatively impact the value of SOL and the value of the Shares.
From
time to time, digital assets may undergo name changes and associated rebranding
initiatives. For example, Bitcoin Cash may sometimes be referred to as Bitcoin
ABC in an effort to differentiate itself from any Bitcoin Cash hard forks, such
as Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision, and in the third quarter of 2018, the team behind
ZEN rebranded and changed the name of ZenCash to “Horizen.” We cannot predict
the impact of any name change and any associated rebranding initiative on the
Solana Network or SOL. After a name change and an associated rebranding
initiative, a digital asset may not be able to achieve or maintain brand name
recognition or status that is comparable to the recognition and status
previously enjoyed by such digital asset. The failure of any name change and any
associated rebranding initiative by a digital asset may result in such digital
asset not realizing some or all of the anticipated benefits
contemplated
by the name change and associated rebranding initiative, and could negatively
impact the value of SOL and the value of the Shares.
If
the Solana Network is used to facilitate illicit activities, businesses that
facilitate transactions in SOL could be at increased risk of criminal or civil
lawsuits, or of having services cut off, which could negatively affect the price
of SOL and the value of the Shares.
Digital
asset networks have in the past been, and may continue to be, used to facilitate
illicit activities. If the Solana Network is used to facilitate illicit
activities, businesses that facilitate transactions in SOL could be at increased
risk of potential criminal or civil lawsuits, or of having banking or other
services cut off, if there is a concern that certain smart contracts on the
Solana Network could interfere with the performance of anti-money laundering
activities and economic sanctions checks. There is also a risk that Digital
Asset Trading Platforms may remove SOL from their platforms as a result of these
concerns. Other service providers of such businesses may also cut off services
if there is a concern that the Solana Network is being used to facilitate crime.
Any of the aforementioned occurrences could increase regulatory scrutiny of the
Solana Network and/or adversely affect the price of SOL, the attractiveness of
the Solana Network and an investment in the Shares of the Trust.
When
the Trust and the Sponsor, acting on behalf of the Trust, sell or deliver, as
applicable, SOL or, subject to NYSE Arca obtaining regulatory approval from the
SEC, Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency, they generally do not
transact directly with counterparties other than the Authorized Participant, a
Liquidity Provider or other similarly eligible financial institutions that are
subject to federal and state licensing requirements and maintain practices and
policies designed to comply with AML and KYC regulations. When an Authorized
Participant or a Liquidity Provider sources SOL in connection with the creation
of the Shares or facilitates transactions in SOL at the direction of the Trust
or the Sponsor, it directly faces its counterparty and, in all instances, the
Authorized Participant or the Liquidity Provider, as applicable, follow policies
and procedures designed to ensure that it knows the identity of its
counterparty. The Authorized Participant is a registered broker-dealer and
therefore subject to AML and countering the financing of terrorism obligations
under the Bank Secrecy Act as administered by FinCEN and further overseen by the
SEC and FINRA.
In
accordance with its regulatory obligations, the Authorized Participant, or the
Liquidity Provider, conducts customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence
on its counterparties, which enables it to determine each counterparty’s AML and
other risks and assign an appropriate risk rating.
As
part of its counterparty onboarding process, each of the Authorized Participant
and the Liquidity Provider uses third-party services to screen prospective
counterparties against various watch lists, including the Specially Designated
Nationals List of the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control
(“OFAC”) and countries and territories identified as non-cooperative by the
Financial Action Task Force. If the Sponsor, the Trust, the Authorized
Participant or the Liquidity Provider were nevertheless to transact with such a
sanctioned entity, the Sponsor, the Trust, the Authorized Participant and the
Liquidity Provider would be at increased risk of potential criminal or civil
lawsuits.
Liquid
staking applications pose centralization concerns, and a single liquid staking
application has reportedly controlled a significant percentage of the total
staked SOL on the Solana Network.
On
the Solana Network, holders of SOL may participate in the proof-of-stake
consensus mechanism by delegating SOL to a validator, which validates
transactions and produces blocks that are added to the Solana blockchain.
Because there is no fixed per-validator minimum or protocol-imposed cap on the
amount of SOL that may be delegated to a validator, a single validator operator
or coordinated group of validators may manage substantial delegated stake and
therefore a disproportionate amount of validation power. For example, Jito
operates a liquid staking protocol that permits holders of SOL to deposit SOL
into a staking program, which then delegates such SOL across a set of validators
while issuing the holder a transferable token (“JitoSOL”) representing a claim
on the underlying staked SOL and accrued rewards. Public sources have indicated
that Jito’s liquid staking protocol has at times represented a meaningful share
of the liquid-staked SOL on the Solana Network, and that validators utilizing
Jito-related infrastructure have accounted for a substantial portion of overall
network stake. While it is generally understood that a liquid staking provider
or other large staking intermediary would have economic disincentives to disrupt
transaction finality or block production—because doing so could impair the value
of SOL, reduce staking rewards, and potentially expose delegated stake to
penalties or loss—any validator operator, liquid staking protocol, or
coordinated group controlling a substantial percentage of total delegated SOL
could, in theory, seek to influence block production, transaction ordering, or
network governance in a manner adverse to the Solana Network. Such
centralization or coordination risks, whether arising from a single liquid
staking protocol, a dominant validator set, or reliance on a particular
validator client, could negatively affect the security, decentralization, and
perceived integrity of the Solana Network, the market value of SOL, and,
consequently, the value of the Shares.
Risk
Factors Related to the Digital Asset Markets
Recent
developments in the digital asset economy have led to extreme volatility and
disruption in digital asset markets, a loss of confidence in participants of the
digital asset ecosystem, significant negative publicity surrounding digital
assets broadly and market-wide declines in liquidity.
In
the past and through the date of this Annual Report, digital asset prices have
experienced significant fluctuations, leading to volatility and disruption in
the digital asset markets and financial difficulties for several prominent
industry participants, including Digital Asset Trading Platforms, hedge funds
and lending platforms. For example, in the first half of 2022, digital asset
lenders Celsius Network LLC and Voyager Digital Ltd. and digital asset hedge
fund Three Arrows Capital each entered into insolvency proceedings. This
resulted in a loss of confidence in participants in the digital asset ecosystem,
negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly and market-wide
declines in digital asset trading prices and liquidity.
Thereafter,
in November 2022, FTX, the third largest Digital Asset Trading Platform by
volume at the time, halted customer withdrawals amid rumors of the company’s
liquidity issues and likely insolvency. Shortly thereafter, FTX’s CEO resigned
and FTX and several affiliates of FTX filed for bankruptcy. The U.S. Department
of Justice subsequently brought criminal charges, including charges of fraud,
violations of federal securities laws, money laundering, and campaign finance
offenses, against FTX’s former CEO and others. In November 2023, FTX’s former
CEO was convicted of fraud and money laundering. Similar charges related to
violations of anti-money laundering laws were brought in November 2023 against
Binance and its former CEO.
In
addition, several other entities in the digital asset industry filed for
bankruptcy following FTX’s bankruptcy filing, such as BlockFi Inc. and Genesis
Global Capital, LLC (“Genesis Capital”), a subsidiary of Genesis Global Holdco,
LLC (“Genesis Holdco”). The SEC also brought charges against Genesis Capital and
Gemini Trust Company, LLC (“Gemini”) in January 2023 for their alleged
unregistered offer and sale of securities to retail investors. In October 2023,
the New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) brought charges against Gemini, Genesis
Capital, Genesis Asia Pacific PTE. LTD. (“Genesis Asia Pacific”), Genesis Holdco
(together with Genesis Capital and Genesis Asia Pacific, the “Genesis
Entities”), Genesis Capital’s former CEO, DCG, and DCG’s CEO alleging violations
of the New York Penal Law, the New York General Business Law and the New York
Executive Law. In February 2024, the NYAG amended its complaint to expand the
charges against Gemini, the Genesis Entities, Genesis Capital’s former CEO, DCG,
and DCG’s CEO to include harm to additional investors. Also in February 2024,
the Genesis Entities entered into a settlement agreement with the NYAG to
resolve the NYAG’s allegations against the Genesis Entities, which settlement
was subsequently approved by the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of
New York.
On
January 17, 2025, DCG agreed to entry of a cease-and-desist order and payment of
a $38 million civil money penalty arising out of the SEC’s allegations that (i)
DCG negligently engaged in conduct that misled investors about the impact of the
default on Genesis Capital’s financial condition and (ii) DCG’s failure to
exercise reasonable care in connection with certain statements concerning
Genesis Capital’s financial condition created a materially false impression to
the public regarding Genesis Capital’s financial health.
Furthermore,
Genesis Holdco, together with certain of its subsidiaries, filed a voluntary
petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in
January 2023. While Genesis Holdco is not a service provider to the Trust, it is
a wholly owned subsidiary of DCG, and is an affiliate of the Trust and the
Sponsor.
These
events have led to significant negative publicity around digital asset market
participants including DCG, Genesis and DCG’s other affiliated entities. This
publicity could negatively impact the reputation of the Sponsor and have an
adverse effect on the trading price and/or the value of the Shares. Moreover,
sales of a significant number of Shares of the Trust as a result of these events
could have a negative impact on the trading price of the Shares.
These
events have also led to a substantial increase in regulatory and enforcement
scrutiny of the industry as a whole and of Digital Asset Trading Platforms in
particular, including from the Department of Justice, the SEC, the CFTC, the
White House and Congress. For example, in June 2023, the SEC brought charges
against Binance (the “Binance Complaint”) and Coinbase (the “Coinbase
Complaint”), alleging that they solicited U.S. investors to buy, sell, and trade
“crypto asset securities” through their unregistered trading platforms and
operated unregistered securities exchanges, brokerages and clearing agencies.
Binance subsequently announced that it would be suspending USD deposits and
withdrawals on Binance.US and that it plans to delist its USD trading pairs. In
addition, in November 2023, the SEC brought similar charges against Kraken (the
“Kraken Complaint”), alleging that it operated as an unregistered securities
exchange, brokerage and clearing agency. The Binance Complaint, the Coinbase
Complaint and the Kraken Complaint have led, and may in the future lead, to
further volatility in digital asset prices. Between February 2025 and May 2025,
the SEC entered into court-approved joint stipulations to dismiss each of the
Binance Complaint, Coinbase Complaint and the Kraken Complaint. The SEC has
terminated its investigation or enforcement action into many other digital asset
market participants, as well.
In
January 2025, the SEC launched a crypto task force dedicated to developing a
comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for digital assets led by
Commissioner Hester Peirce. Subsequently, Commissioner Peirce announced a list
of specific priorities to further that initiative, which included pursuing final
rules related to a digital asset’s security status, a revised path to registered
offerings and listings for digital asset-based investment vehicles, and clarity
regarding digital asset custody, lending and staking. Digital asset markets have
also been negatively impacted by the failure of entities perceived to be
integral to the digital asset ecosystem. For example, in
March
2023, state banking regulators placed Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank
into Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) receiverships. Also, in
March 2023, Silvergate Bank announced plans to wind down and liquidate its
operations. Because these banks were perceived to be the banks most open to
providing services for the digital asset ecosystem in the United States, their
failures may impact the willingness of banks (based on regulatory pressure or
otherwise) to provide banking services to digital asset market participants. In
addition, because these banks were perceived to be the banks most open to
providing services for the digital asset ecosystem, their failure has caused a
number of companies that provide digital asset-related services to be unable to
find banks that are willing to provide them with such banking services. The
inability to access banking services could negatively impact digital asset
market participants and therefore the value of digital assets, including SOL,
and thus the Shares. In addition, although these events did not have an impact
directly on the Trust or the Sponsor when these bank failures occurred, it is
possible that a future closing of a bank with which the Trust or the Sponsor has
a financial relationship could subject the Trust or the Sponsor to adverse
conditions and pose challenges in finding an alternative suitable bank to
provide the Trust or the Sponsor with bank accounts and banking
services.
Events
such as these that impact the wider digital asset ecosystem are continuing to
develop and change at a rapid pace and it is not possible to predict at this
time all of the risks that they may pose to the Sponsor, the Trust, their
affiliates and/or the Trust’s third-party service providers, or on the digital
asset industry as a whole.
Continued
disruption and instability in the digital asset markets as these events develop,
including declines in the trading prices and liquidity of SOL, or the failure of
service providers to the Trust, could have a material adverse effect on the
value of the Shares and the Shares could lose all or substantially all of their
value.
The
value of the Shares relates directly to the value of SOL, the value of which may
be highly volatile and subject to fluctuations due to a number of
factors.
The
value of the Shares relates directly to the value of the SOL held by the Trust
and fluctuations in the price of SOL could adversely affect the value of the
Shares. The market price of SOL may be highly volatile, and subject to a number
of factors, including:
•
an
increase in the global SOL supply that is publicly available for trading;
•
manipulative
trading activity on Digital Asset Trading Platforms, which, in many cases, are
largely unregulated;
•
the
adoption of SOL as a medium of exchange, store-of-value or other consumptive
asset and the maintenance and development of the open-source software protocol
of the Solana Network;
•
forks
in the Solana Network;
•
investors’
expectations with respect to interest rates, the rates of inflation of fiat
currencies or SOL, and Digital Asset Trading Platform rates;
•
consumer
preferences and perceptions of SOL specifically and digital assets generally;
•
fiat
currency withdrawal and deposit policies on Digital Asset Trading Platforms;
•
the
liquidity of Digital Asset Markets and any increase or decrease in trading
volume on Digital Asset Markets;
•
investment
and trading activities of large investors that invest directly or indirectly in
SOL, including trading activity related to so-called digital asset treasury
companies or similar vehicles that are intended to provide investors with
indirect exposure to SOL;
•
a
“short squeeze” resulting from speculation on the price of SOL, if aggregate
short exposure exceeds the number of Shares available for purchase;
•
an
active derivatives market for SOL or for digital assets generally;
•
a
determination that SOL is a security or changes in SOL’s status under the
federal securities laws;
•
monetary
policies of governments, trade restrictions, currency devaluations and
revaluations and regulatory measures or enforcement actions, if any, that
restrict the use of SOL as a form of payment or the purchase of SOL on the
Digital Asset Markets;
•
global
or regional political, economic or financial conditions, events and situations,
such as the novel coronavirus outbreak;
•
fees
associated with processing a SOL transaction and the speed at which SOL
transactions are settled on the Solana Network, including as may be negatively
impacted by the recent proliferation of Solana-based memecoins;
•
interruptions
in service from or closures or failures of major Digital Asset Trading
Platforms;
•
decreased
confidence in Digital Asset Trading Platforms due to the largely unregulated
nature and lack of transparency surrounding the operations of Digital Asset
Trading Platforms;
•
increased
competition from other forms of digital assets or payment services; and
•
the
Trust’s own acquisitions or dispositions of SOL, since there is no limit on the
amount of SOL that the Trust may acquire.
In
addition, there is no assurance that SOL will maintain its value in the long or
intermediate term. In the event that the price of SOL declines, the Sponsor
expects the value of the Shares to decline proportionately.
The
value of SOL as represented by the Index Price or by the Trust’s principal
market may also be subject to momentum pricing due to speculation regarding
future appreciation in value, leading to greater volatility that could adversely
affect the value of the Shares. Momentum pricing typically is associated with
growth stocks and other assets whose valuation, as determined by the investing
public, accounts for future appreciation in value, if any. The Sponsor believes
that momentum pricing of SOL has resulted, and may continue to result, in
speculation regarding future appreciation in the value of SOL, inflating and
making the Index Price more volatile. As a result, SOL may be more likely to
fluctuate in value due to changing investor confidence, which could impact
future appreciation or depreciation in the Index Price and could adversely
affect the value of the Shares.
Due
to the largely unregulated nature and lack of transparency surrounding the
operations of Digital Asset Trading Platforms, they may experience fraud, market
manipulation, business failures, security failures or operational problems,
which may adversely affect the value of SOL and, consequently, the value of the
Shares.
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms are relatively new and, in many ways, are not subject
to, or may not comply with, regulation in relevant jurisdictions in a manner
similar to other regulated trading platforms, such as national securities
exchanges or designated contract markets. While many prominent Digital Asset
Trading Platforms provide the public with significant information regarding
their on-chain activities, ownership structure, management teams, corporate
practices, cybersecurity practices and regulatory compliance, many other Digital
Asset Trading Platforms do not provide this information. Furthermore, while
Digital Asset Trading Platforms are and may continue to be subject to federal
and state licensing requirements in the United States, Digital Asset Trading
Platforms do not currently appear to be subject to regulation in a similar
manner as other regulated trading platforms, such as national securities
exchanges or designated contract markets. As a result, the marketplace may lose
confidence in Digital Asset Trading Platforms, including prominent trading
platforms that handle a significant volume of SOL trading.
Many
Digital Asset Trading Platforms, both in the United States and abroad, are
unlicensed, not subject to, or not in compliance with, regulation in relevant
jurisdictions, or operate without extensive supervision by governmental
authorities. In particular, those located outside the United States may be
subject to significantly less stringent regulatory and compliance requirements
in their local jurisdictions and may take the position that they are not subject
to laws and regulations that would apply to a national securities exchange or
designated contract market in the United States, or may, as a practical matter,
be beyond the ambit of U.S. regulators. As a result, trading activity on or
reported by these Digital Asset Trading Platforms is generally significantly
less regulated than trading activity on or reported by regulated U.S. securities
and commodities markets, and may reflect behavior that would be prohibited in
regulated U.S. trading venues. For example, in 2022 one report claimed that
trading volumes on Digital Asset Trading Platforms were inflated by over 70% due
to false or non-economic trades, with specific focus on unlicensed trading
platforms located outside of the United States. Such reports may indicate that
the Digital Asset Trading Platform Market is significantly smaller than expected
and that the U.S. makes up a significantly larger percentage of the Digital
Asset Trading Platform Market than is commonly understood, or that a much larger
portion of digital asset market activity takes place on decentralized finance
platforms than is commonly understood. Nonetheless, any actual or perceived
false trading in the Digital Asset Trading Platform Market, and any other
fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices, could adversely affect the value
of SOL and/or negatively affect the market perception of SOL, which could in
turn adversely impact the value of the Shares.
The
SEC has also identified possible sources of fraud and manipulation in the
Digital Asset Markets generally, including, among others (1) “wash-trading”; (2)
persons with a dominant position in a digital asset manipulating pricing in such
digital asset; (3) hacking of the underlying digital asset network and trading
platforms; (4) malicious control of the underlying digital asset network; (5)
trading based on material, non-public information (for example, plans of market
participants to significantly increase or decrease their holdings in a digital
asset, new sources of demand for a digital asset) or based on the dissemination
of false and misleading information; (6) manipulative activity involving
purported “stablecoins,” including Tether; and (7) fraud and manipulation at
Digital Asset Markets. The use or presence of such acts and practices in the
Digital Asset Markets could, for example, falsely inflate the volume of SOL
present in the Digital Asset Markets or cause distortions in the price of SOL,
among other things that could adversely affect the Trust or cause losses to
shareholders. Moreover, tools to detect and deter fraudulent or manipulative
trading activities, such as market manipulation, front-running of trades, and
wash-trading, may not be available to or employed by Digital Asset Markets, or
may not exist at all. Many Digital Asset Markets also lack certain safeguards
put in place by exchanges for more traditional assets to enhance the stability
of trading on the exchanges and prevent “flash crashes,” such as limit-down
circuit breakers. As a result, the prices of SOL on Digital Asset Markets may be
subject to larger and/or more frequent sudden declines than assets traded on
more traditional exchanges.
In
addition, over the past several years, some Digital Asset Trading Platforms have
been closed, been subject to criminal and civil litigation and have entered into
bankruptcy proceedings due to fraud and manipulative activity, business failure
and/or security breaches. In many of these instances, the customers of such
Digital Asset Trading Platforms were not compensated or made whole for the
partial
or
complete losses of their account balances in such Digital Asset Trading
Platforms. In some instances, customers are made whole only in dollar terms as
of the Digital Asset Trading Platform’s date of failure, rather than on a
digital asset basis, meaning customers may still lose out on any price increase
in digital assets.
While
smaller Digital Asset Trading Platforms are less likely to have the
infrastructure and capitalization that make larger Digital Asset Trading
Platforms more stable, larger Digital Asset Trading Platforms are more likely to
be appealing targets for hackers and malware. For example, in February 2025,
hackers reportedly compromised a transaction from Bybit’s multisignature cold
wallets, enabling the hackers to steal over $1.5 billion of Ether from Bybit.
Shortcomings or ultimate failures of larger Digital Asset Trading Platforms are
more likely to have contagion effects on the digital asset ecosystem, including
on the price of SOL, and therefore may also be more likely to be targets of
regulatory enforcement action. For example, in November 2022, FTX, another of
the world’s largest Digital Asset Trading Platforms, filed for bankruptcy
protection and subsequently halted customer withdrawals as well as trading on
its FTX.US platform. Fraud, security failures and operational problems all
played a role in FTX’s issues and downfall. Moreover, Digital Asset Trading
Platforms have been a subject of enhanced regulatory and enforcement scrutiny,
and Digital Asset Markets have experienced continued instability, following the
failure of FTX. In particular, in June 2023, the SEC brought the Binance
Complaint and Coinbase Complaint, alleging that Binance and Coinbase operated
unregistered securities exchanges, brokerages and clearing agencies. In
addition, in November 2023, the SEC brought the Kraken Complaint, alleging that
Kraken operated as an unregistered securities exchange, brokerage and clearing
agency. Between February 2025 and May 2025, the SEC entered into court-approved
joint stipulations to dismiss each of the Binance Complaint, Coinbase Complaint
and the Kraken Complaint. The SEC has terminated its investigation or
enforcement action into many other digital asset market participants as
well.
Negative
perception, a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the Digital Asset
Markets and/or the closure or temporary shutdown of Digital Asset Trading
Platforms due to fraud, business failure, security breaches or government
mandated regulation, and associated losses by customers, may reduce confidence
in the Solana Network and result in greater volatility in the prices of SOL.
Furthermore, the closure or temporary shutdown of a Digital Asset Trading
Platform used in calculating the Index Price may result in a loss of confidence
in the Trust’s ability to determine its NAV on a daily basis. These potential
consequences of such a Digital Asset Trading Platform’s failure could adversely
affect the value of the Shares.
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms may be exposed to front-running.
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms may be susceptible to “front-running,” which refers to
the process when someone uses technology or market advantage to get prior
knowledge of upcoming transactions. Front-running is a frequent activity on
centralized as well as decentralized trading platforms. By using bots
functioning on a millisecond-scale timeframe, bad actors are able to take
advantage of the forthcoming price movement and make economic gains at the cost
of those who had introduced these transactions. The objective of a front runner
is to buy tokens at a low price and later sell them at a higher price while
simultaneously exiting the position. To the extent that front-running occurs, it
may result in investor frustrations and concerns as to the price integrity of
Digital Asset Trading Platforms and digital assets more generally.
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms may be exposed to wash-trading.
Digital
Asset Trading Platforms may be susceptible to wash-trading. Wash-trading occurs
when offsetting trades are entered into for other than bona fide reasons, such
as the desire to inflate reported trading volumes. Wash-trading may be motivated
by non-economic reasons, such as a desire for increased visibility on popular
websites that monitor markets for digital assets so as to improve a trading
platform’s attractiveness to investors who look for maximum liquidity, or it may
be motivated by the ability to attract listing fees from token issuers who seek
the most liquid and high-volume trading platforms on which to list their tokens.
Results of wash-trading may include unexpected obstacles to trade and erroneous
investment decisions based on false information.
Even
in the United States, there have been allegations of wash-trading even on
regulated venues. Any actual or perceived false trading on Digital Asset Trading
Platforms, and any other fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices, could
adversely affect the value of SOL and/or negatively affect the market perception
of SOL.
To
the extent that wash-trading either occurs or appears to occur in Digital Asset
Trading Platforms, investors may develop negative perceptions about SOL and the
digital assets industry more broadly, which could adversely impact the price of
SOL and, therefore, the price of the Shares. Wash-trading also may place more
legitimate Digital Asset Trading Platforms at a relative competitive
disadvantage.
The
Index has a limited history and a failure of the Index Price could adversely
affect the value of the Shares.
The
Index has a limited history and the Index Price is a composite reference rate
calculated using trading price data from various Digital Asset Trading Platforms
chosen by the Index Provider. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms chosen by the
Index Provider have also changed over time. The Index Provider may remove or add
Digital Asset Trading Platforms to the Index in the future at its discretion.
For more information on the inclusion criteria for Digital Asset Trading
Platforms in the Index, see “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Solana Industry
and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index Price.”
Although
the Index is designed to accurately capture the market price of SOL, third
parties may be able to purchase and sell SOL on public or private markets not
included among the Constituent Trading Platforms of the Index, and such
transactions may take place at prices materially higher or lower than the Index
Price. Moreover, there may be variances in the prices of SOL on the various
Digital Asset Trading Platforms, including as a result of differences in fee
structures or administrative procedures on different Digital Asset Trading
Platforms. For example, based on data provided by the Index Provider, on any
given day during the year ended December 31, 2025, the maximum differential
between the 4:00 p.m., New York time spot price of any single Digital Asset
Trading Platform included in the Index and the Index Price was 3.76% and the
average of the maximum differentials of the 4:00 p.m., New York time spot price
of each Digital Asset Trading Platform included in the Index and the Index Price
was 0.55%. During this same period, the average differential between the 4:00
p.m., New York time spot prices of all the Digital Asset Trading Platforms
included in the Index and the Index Price was 0.005%. All Digital Asset Trading
Platforms that were included in the Index throughout the period were considered
in this analysis. To the extent such prices differ materially from the Index
Price, investors may lose confidence in the Shares’ ability to track the market
price of SOL, which could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
The
Index Price used to calculate the value of the Trust’s SOL may be volatile, and
purchasing and selling activity in the Digital Asset Markets associated with
Basket creations and redemptions may affect the Index Price and Share trading
prices, adversely affecting the value of the Shares.
The
price of SOL on public Digital Asset Trading Platforms has a very limited
history, and during this history, SOL prices on the Digital Asset Markets more
generally, and on Digital Asset Trading Platforms individually, have been
volatile and subject to influence by many factors, including operational
interruptions. While the Index is designed to limit exposure to the interruption
of individual Digital Asset Trading Platforms, the Index Price, and the price of
SOL generally, remains subject to volatility experienced by Digital Asset
Trading Platforms, and such volatility could adversely affect the value of the
Shares. For example, since November 18, 2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s
operations) through December 31, 2025, the Index Price ranged from $8.29 to
$277.39, with the straight average being $107.27 through December 31, 2025. The
Sponsor has not observed a material difference between the Index Price and
average prices from the Constituent Trading Platforms individually or as a
group. The price of SOL more generally has experienced volatility similar to the
Index Price during these periods. For additional information on movement of the
Index Price and the price of SOL, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Historical NAV and SOL
Prices.”
Furthermore,
because the number of Digital Asset Trading Platforms is limited, the Index will
necessarily be comprised of a limited number of Digital Asset Trading Platforms.
If a Digital Asset Trading Platform were subjected to regulatory, volatility or
other pricing issues, the Index Provider would have limited ability to remove
such Digital Asset Trading Platform from the Index, which could skew the price
of SOL as represented by the Index. Trading on a limited number of Digital Asset
Trading Platforms may result in less favorable prices and decreased liquidity of
SOL and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on the value of the
Shares.
Purchasing
activity associated with acquiring SOL required for the creation of Baskets may
increase the market price of SOL on the Digital Asset Markets, which will result
in higher prices for the Shares. Alternatively, selling activity associated with
sales of SOL withdrawn from the Trust in connection with the redemption of
Baskets may decrease the market price of SOL on the Digital Asset Markets, which
will result in lower prices for the Shares. Increases or decreases in the market
price of SOL may also occur as a result of the purchasing or selling activity of
other market participants. Other market participants may attempt to benefit from
an increase or decrease in the market price of SOL that may result from
increased purchasing or selling activity of SOL connected with the creation or
redemption of Baskets. Consequently, the market price of SOL may decline
immediately after Baskets are created. Decreases in the market price of SOL may
also occur as a result of sales in Secondary Markets by other market
participants. If the Index Price declines, the value of the Shares will
generally also decline.
Competition
from the emergence or growth of other digital assets could have a negative
impact on the price of SOL and adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
As
of December 31, 2025, SOL was the seventh largest digital asset by market
capitalization, as tracked by CoinMarketCap.com. As of December 31, 2025, the
alternative digital assets tracked by CoinMarketCap.com had a total market
capitalization of approximately $2,678.0 billion (including the approximately
$70.1 billion market cap of SOL), as calculated using market prices and total
available supply of each digital asset, excluding stablecoins and tokens pegged
to other assets. In addition, SOL faces competition from a wide range of digital
assets, including Bitcoin and Ether. Many consortiums and financial institutions
are also researching and investing resources into private or permissioned smart
contracts platforms rather than open platforms like the Solana Network. In
addition, SOL is supported by fewer trading platforms than more established
digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ether, which could impact its liquidity. In
addition, the Solana Network is in direct competition with other smart contract
platforms, such as the Ethereum, Polkadot, Avalanche and Cardano networks.
Competition from the emergence or growth of alternative digital assets and smart
contracts platforms, such as Solana, Avalanche or Cardano, could have a negative
impact on the demand for, and price of, SOL and thereby adversely affect the
value of the Shares. Moreover, the growth of tokenized assets and other on-chain
financial products that offer yield, stability, or regulatory clarity may also
divert capital and user engagement away from the Solana Network, which could
negatively impact SOL’s market demand and the value of the
Shares.
Investors
may also invest in SOL through means other than the Shares, including through
direct investments in SOL and other financial vehicles, including securities
backed by or linked to SOL and digital asset financial vehicles similar to the
Trust.
The
Trust and the Sponsor face competition with respect to the creation of competing
exchange-traded spot SOL products, among other digital asset vehicles. Whether
the Trust is successful in maintaining its scale and achieving its intended
competitive position may be impacted by a range of factors, including its fee
structure relative to those competing products. The Trust’s competitors may also
charge a substantially lower fee than the Sponsor’s Fee in an effort to achieve
initial market acceptance and scale, which could cause investors to favor such
competing products over the Trust.
If
the Trust fails to continue to maintain or grow sufficient scale due to
competition, the Sponsor may have difficulty raising sufficient revenue to cover
the costs associated with maintaining the Trust and such shortfalls could impact
the Sponsor’s ability to properly invest in robust ongoing operations and
controls of the Trust to minimize the risk of operating events, errors, or other
forms of losses to the shareholders. Furthermore, the Trust may fail to continue
to attract adequate liquidity in the secondary market due to such competition,
resulting in a small number of Authorized Participants willing to make a market
in the Shares, which in turn could result in the Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount for extended periods. Likewise, market and financial
conditions, among other conditions outside the Trust’s control, may cause
investors to find it more attractive to gain exposure to SOL through other
vehicles, rather than the Trust.
In
addition, to the extent digital asset financial vehicles other than the Trust
tracking the price of SOL come to represent a significant proportion of the
demand for SOL, large purchases or redemptions of the securities of these
digital asset financial vehicles, or private funds holding SOL, could negatively
affect the Index Price, the NAV, the NAV per Share, the value of the Shares, the
Principal Market NAV and the Principal Market NAV per Share. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that the Trust will be able to maintain its scale and
achieve its intended competitive positioning relative to competitors, which
could adversely affect the performance of the Trust and the value of the
Shares.
Congestion
or delay on the Solana Network may delay purchases or sales of SOL by the
Trust.
Increased
transaction volume could result in delays in the recording of transactions on
the Solana Network. Moreover, unforeseen system failures, disruptions in
operations, or poor connectivity may also result in delays in the recording of
transactions on the Blockchain. This surge resulted in delays and transaction
errors on the Blockchain. Any delay in the Blockchain could affect an Authorized
Participant’s ability to buy or sell SOL at an advantageous price resulting in
decreased confidence in the Blockchain. Over the longer term, delays in
confirming transactions could reduce the attractiveness to merchants and other
commercial parties as a means of payment. As a result, the Solana Network and
the value of the Trust would be adversely affected.
The
SEC has approved generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares and
may approve other applications under Rule 19b-4 of the Exchange Act to list
competing digital assets as exchange-traded products, which could reduce demand
for, and the price of, SOL and adversely impact the value of the
Shares.
To
date, the SEC has approved applications under Rule 19b-4 of the Exchange Act to
list spot digital asset exchange-traded products which hold Bitcoin and Ether,
as well as generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares holding
digital assets. To the extent competing digital assets exchange-traded products,
other than those which hold SOL, come to represent a significant proportion of
the demand for digital assets generally, demand for, and the price of, SOL could
be reduced. Such reduced demand could in turn negatively affect the Index Price,
the NAV, the NAV per Share, the value of the Shares, the Principal Market NAV
and the Principal Market NAV per Share. Accordingly, there can be no assurance
that the Trust will be able to maintain its scale and achieve its intended
competitive positioning relative to competitors, which could adversely affect
the performance of the Trust and the value of the Shares.
Competition
from central bank digital currencies (“CBDCs”) and emerging payments initiatives
involving financial institutions could adversely affect the price of SOL and
other digital assets.
Central
banks in various countries have introduced digital forms of legal tender
(“CBDCs”). China’s CBDC project, known as Digital Currency Electronic Payment,
has reportedly been tested in a live pilot program conducted in multiple cities
in China. Central banks representing at least 130 countries have published
retail or wholesale CBDC work ranging from research to pilot projects. Whether
or not they incorporate blockchain or similar technology, CBDCs, as legal tender
in the issuing jurisdiction, could have an advantage in competing with, or
replace, SOL and other cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange or store of
value. Central banks and other governmental entities have also announced
cooperative initiatives and consortia with private sector entities, with the
goal of leveraging blockchain and other technology to reduce friction in
cross-border and interbank payments and settlement, and commercial banks and
other financial institutions have also recently announced a number of
initiatives of their own to incorporate new technologies, including blockchain
and similar technologies, into their payments and settlement activities, which
could compete with, or reduce the demand for, SOL. As a result of any of the
foregoing factors, the price of SOL could decrease, which could adversely affect
an investment in the Trust.
Prices
of SOL may be affected due to stablecoins (including Tether and USDC), the
activities of stablecoin issuers and their regulatory treatment.
While
the Trust does not invest in stablecoins, it may nonetheless be exposed to these
and other risks that stablecoins pose for the market for SOL and other digital
assets. Stablecoins are digital assets designed to have a stable value over time
as compared to typically volatile digital assets, and are typically marketed as
being pegged to the value of a referenced asset, normally a fiat currency, such
as the U.S. dollar. Although the prices of stablecoins are intended to be stable
compared to their referenced asset, in many cases their prices fluctuate,
sometimes significantly. This volatility has in the past impacted the prices of
certain digital assets, and has at times caused certain stablecoins to lose
their “peg” to the underlying fiat currency. Stablecoins are a relatively new
phenomenon, and it is impossible to know all of the risks that they could pose
to participants in the digital asset markets. In addition, some have argued that
some stablecoins, particularly Tether, are improperly issued without sufficient
backing in a way that could cause artificial rather than genuine demand for
digital assets, raising their prices. Regulators have also charged stablecoin
issuers with violations of law or otherwise required certain stablecoin issuers
to cease certain operations. For example, on February 17, 2021, the New York
Attorney General entered into an agreement with Tether’s operators, requiring
them to cease any further trading activity with New York persons and pay $18.5
million in penalties for false and misleading statements made regarding the
assets backing Tether. On October 15, 2021, the CFTC announced a settlement with
Tether’s operators in which they agreed to pay $42.5 million in fines to settle
charges that, among others, Tether’s claims that it maintained sufficient U.S.
dollar reserves to back every Tether stablecoin in circulation with the
“equivalent amount of corresponding fiat currency” held by Tether were
untrue.
USDC
is a reserve-backed stablecoin issued by Circle Internet Financial that is
commonly used as a method of payment in digital asset markets, including the SOL
market. The issuer of USDC uses the Circle Reserve Fund to hold cash, U.S.
Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal
and interest by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and repurchase agreements
secured by such obligations or cash, which serve as reserves backing USDC
stablecoins. While USDC is designed to maintain a stable value at 1 U.S. dollar
at all times, on March 10, 2023, the value of USDC fell below $1.00 (and
remained below for multiple days) after Circle Internet Financial disclosed that
$3.3 billion of the USDC reserves were held at Silicon Valley Bank, which had
entered FDIC receivership earlier that day. Popular stablecoins are reliant on
the U.S. banking system and U.S. treasuries, and the failure of either to
function normally could impede the function of stablecoins or lead to outsized
redemption requests, and therefore could adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
Given
the role that stablecoins play in global digital asset markets, their
fundamental liquidity can have a dramatic impact on the broader digital asset
market, including the market for SOL. Because a large portion of the digital
asset market still depends on stablecoins such as Tether and USDC, there is a
risk that a disorderly de-pegging or a run on Tether or USDC could lead to
dramatic market volatility in, and/or materially and adversely affect the prices
of, digital assets more broadly.
Volatility
in stablecoins, operational issues with stablecoins (for example, technical
issues that prevent settlement), concerns about the sufficiency of any reserves
that support stablecoins, or regulatory concerns about stablecoin issuers or
intermediaries that support stablecoins, could impact individuals’ willingness
to trade on trading venues that rely on stablecoins and could impact the price
of SOL, and in turn, an investment in the Shares.
Further,
because a significant portion of transaction activity and gas usage on the
Solana Network is associated with stablecoin transfers and stablecoin-based
decentralized finance applications, disruptions or failures affecting major
stablecoins could diminish network activity and adversely affect the price of
SOL. Moreover, stablecoin issuers may also exert significant or disproportionate
influence in the event of a fork of the Solana Network because stablecoins are
widely used as collateral and settlement assets in DeFi and other on-chain
transactions. If a stablecoin issuer supports only one forked network, the
stablecoins on the unsupported network may become worthless or illiquid, which
could materially affect the viability of that fork and negatively impact the
price of SOL and the value of the Shares. In addition, recent federal
legislation establishing a regulatory framework for fully reserved payment
stablecoins, such as the GENIUS Act, may increase the adoption of regulated
stablecoins as digital payment instruments. While this could increase overall
transactional activity on the Solana Network, greater resiliance on stablecoins
for payments may reduce the use of SOL itself as a medium of exchange and for
certain on-chain transactions, which could adversely affect the demand for SOL
and therefore the value of the Shares.
Risk
Factors Related to the Trust and the Shares
The
Trust relies on third-party service providers to perform certain functions
essential to the affairs of the Trust and the replacement of such service
providers could pose challenges to the safekeeping of the Trust’s SOL and to the
operations of the Trust.
The
Trust relies on the Custodial Entities, the Authorized Participants and other
third-party service providers to perform certain functions essential to managing
the affairs of the Trust. In addition, Liquidity Providers are relied upon to
facilitate the purchase and sale of SOL in connection with creations and
redemptions of Shares in cash (“Cash Orders”), and the Transfer Agent and
Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC (in such capacity, the “Liquidity Engager”),
are relied upon to facilitate such Cash Orders. Any disruptions to a service
provider’s business operations, resulting from business failures, financial
instability, security failures, government mandated regulation or operational
problems, could have an adverse impact on the Trust’s ability to access critical
services and be disruptive to
the
operations of the Trust and require the Sponsor or the Liquidity Engager, as the
case may be, to replace such service provider. Moreover, the Sponsor could
decide to replace a service provider to the Trust, or the Liquidity Engager may
decide to replace a Liquidity Provider, for other reasons.
If
the Sponsor decides, or is required, to replace Coinbase Custody Trust Company,
LLC as the custodian of the Trust’s SOL, Anchorage Digital Bank N.A., as the
additional custodian of the Trust’s SOL, or Coinbase, Inc. as the prime broker
controlling and securing the Trust’s Settlement Balance, transfer of the
respective maintenance responsibilities of the Vault Balance or the Settlement
Balance to another party or parties will likely be complex and could subject the
Trust’s SOL to the risk of loss during the transfer, which could have a negative
impact on the performance of the Shares or result in loss of the Trust’s
assets.
Moreover,
the legal rights of customers with respect to digital assets held on their
behalf by a third-party custodian, such as the Custodial Entities, in insolvency
proceedings are currently uncertain. The Prime Broker Agreement contains an
agreement by the parties to treat the digital assets credited to the Trust’s
Vault Balance and Settlement Balance as financial assets under Article 8 in
addition to stating that the Custodian will serve as fiduciary and custodian on
the Trust’s behalf with respect to the Trust’s SOL held in the Vault Balance,
and that any SOL credited to the Settlement Balance will be treated as custodial
assets.
The
Custodial Entities’ parent, Coinbase Global, has also stated in its public
securities filings that in light of the inclusion of provisions relating to
Article 8 in its custody and prime broker client agreements, it believes that a
court would not treat custodied digital assets as part of its general estate in
the event the Custodial Entities were to experience insolvency. However, due to
the novelty of digital asset custodial arrangements courts have not yet
considered this type of treatment for custodied digital assets and it is not
possible to predict with certainty how they would rule in such a scenario.
Moreover, the Custodian and the Prime Broker are potentially subject to
different insolvency regimes and there is no assurance that the digital assets
credited to the Trust’s Settlement Balance would be treated similarly to those
credited to the Trust’s Vault Balance in an insolvency, notwithstanding the
rights and obligations conferred under the Prime Broker Agreement or Coinbase
Global’s views regarding the treatment of such assets under Article 8. In the
event that the Custodian or the Prime Broker and/or Coinbase Global became
subject to insolvency proceedings and a court were to rule that the custodied
digital assets were part of the Custodian’s, the Prime Broker’s and/or Coinbase
Global’s general estate and not the property of the Trust, then the Trust would
be treated as a general unsecured creditor in such insolvency proceedings and
the Trust would be subject to the loss of all or a significant portion of its
assets.
In
addition, the Custodian is a fiduciary under § 100 of the New York Banking Law
and a qualified custodian for purposes of Rule 206(4)-2(d)(6) under the
Investment Advisers Act and is licensed to custody the Trust’s SOL in trust on
the Trust’s behalf. However, the SEC previously released proposed amendments in
February 2023 to Rule 206(4)-2 that, if enacted as proposed, would amend the
definition of a “qualified custodian” under Rule 206(4)-2(d)(6). Executive
officers of the Custodian’s parent company have made public statements
indicating that the Custodian would remain a qualified custodian under the
proposed SEC rule, if enacted as proposed. In June 2025, however, the SEC
formally withdrew that proposed rulemaking and stated that it does not intend to
issue final rules based on the proposal. However, there can be no assurance that
the Custodian would continue to qualify as a “qualified custodian” under a final
rule that may be proposed or adopted by the SEC in the future.
To
the extent that the Sponsor is not able to find a suitable party willing to
serve as custodian, the Sponsor may be required to terminate the Trust and
liquidate the Trust’s SOL. In addition, to the extent that the Sponsor finds a
suitable party and must enter into a modified or separate custody agreement that
is less favorable for the Trust or Sponsor and/or transfer the Trust’s assets in
a relatively short time period, the safekeeping of the Trust’s SOL may be
adversely affected, which may in turn adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Likewise, if the Sponsor is required to replace any other service provider, they
may not be able to find a party willing to serve in such capacity in a timely
manner or at all. If the Sponsor decides, or is required, to replace an
Authorized Participant and/or if the Liquidity Engager decides, or is required,
to replace a Liquidity Provider, this could negatively impact the Trust’s
ability to create new Shares, which would impact the Shares’ liquidity and could
have a negative impact on the value of the Shares.
The
liquidity of the Shares may be affected if Authorized Participants cease to
perform their obligations under the Participant Agreements or the Liquidity
Engager is unable to engage Liquidity Providers.
In
the event that one or more Authorized Participants having substantial interests
in Shares or otherwise responsible for a significant portion of the Shares’
daily trading volume on NYSE Arca terminates its Participant Agreement, the
liquidity of the Shares would likely decrease, which could adversely affect the
value of the Shares. In addition, if the Liquidity Engager is unable to engage
one or more Liquidity Providers to obtain or receive SOL in connection with Cash
Orders, the Trust may have difficulty maintaining the participation of certain
Authorized Participants or engaging additional Authorized Participants. Under
such circumstances, the liquidity of the Shares would likely decrease, which
could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
The
Shares may trade at a price that is at, above or below the Trust’s NAV per Share
as a result of the non-concurrent trading hours between NYSE Arca and the
Digital Asset Trading Platform Market.
The
Trust’s NAV per Share will fluctuate with changes in the market value of SOL,
and the Sponsor expects the trading price of the Shares to fluctuate in
accordance with changes in the Trust’s NAV per Share, as well as market supply
and demand. However, the Shares may trade on NYSE Arca at a price that is at,
above or below the Trust’s NAV per Share for a variety of reasons. For
example,
NYSE
Arca is open for trading in the Shares for a limited period each day, but the
Digital Asset Trading Platform Market is a 24-hour marketplace. During periods
when NYSE Arca is closed but Digital Asset Trading Platforms are open,
significant changes in the price of SOL on the Digital Asset Trading Platform
Market could result in a difference in performance between the value of SOL as
measured by the Index and the most recent NAV per Share or closing trading
price. For example, if the price of SOL on the Digital Asset Trading Platform
Market, and the value of SOL as measured by the Index, move significantly in a
negative direction after the close of NYSE Arca, the trading price of the Shares
may “gap” down to the full extent of such negative price shift when NYSE Arca
reopens. If the price of SOL on the Digital Asset Trading Platform Market drops
significantly during hours NYSE Arca is closed, shareholders may not be able to
sell their Shares until after the “gap” down has been fully realized, resulting
in an inability to mitigate losses in a negative market. Even during periods
when NYSE Arca is open, large Digital Asset Trading Platforms (or a substantial
number of smaller Digital Asset Trading Platforms) may be lightly traded or
closed for any number of reasons, which could increase trading spreads and widen
any premium or discount on the Shares.
Any
suspension or other unavailability of the Trust’s redemption program may cause
the Shares to trade at a discount to the NAV per Share.
Prior
to their uplisting to NYSE Arca, the Shares traded on OTCQX at both premiums and
discounts to the NAV per Share, which at times were substantial. The Sponsor
believes that the trading price of the Shares has diverged from the NAV per
Share in the past due, in part, to the holding period under Rule 144 for Shares
purchased in the private placement and the lack of an ongoing redemption
program, as a result of which Authorized Participants had been unable to take
advantage of arbitrage opportunities when the market value of the Shares
deviated from the NAV per Share. Although the Sponsor has observed that the
commencement of the Trust’s redemption program, in conjunction with the listing
of the Shares on NYSE Arca, has had the effect of reducing the discount at which
the Shares had been trading on the OTCQX immediately prior to the commencement
of the redemption program, there can be no assurance that the Trust’s redemption
program will not be suspended or become unavailable again in the future. In
addition, if the Sponsor decides to limit Cash Orders at a time when the Shares
are trading at a premium or a discount to the NAV per Share, and Authorized
Participants have not entered into or amended their respective Participant
Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions as of such time or
in-kind creations or redemptions are not then being effected pursuant to such
Participant Agreements, the arbitrage mechanism may fail to effectively
function, which could impact the Shares’ liquidity and/or cause the Shares to
trade at premiums and discounts to the NAV per Share, and otherwise have a
negative impact on the value of the Shares.
Shareholders
may suffer a loss on their investment if the Shares trade above or below the
Trust’s NAV per Share.
Historically,
the Shares have traded at both premiums and discounts to the NAV per Share,
which at times were substantial. If the Shares trade on NYSE Arca in the future
at a premium, investors who purchase Shares on NYSE Arca will pay more for their
Shares than investors who purchase Shares directly from Authorized Participants.
In contrast, if the Shares trade on NYSE Arca in the future at a discount,
investors who purchase Shares directly from Authorized Participants will pay
more for their Shares than investors who purchase Shares on NYSE Arca. The
premium or discount at which the Shares have traded has fluctuated over time.
For example, from November 18, 2021 to October 28, 2025, the maximum premium of
the closing price of the Shares quoted on OTCQX over the value of the Trust’s
NAV per Share was 875%, the average premium was 278%, the maximum discount of
the closing price of the Shares quoted on OTCQX below the value of the Trust’s
NAV per Share was 1.4%, and the average discount was 1.3%. The closing price of
the Shares, as quoted on OTCQX at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each business day
between November 18, 2021 and October 28, 2025, has been quoted at a discount on
2 days.
From
October 29, 2025, the Uplisting Date, to December 31, 2025, the maximum premium
of the closing price of the Shares listed on NYSE Arca over the value of the
Trust’s NAV per Share was 0.32%, the average premium was 0.12%, the maximum
discount of the closing price of the Shares listed on NYSE Arca below the value
of the Trust’s NAV per Share was 0.55%, and the average discount was 0.12%. As
of December 31, 2025, the Trust’s Shares were listed on NYSE Arca at a premium
of 0.03% to the Trust’s NAV per Share. As a result, shareholders who purchase
Shares on NYSE Arca at a premium may suffer a loss on their investment if they
sell their Shares at a time when the premium has decreased from the premium at
which they purchased the Shares even if the NAV per Share remains the same.
Likewise, shareholders that purchase Shares directly from the Trust may suffer a
loss on their investment if they sell their Shares at a time when the Shares are
trading at a discount on NYSE Arca. Furthermore, shareholders may suffer a loss
on their investment even if the NAV per Share increases because the decrease in
any premium or increase in any discount may offset any increase in the NAV per
Share.
The
amount of the Trust’s assets represented by each Share will decline over time as
the Trust pays the Sponsor’s Fee and Additional Trust Expenses, and as a result,
the value of the Shares may decrease over time.
The
Sponsor’s Fee accrues daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate based on the NAV
Fee Basis Amount, which is based on the NAV of the Trust, and is paid to the
Sponsor in SOL. See “Item 1. Business—Valuation of SOL and Determination of
NAV—Disposition of SOL.” As a result, the amount of Trust’s assets represented
by each Share declines as the Trust pays the Sponsor’s Fee (or sells SOL in
order to raise cash to pay any Additional Trust Expenses), which may cause the
Shares to decrease in value over time or dampen any increase in
value.
The
value of the Shares may be influenced by a variety of factors unrelated to the
value of SOL.
The
value of the Shares may be influenced by a variety of factors unrelated to the
price of SOL and the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index that
may have an adverse effect on the value of the Shares. These factors include the
following factors:
•
Unanticipated
problems or issues with respect to the mechanics of the Trust’s operations and
the trading of the Shares may arise, in particular due to the fact that the
mechanisms and procedures governing the creation and offering of the Shares and
storage of SOL have been developed specifically for this product;
•
The
Trust could experience difficulties in operating and maintaining its technical
infrastructure, including in connection with expansions or updates to such
infrastructure, which are likely to be complex and could lead to unanticipated
delays, unforeseen expenses and security vulnerabilities;
•
The
Trust could experience unforeseen issues relating to the performance and
effectiveness of the security procedures used to protect the Vault Balance, or
the security procedures may not protect against all errors, software flaws or
other vulnerabilities in the Trust’s technical infrastructure, which could
result in theft, loss or damage of its assets; or
•
Although
the Solana Network does not have any privacy enhancing features at this time, if
any such features are introduced to the Solana Network in the future, service
providers may decide to terminate their relationships with the Trust due to
concerns that the introduction of privacy enhancing features to the Solana
Network may increase the potential for SOL to be used to facilitate crime,
exposing such service providers to potential reputational harm.
Any
of these factors could affect the value of the Shares, either directly or
indirectly through their effect on the Trust’s assets.
Shareholders
do not have the protections associated with ownership of shares in an investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act or the protections afforded
by the CEA.
The
Investment Company Act is designed to protect investors by preventing insiders
from managing investment companies to their benefit and to the detriment of
public investors, such as: the issuance of securities having inequitable or
discriminatory provisions; the management of investment companies by
irresponsible persons; the use of unsound or misleading methods of computing
earnings and asset value; changes in the character of investment companies
without the consent of investors; and investment companies from engaging in
excessive leveraging. To accomplish these ends, the Investment Company Act
requires the safekeeping and proper valuation of fund assets, restricts greatly
transactions with affiliates, limits leveraging, and imposes governance
requirements as a check on fund management.
The
Trust is not a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act,
and the Sponsor believes that the Trust is not required to register under such
act. Consequently, shareholders do not have the regulatory protections provided
to investors in investment companies.
The
Trust will not hold or trade in commodity interests regulated by the CEA, as
administered by the CFTC. Furthermore, the Sponsor believes that the Trust is
not a commodity pool for purposes of the CEA, and that neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator or
a commodity trading adviser in connection with the operation of the Trust.
Consequently, shareholders will not have the regulatory protections provided to
investors in CEA-regulated instruments or commodity pools.
There
is no guarantee that an active trading market for the Shares will continue to
develop.
The
Shares are trading on NYSE Arca, and an active trading market for the Shares has
developed. However, there can be no assurance that such trading market will be
maintained or continue to develop on NYSE Arca. In addition, NYSE Arca can halt
the trading of the Shares for a variety of reasons. To the extent that NYSE Arca
halts trading in the Shares, whether on a temporary or permanent basis,
investors may not be able to buy or sell Shares, which could adversely affect
the value of the Shares. If an active trading market for the Shares does not
continue to exist, the market prices and liquidity of the Shares may be
adversely affected.
As
the Sponsor and its management have limited history of operating investment
vehicles like the Trust, their experience may be inadequate or unsuitable to
manage the Trust.
The
past performances of the Sponsor’s management in other investment vehicles,
including their experiences in the digital asset and venture capital industries,
are no indication of their ability to manage an investment vehicle such as the
Trust. If the experience of the Sponsor and its management is inadequate or
unsuitable to manage an investment vehicle such as the Trust, the operations of
the Trust may be adversely affected.
Furthermore,
the Sponsor is currently engaged in the management of other investment vehicles
which could divert their attention and resources. If the Sponsor were to
experience difficulties in the management of such other investment vehicles that
damaged the Sponsor or its reputation, it could have an adverse impact on the
Sponsor’s ability to continue to serve as Sponsor for the Trust.
Security
threats to the Trust’s Vault Balance or Settlement Balance could result in the
halting of Trust operations, including the creation and redemption of Baskets,
and a loss of Trust assets or damage to the reputation of the Trust, each of
which could result in a reduction in the value of the Shares.
Security
breaches, computer malware and computer hacking attacks have been a prevalent
concern in relation to digital assets. The Sponsor believes that the Trust’s SOL
held in the Vault Balance, as well as the Trust’s SOL held temporarily in the
Settlement Balance, will be an appealing target to hackers or malware
distributors seeking to destroy, damage or steal the Trust’s SOL and will only
become more appealing as the Trust’s assets grow. To the extent that the Trust,
the Sponsor or the Custodial Entities are unable to identify and mitigate or
stop new security threats or otherwise adapt to technological changes in the
digital asset industry, the Trust’s SOL may be subject to theft, loss,
destruction or other attack.
The
Sponsor believes that the security procedures in place for the Trust, including,
but not limited to, offline storage, or “cold storage”, for a substantial
portion of the Trust’s SOL, multiple encrypted private key “shards”, usernames,
passwords and 2-step verification, are reasonably designed to safeguard the
Trust’s SOL. Nevertheless, the security procedures cannot guarantee the
prevention of any loss due to a security breach, software defect or act of God
that may be borne by the Trust. Additionally, because a portion of the Trust’s
SOL from time to time will be held in hot storage, such SOL will be more
vulnerable to a potential hack or other cyberattack that could lead to a loss of
Trust assets.
The
security procedures and operational infrastructure may be breached due to the
actions of outside parties, error or malfeasance of an employee of the Sponsor,
a Custodial Entity, or otherwise, and, as a result, an unauthorized party may
obtain access to an Account, the relevant private keys (and therefore SOL) or
other data of the Trust. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to
fraudulently induce employees of the Sponsor or a Custodial Entity to disclose
sensitive information in order to gain access to the Trust’s infrastructure. As
the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service,
or sabotage systems change frequently, or may be designed to remain dormant
until a predetermined event and often are not recognized until launched against
a target, the Sponsor and the Custodial Entities may be unable to anticipate
these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. Moreover, the
Custodial Entities will not be liable for any claims or losses arising out of or
relating to the acts and/or omissions of any unauthorized third parties, except
to the extent such losses are caused by a Custodial Entity’s negligence, fraud
or willful misconduct.
An
actual or perceived breach of the accounts associated with the Trust’s Vault
Balance and Settlement Balance (the “Accounts”) could harm the Trust’s
operations, result in loss of the Trust’s assets, damage the Trust’s reputation
and negatively affect the market perception of the effectiveness of the Trust,
all of which could in turn reduce demand for the Shares, resulting in a
reduction in the value of the Shares. The Trust may also cease operations, the
occurrence of which could similarly result in a reduction in the value of the
Shares.
SOL
transactions are irrevocable and stolen or incorrectly transferred SOL may be
irretrievable. As a result, any incorrectly executed SOL transactions could
adversely affect the value of the Shares.
SOL
transactions are typically not reversible without the consent and active
participation of the recipient of the transaction. Once a transaction has been
verified and recorded in a block that is added to the Blockchain, an incorrect
transfer or theft of SOL generally will not be reversible and the Trust may not
be capable of seeking compensation for any such transfer or theft. Although the
Trust’s transfers of SOL will regularly be made to or from the Vault Balance, it
is possible that, through computer or human error, or through theft or criminal
action, the Trust’s SOL could be transferred from the Trust’s Vault Balance in
incorrect amounts or to unauthorized third parties, or to uncontrolled
accounts.
Such
events have occurred in connection with digital assets in the past. To the
extent that the Trust is unable to seek a corrective transaction with such third
party or is incapable of identifying the third party which has received the
Trust’s SOL through error or theft, the Trust will be unable to revert or
otherwise recover incorrectly transferred SOL. The Trust will also be unable to
convert or recover its SOL transferred to uncontrolled accounts. To the extent
that the Trust is unable to seek redress for such error or theft, such loss
could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
The
lack of full insurance and shareholders’ limited rights of legal recourse
against the Trust, Trustee, Sponsor, Transfer Agent and Custodial Entities
expose the Trust and its shareholders to the risk of loss of the Trust’s SOL for
which no person or entity is liable.
The
Trust is not a banking institution or otherwise a member of the FDIC or
Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) and, therefore, deposits
held with or assets held by the Trust are not subject to the protections enjoyed
by depositors with FDIC or SIPC member institutions. In addition, neither the
Trust nor the Sponsor insure the Trust’s SOL.
While
the Custodian is required under the Prime Broker Agreement to maintain insurance
coverage that is commercially reasonable for the custodial services it provides,
and the Custodial Entities have advised the Sponsor that they maintain insurance
coverage at commercially reasonable amounts for the digital assets custodied on
behalf of clients, including the Trust’s SOL, resulting from theft, shareholders
cannot be assured that the Custodian or the Prime Broker will maintain adequate
insurance or that such coverage will cover losses with respect to the Trust’s
SOL. Moreover, while the Custodian maintains certain capital reserve
requirements
depending
on the assets under custody and to the extent required by applicable law, and
such capital reserves may provide additional means to cover client asset losses,
the Sponsor does not know the amount of such capital reserves, and neither the
Trust nor the Sponsor have access to such information. The Trust cannot be
assured that the Custodial Entities will maintain capital reserves sufficient to
cover losses with respect to the Trust’s digital assets. Furthermore, Coinbase
has represented in securities filings that the total value of crypto assets in
its possession and control is significantly greater than the total value of
insurance coverage that would compensate Coinbase in the event of theft or other
loss of funds.
Furthermore,
the Custodial Entities’ aggregate maximum liability with respect to breach of
their obligations under the Prime Broker Agreement will not exceed the greater
of: (i) the value of the SOL or cash involved in the event, including but not
limited to transaction(s) or deliveries(s), giving rise to such liability at the
time of the event giving rise to such liability; (ii) the aggregate amount of
fees paid by the Trust to the Custodial Entities in respect of the Custodial and
Prime Broker Services in the 12-month period prior to the event giving rise to
such liability; or (iii) five million U.S. dollars. The Custodian’s total
liability under the Prime Broker Agreement will not exceed the greater of: (i)
the aggregate amount of fees paid by the Trust to the Custodian in respect of
the custodial services in the 12-month period prior to the event giving rise to
such liability; or (ii) the value of the SOL on deposit in the Vault Balance at
the time of the events giving rise to the liability occurred, the value of which
will be determined in accordance with the Prime Broker Agreement.
In
addition, the Custodian’s maximum liability in respect of each cold storage
address that holds SOL is limited to the “Cold Storage Threshold” of $100
million. The Sponsor monitors the value of SOL deposited in cold storage
addresses for whether the Cold Storage Threshold has been met by determining the
U.S. dollar value of SOL deposited in each cold storage address on business
days. Although the Cold Storage Threshold has never been met for a given cold
storage address, to the extent it is met the Trust would not have a claim
against the Custodian with respect to the digital assets held in such address to
the extent the value exceeds the Cold Storage Threshold. The Custodial Entities
and the Trust are not liable to each other for any special, incidental,
indirect, punitive, or consequential damages, whether or not the other party had
been advised of such losses or knew or should have known of the possibility of
such damages.
The
shareholders’ recourse against the Sponsor and the Trust’s other service
providers for the services they provide to the Trust, including those relating
to the provision of instructions relating to the movement of SOL, is limited.
Consequently, a loss may be suffered with respect to the Trust’s SOL that is not
covered by insurance and for which no person is liable in damages. As a result,
the recourse of the Trust or the shareholders, under New York law, is
limited.
The
Trust may be required, or the Sponsor may deem it appropriate, to terminate and
liquidate at a time that is disadvantageous to shareholders.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trust is required to dissolve under
certain circumstances. In addition, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion,
dissolve the Trust for a number of reasons, including if the Sponsor determines,
in its sole discretion, that it is desirable or advisable for any reason to
discontinue the affairs of the Trust. For example, the Sponsor expects that it
may be advisable to discontinue the affairs of the Trust if a federal court
upholds an allegation that SOL is a security under the federal securities laws,
among other reasons. See “Item 1. Business—Description of the Trust
Agreement—Termination of the Trust.”
If
the Trust is required to terminate and liquidate, or the Sponsor determines in
accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement that it is appropriate to
terminate and liquidate the Trust, such termination and liquidation could occur
at a time that is disadvantageous to shareholders, such as when the Actual
Exchange Rate of SOL is lower than the Index Price was at the time when
shareholders purchased their Shares. In such a case, when the Trust’s SOL is
sold as part of its liquidation, the resulting proceeds distributed to
shareholders will be less than if the Actual Exchange Rate were higher at the
time of sale. See “Item 1. Business—Description of the Trust
Agreement—Termination of the Trust” for more information about the termination
of the Trust, including when the termination of the Trust may be triggered by
events outside the direct control of the Sponsor, the Trustee or the
shareholders.
The
Trust Agreement includes provisions that limit shareholders’ voting rights and
restrict shareholders’ right to bring a derivative action.
Under
the Trust Agreement, shareholders have limited voting rights and the Trust will
not have regular shareholder meetings. Shareholders take no part in the
management or control of the Trust. Accordingly, shareholders do not have the
right to authorize actions, appoint service providers or take other actions as
may be taken by shareholders of other trusts or companies where shares carry
such rights. The shareholders’ limited voting rights give almost all control
under the Trust Agreement to the Sponsor and the Trustee. The Sponsor may take
actions in the operation of the Trust that may be adverse to the interests of
shareholders and may adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Moreover,
pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement, shareholders’ statutory right
under Delaware law to bring a derivative action (i.e., to initiate a lawsuit in
the name of the Trust in order to assert a claim belonging to the Trust against
a fiduciary of the Trust or against a third party when the Trust’s management
has refused to do so) is restricted. Under Delaware law, a shareholder may bring
a derivative action if the shareholder is a shareholder at the time the action
is brought and either (i) was a shareholder at the time of the transaction at
issue or (ii) acquired the status of shareholder by operation of law or the
Trust’s governing instrument from a person who
was
a shareholder at the time of the transaction at issue. Additionally, Section
3816(e) of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act specifically provides that a
“beneficial owner’s right to bring a derivative action may be subject to such
additional standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in the governing
instrument of the statutory trust, including, without limitation, the
requirement that beneficial owners owning a specified beneficial interest in the
statutory trust join in the bringing of the derivative action.” In addition to
the requirements of applicable law and in accordance with Section 3816(e), the
Trust Agreement provides that no shareholder will have the right, power or
authority to bring or maintain a derivative action, suit or other proceeding on
behalf of the Trust unless two or more shareholders who (i) are not “Affiliates”
(as defined in the Trust Agreement and below) of one another and (ii)
collectively hold at least 10.0% of the outstanding Shares join in the bringing
or maintaining of such action, suit or other proceeding. This provision applies
to any derivative actions brought in the name of the Trust other than claims
under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
Due
to this additional requirement, a shareholder attempting to bring or maintain a
derivative action in the name of the Trust will be required to locate other
shareholders with which it is not affiliated and that have sufficient Shares to
meet the 10.0% threshold based on the number of Shares outstanding on the date
the claim is brought and thereafter throughout the duration of the action, suit
or proceeding. This may be difficult and may result in increased costs to a
shareholder attempting to seek redress in the name of the Trust in court.
Moreover, if shareholders bringing a derivative action, suit or proceeding
pursuant to this provision of the Trust Agreement do not hold 10.0% of the
outstanding Shares on the date such an action, suit or proceeding is brought, or
such shareholders are unable to maintain Share ownership meeting the 10.0%
threshold throughout the duration of the action, suit or proceeding, such
shareholders’ derivative action may be subject to dismissal. As a result, the
Trust Agreement limits the likelihood that a shareholder will be able to
successfully assert a derivative action in the name of the Trust, even if such
shareholder believes that he or she has a valid derivative action, suit or other
proceeding to bring on behalf of the Trust. See “Item 1. Business—Description of
the Trust Agreement—The Sponsor—Fiduciary and Regulatory Duties of the Sponsor”
for more detail.
The
Sponsor is solely responsible for determining the value of the NAV and NAV per
Share and
any errors, discontinuance or changes in such valuation calculations may have an
adverse effect on the value of the Shares.
The
Sponsor will determine the Trust’s NAV and NAV per Share on a daily basis as
soon as practicable after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each business day. The
Sponsor’s determination is made utilizing data from the operations of the Trust
and the Index Price, calculated at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on such day. If the
Sponsor determines in good faith that the Index does not reflect an accurate SOL
price, then the Sponsor will employ an alternative method to determine the Index
Price under the cascading set of rules set forth in “Item 1. Business—Overview
of the Solana Industry and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index
Price—Determination of the Index Price When Index Price is Unavailable.” In the
context of applying such rules, the Sponsor may determine in good faith that the
alternative method applied does not reflect an accurate SOL price and apply the
next alternative method under the cascading set of rules. If the Sponsor
determines after employing all of the alternative methods that the Index Price
does not reflect an accurate SOL price, the Sponsor will use its best judgment
to determine a good faith estimate of the Index Price.
There
are no predefined criteria to make a good faith assessment in these scenarios
and such decisions will be made by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The
Sponsor may calculate the Index Price in a manner that ultimately inaccurately
reflects the price of SOL. To the extent that the NAV, NAV per Share or the
Index Price are incorrectly calculated, the Sponsor may not be liable for any
error and such misreporting of valuation data could adversely affect the value
of the Shares and investors could suffer a substantial loss on their investment
in the Trust. Moreover, the terms of the Trust Agreement do not prohibit the
Sponsor from changing the Index Price used to calculate the NAV and NAV per
Share of the Trust. Any such change in the Index Price could affect the value of
the Shares and investors could suffer a substantial loss on their investment in
the Trust.
Extraordinary
expenses resulting from unanticipated events may become payable by the Trust,
adversely affecting the value of the Shares.
In
consideration for the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor has contractually assumed all
ordinary-course operational and periodic expenses of the Trust. See “Item 1.
Business—Expenses; Sales of SOL.” Extraordinary expenses incurred by the Trust,
such as taxes and governmental charges; expenses and costs of any extraordinary
services performed by the Sponsor (or any other service provider) on behalf of
the Trust to protect the Trust or the interests of shareholders; or
extraordinary legal fees and expenses are not assumed by the Sponsor and are
borne by the Trust. The Sponsor will cause the Trust to either (i) sell SOL held
by the Trust or (ii) deliver SOL in-kind to the Sponsor to pay Trust expenses
not assumed by the Sponsor on an as-needed basis. Accordingly, the Trust may be
required to sell or otherwise dispose of SOL at a time when the trading prices
for those assets are depressed.
The
sale or other disposition of assets of the Trust in order to pay extraordinary
expenses could have a negative impact on the value of the Shares for several
reasons. These include the following factors:
•
The
Trust is not actively managed and no attempt will be made to protect against or
to take advantage of fluctuations in the prices of SOL. Consequently, if the
Trust incurs expenses in U.S. dollars, the Trust’s SOL may be sold at a time
when the values of the disposed assets are low, resulting in a negative impact
on the value of the Shares.
•
Because
the Trust does not generate any income, every time that the Trust pays expenses,
it will deliver SOL to the Sponsor or sell SOL. Any sales of the Trust’s assets
in connection with the payment of expenses will decrease the amount of the
Trust’s assets represented by each Share each time its assets are sold or
transferred to the Sponsor.
•
Assuming
that the Trust is a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each
delivery or sale of SOL by the Trust to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and/or Additional
Trust Expenses will be a taxable event to beneficial owners of Shares. Thus, the
Trust’s payment of expenses could result in beneficial owners of Shares
incurring tax liability without an associated distribution from the Trust. Any
such tax liability could adversely affect an investment in the Shares. See “Item
1. Business—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
The
Trust’s delivery or sale of SOL to pay expenses or other operations of the Trust
could result in shareholders’ incurring tax liability without an associated
distribution from the Trust.
Assuming
that the Trust is treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, each delivery of SOL by the Trust to pay the Sponsor’s Fee or other
expenses and each sale of SOL by the Trust to pay Additional Trust Expenses will
be a taxable event to beneficial owners of Shares. Thus, the Trust’s payment of
expenses could result in beneficial owners of Shares incurring tax liability
without an associated distribution from the Trust. Any such tax liability could
adversely affect an investment in the Shares. See “Item 1. Business—Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
The
value of the Shares will be adversely affected if the Trust is required to
indemnify the Sponsor, the Trustee, the Transfer Agent or the Custodian under
the Trust Documents.
Under
the Trust Documents, each of the Sponsor, the Trustee, the Transfer Agent and
the Custodian has a right to be indemnified by the Trust for certain liabilities
or expenses that it incurs without gross negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct on its part. Therefore, the Sponsor, Trustee, Transfer Agent or the
Custodian may require that the assets of the Trust be sold in order to cover
losses or liability suffered by it. Any sale of that kind would reduce the NAV
of the Trust and the value of the Shares.
Intellectual
property rights claims may adversely affect the Trust and the value of the
Shares.
The
Sponsor is not aware of any intellectual property rights claims that may prevent
the Trust from operating and holding SOL. However, third parties may assert
intellectual property rights claims relating to the operation of the Trust and
the mechanics instituted for the investment in, holding of and transfer of SOL.
Regardless of the merit of an intellectual property or other legal action, any
legal expenses to defend or payments to settle such claims would be
extraordinary expenses that would be borne by the Trust through the sale or
transfer of its SOL. Additionally, a meritorious intellectual property rights
claim could prevent the Trust from operating and force the Sponsor to terminate
the Trust and liquidate its SOL. As a result, an intellectual property rights
claim against the Trust could adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
Pandemics,
epidemics and other natural and man-made disasters could negatively impact the
value of the Trust’s holdings and/or significantly disrupt its
affairs.
Pandemics,
epidemics and other natural and man-made disasters could negatively impact
demand for digital assets, including SOL, and disrupt the operations of many
businesses, including the businesses of the Trust’s service providers. For
example, the COVID-19 pandemic had serious adverse effects on the economies and
financial markets of many countries, resulting in increased volatility and
uncertainty in economies and financial markets of many countries and in the
Digital Asset Markets. Moreover, governmental authorities and regulators
throughout the world have in the past responded to major economic disruptions,
including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a variety of fiscal and
monetary policy changes, such as quantitative easing, new monetary programs and
lower interest rates. An unexpected or quick reversal of any such policies, or
the ineffectiveness of such policies, could increase volatility in economies and
financial market generally, and could specifically increase volatility in the
Digital Asset Markets, which could adversely affect the value of SOL and the
value of the Shares.
In
addition, pandemics, epidemics and other natural and man-made disasters could
disrupt the operations of many businesses. For example, in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, many governments imposed travel restrictions and prolonged,
closed international borders and enhanced health screenings at ports of entry
and elsewhere, which disrupted businesses around the world. While the Sponsor
and the Trust were not materially impacted by these events, any disruptions to
the Sponsor’s, the Trust’s or the Trust’s service providers’ business operations
resulting from business restrictions, quarantines or restrictions on the ability
of personnel to perform their jobs as a result of any future pandemic, epidemic
or other disaster could have an adverse impact on the Trust’s ability to access
critical services and could be disruptive to the affairs of the
Trust.
The
current unavailability of in-kind creations and redemptions of Shares could have
adverse consequences for the Trust.
The
Trust is currently only able to accept Cash Orders, which means that an
Authorized Participant will deposit cash into, or
accept cash from, the Cash
Account in connection with the creation and redemption of Baskets, and a
Liquidity Provider will obtain or receive SOL in exchange for cash in connection
with such order. However, the Trust does not at this time create and redeem
Shares
via
in-kind transactions with Authorized Participants in exchange for SOL because
Authorized Participants have not entered into or amended Participant Agreements
to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions.
Authorized
participants must be registered broker-dealers. Registered broker-dealers are
subject to various requirements of the federal securities laws and rules,
including financial responsibility rules such as the customer protection rule,
the net capital rule and recordkeeping requirements. Although the SEC recently
approved orders to permit in-kind creations and redemptions by authorized
participants for certain spot digital asset ETP shares, it is not yet clear
whether or how market participants, including registered broker-dealers, will
adjust their activities to account for the new orders. In particular, registered
broker-dealers participating in the in-kind creation or redemption of Shares for
SOL will need to ensure that they can demonstrate compliance with applicable
financial responsibility rules. While compliance with such requirements would be
the broker-dealer’s responsibility, a national securities exchange is required
to enforce compliance by its member broker-dealers with applicable federal
securities law and rules. The Sponsor may engage additional Authorized
Participants who are unaffiliated with the Trust in the future, and such
Authorized Participants may be able to conduct creations and redemptions
in-kind, in cash, or both.
In
particular, the current unavailability of in-kind creations and redemptions
could result in the exchange-traded product arbitrage mechanism failing to
function as efficiently as it otherwise would, leading to the potential for the
Shares to trade at premiums or discounts to the NAV per Share, and such premiums
or discounts could be substantial. Furthermore, if Cash Orders are unavailable,
either due to the Sponsor’s decision to reject or suspend such orders or
otherwise, it will not be possible, at this time, for Authorized Participants to
redeem or create Shares, in which case the arbitrage mechanism would be
unavailable. This could result in impaired liquidity for the Shares, wider
bid/ask spreads in secondary trading of the Shares and greater costs to
investors and other market participants. In addition, the current unavailability
of in-kind creations and redemptions, and resulting reliance on cash creations
and redemptions, could cause the Sponsor to halt or suspend the creation of
redemption of Shares during times of market volatility or turmoil, among other
consequences.
Even
if Authorized Participants enter into or amend their respective Participant
Agreements to create and redeem Shares via in-kind transactions with Authorized
Participants, there can be no assurance that additional broker-dealers would be
willing to serve as Authorized Participants with respect to the in-kind creation
and redemption of Shares. Any of these factors could adversely affect the
performance of the Trust and the value of the Shares.
Shareholders
will not receive the benefits of any forks or airdrops.
The
Solana Network operates using open-source protocols, meaning that any user can
download the software, modify it and then propose that the users and validators
of SOL adopt the modification. When a modification is introduced and a
substantial majority of users and validators consent to the modification, the
change is implemented and the network remains uninterrupted. However, if less
than a substantial majority of users and validators consent to the proposed
modification, and the modification is not compatible with the software prior to
its modification, the consequence would be what is known as a “hard fork” of the
Solana Network, with one group running the pre-modified software and the other
running the modified software. The effect of such a fork would be the existence
of two versions of Solana running in parallel, yet lacking interchangeability.
In addition to forks, a digital asset may become subject to a similar occurrence
known as an “airdrop.” In an airdrop, the promoters of a new digital asset
announce to holders of another digital asset that such holders will be entitled
to claim a certain amount of the new digital asset, generally for free, based on
the fact that they hold such other digital asset. We refer to the right to
receive any benefits arising from a fork, airdrop or similar event as an
“Incidental Right” and any such virtual currency acquired through an Incidental
Right as “IR Virtual Currency.”
With
respect to any fork, airdrop or similar event, the Sponsor will cause the Trust
to irrevocably abandon the Incidental Rights and any IR Virtual Currency
associated with such event. As such, shareholders will not receive the benefits
of any forks, and the Trust is not able to participate in any
airdrop.
In
the event the Sponsor seeks to change the Trust’s policy with respect to
Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency, an application would need to be filed
with the SEC by NYSE Arca seeking approval to amend its listing rules to permit
the Trust to distribute the Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency in-kind to
an agent of the shareholders for resale by such agent. However, there can be no
assurance as to whether or when the Sponsor would make such a decision, or when
NYSE Arca will seek or obtain this approval, if at all.
Even
if such regulatory approval is sought and obtained, shareholders may not receive
the benefits of any forks, the Trust may not choose, or be able, to participate
in an airdrop, and the timing of receiving any benefits from a fork, airdrop or
similar event is uncertain. Any inability to recognize the economic benefit of a
hard fork or airdrop could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Although
the Trust is permitted to engage in Staking, the Trust will not be permitted to
engage in any different form of Staking unless (and, then, only to the extent
that) the Staking Condition is satisfied in addition to the Trust satisfying any
additional requirements that may arise in connection with the satisfaction of
the Staking Condition, which could negatively affect the value of the
Shares.
Although
the Trust is permitted to engage in Staking as of the date hereof, the Trust is
only permitted to engage in Staking to the extent that the Staking Condition is
satisfied with respect thereto. There can be no assurance that the Trust will be
permitted to engage in any different form of Staking in the future. The Trust
Agreement provides that the Trust may engage in Staking, but only if (and, then,
only to the extent that) the Staking Condition has been satisfied.
Subject
to the Staking Condition being satisfied and subject to compliance with certain
related requirements, in the future the Sponsor may modify the form of Staking
in which the Trust engages, but only if (and, then, only to the extent that) the
Staking Condition has been satisfied with respect to any such modified form of
Staking, and subject to compliance with any additional requirements that may
arise in connection with satisfaction of the Staking Condition with respect
thereto. However, as long as the Staking Condition and any related requirements
have not been satisfied with respect to any modified form of Staking, the Trust
will not engage in such modified form of Staking, which could place the Shares
at a comparative disadvantage relative to an investment in SOL directly or
through a vehicle that is not subject to such a prohibition, which could
negatively affect the value of the Shares.
Coinbase
Global serves as the SOL custodian and prime execution agent for several
competing exchange-traded SOL products, which could adversely affect the Trust’s
operations and ultimately the value of the Shares.
The
Prime Broker and Custodian are both affiliates of Coinbase Global. As of the
date hereof, Coinbase Global is the largest publicly traded digital asset
company in the world by market capitalization and is also the largest digital
asset custodian in the world by assets under custody. By virtue of its leading
market position and capabilities, and the relatively limited number of
institutionally-capable providers of digital asset brokerage and custody
services, Coinbase Global serves as the SOL custodian and prime execution agent
for several competing exchange-traded SOL products. Therefore, Coinbase Global
plays a critical role in supporting the U.S. spot SOL exchange-traded product
ecosystem, and its size and market share create the risk that Coinbase Global
may fail to properly resource its operations to adequately support all such
products that use its services, which could harm the Trust, the shareholders and
the value of the Shares. If Coinbase Global were to favor the interests of
certain products over others, it could result in inadequate attention
or
comparatively
unfavorable commercial terms to less favored products, which could adversely
affect the Trust’s operations and ultimately the value of the Shares.
Certain
of the Authorized Participants engaged by the Trust may serve in a similar
capacity for competing exchange-traded SOL products, which could adversely
affect the arbitrage mechanism, the Trust’s operations, the performance of the
Trust and ultimately the value of the Shares.
Certain
of the Authorized Participants engaged by the Trust may serve in a similar
capacity for competing exchange-traded SOL products. As a result, the Authorized
Participants may be unable to adequately support all of the exchange-traded SOL
products that use their respective services. This risk may also be exacerbated
as a consequence of the price and volatility of SOL, as well as the amount of
SOL that is required to create or redeem Shares of the Trust. Moreover, the
Authorized Participants may choose to facilitate creations and redemptions for
competing products rather than for the Trust, including as a result of, among
other things, how effectively the arbitrage mechanism of the Trust functions,
the liquidity for the Shares, the bid/ask spreads in secondary trading of the
Shares and the costs associated with creating and redeeming Shares of the Trust,
in each case relative to competing products. In addition, given the relatively
limited number of market participants that could serve as Authorized
Participants of the Trust, the Trust may not be able to engage other providers
to serve as Authorized Participants. If any or all of the Authorized
Participants were to cease to act in their capacity as Authorized Participants
of the Trust, or if any of the Authorized Participants were to favor creating
and redeeming shares of competing products over those of the Trust, the Trust
may receive inadequate attention or be subject to comparatively unfavorable
commercial terms, which could adversely affect the arbitrage mechanism, the
Trust’s operations, the performance of the Trust and ultimately the value of the
Shares. See also “—Risk Factors Related to the Trust and the Shares—Competition
from the emergence or growth of other digital assets could have a negative
impact on the price of SOL and adversely affect the value of the
Shares.”
Shareholders
that are not Authorized Participants may only purchase or sell their Shares in
secondary trading markets, and the conditions associated with trading in
secondary markets may adversely affect investors’ investment in the
Shares.
Only
Authorized Participants may purchase or redeem Baskets. All other investors that
desire to purchase or sell Shares must do so through NYSE Arca or in other
markets, if any, in which the Shares may be traded. Shares may trade at a
premium or discount to the NAV per Share.
The
Sponsor may implement restatements, amendments or supplements to the Trust
Agreement that may not necessarily align with shareholder interests
There
can be no assurance that the Sponsor will implement restatements, amendments or
supplements that align with the interests of shareholders. To the extent
shareholders do not agree with future amendments to the Trust Agreement,
shareholders will not have any ability to consent or object to such amendments,
and the shareholders’ sole recourse will be to divest or, through an Authorized
Participant, redeem their Shares prior to the effective date of such
amendments.
The
Sponsor may implement restatements, amendments or supplements to the Trust
Agreement that may increase risk to the Trust’s intended tax
treatment
It
is possible that, in the future, the Sponsor will implement restatements,
amendments or supplements to the Trust Agreement that could adversely affect the
intended tax treatment of the Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, including on the receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect
that doing so should not cause the Trust to fail to qualify as a grantor trust
for those purposes. There can be no assurance that the IRS or any court will
agree with any such position, or that the Trust will not cease to qualify as a
grantor trust as a result of any such restatement, amendment or
supplement.
Risk
Factors Related to the Regulation of Digital Assets, the Trust and the
Shares
A
determination that SOL or any other digital asset is a “security” may adversely
affect the value of SOL and the value of the Shares, and result in potentially
extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to, or termination of, the
Trust.
The
SEC, at least under the prior administration, has stated that certain digital
assets may be considered “securities” under the federal securities laws. The
test for determining whether a particular digital asset is a “security” is
complex and difficult to apply, and the outcome is difficult to predict. A
number of SEC and SEC staff actions with respect to a variety of digital assets
demonstrate this difficulty. For example, public though non-binding, statements
by senior officials at the SEC have indicated that the SEC did not consider
Bitcoin or Ether to be securities, and does not currently consider Bitcoin to be
a security. In addition, the SEC, by action through delegated authority
approving the exchange rule filings to list shares of trusts holding Ether as
commodity-based ETPs, appears to have implicitly taken the view that Ether is
not a security. The SEC staff has also provided informal assurances via
no-action letter to a handful of promoters that their digital assets are not
securities. Moreover, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance has published
statements that it does not consider, under certain circumstances, “meme coins”
or some stablecoins to be securities. However, such statements may be withdrawn
at any time without notice and comment by the Division of Corporation Finance at
the SEC or the SEC itself. In addition, the SEC under former SEC Chair Gensler’s
leadership brought enforcement actions against the issuers and
promoters
of
several other digital assets on the basis that the digital assets in question
are securities. The SEC also under former SEC Chair Gensler’s leadership brought
enforcement actions against Digital Asset Trading Platforms for allegedly
operating unregistered securities exchanges on the basis that certain of the
digital assets traded on their platforms are securities.
Whether
a digital asset is a security, or offers and sales of a digital asset are
securities transactions under the federal securities laws depends on whether it
is included in the lists of instruments making up the definition of “security”
in such laws. Digital assets as such do not appear in any of these lists,
although each list includes the terms “investment contract” and “note,” and the
SEC has typically analyzed whether a particular digital asset, is a security or
the offer and sale of a digital asset is a securities transaction by reference
to whether it meets the tests developed by the federal courts interpreting these
terms, known as the Howey and Reves tests, respectively. For many digital
assets, whether or not the Howey or Reves tests are met is difficult to resolve
definitively, and substantial legal arguments can often be made both in favor of
and against a particular digital asset qualifying as a security or a particular
offer and sale of a digital asset qualifying as a securities transaction under
one or both of the Howey and Reves tests. Adding to the complexity, the SEC
staff has indicated that the security status of a particular digital asset can
change over time as the relevant facts evolve, though arguments advanced in some
cases may suggest that the SEC no longer believes the status of a digital asset
can change over time.
These
developments demonstrate the difficulty in applying the federal securities laws
to digital assets generally. In January 2025, the SEC launched a crypto task
force dedicated to developing a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for
digital assets led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. Subsequently, Commissioner
Peirce announced a list of specific priorities to further that initiative, which
included pursuing final rules related to a digital asset’s security status, a
revised path to registered offerings and listings for digital assets-based
investment vehicles, and clarity regarding digital asset custody, lending, and
staking. On July 31, 2025, Chairman Atkins announced “Project Crypto,” a
Commission-wide initiative to modernize securities rules for digital assets,
reshore innovation in the United States, and implement the recommendations of
the working group report. Chairman Atkins had directed the SEC’s policy
divisions to work with the Crypto Task Force to draft “clear and simple rules of
the road for crypto asset distributions, custody, and trading,” and the
Commission and SEC staff will also consider using interpretive, exemptive, and
other authorities with respect to digital asset markets. However, the efforts of
the crypto task force and Project Crypto have only just begun, and how or
whether the SEC regulates digital asset activity in the future remains to be
seen.
As
part of determining whether SOL is a security or a transaction in SOL by the
Sponsor is a securities transaction, for purposes of the federal securities
laws, the Sponsor takes into account a number of factors, including the various
definitions of “security” under the federal securities laws and federal court
decisions interpreting elements of these definitions, such as the U.S. Supreme
Court’s decisions in the Howey and Reves cases and their progeny, as well as
reports, orders, press releases, public statements and speeches by the SEC, its
commissioners and its staff providing guidance on when a digital asset may be a
security or when an offer and sale of a digital asset may be a securities
transaction for purposes of the federal securities laws. Finally, the Sponsor
discusses the security status of SOL and the Sponsor’s transactions in SOL with
external counsel, and has received a memorandum regarding the status of SOL and
the Sponsor’s transactions in SOL under the federal securities laws from
external counsel.
Through
this process the Sponsor believes that it is applying the proper legal standards
in determining that SOL is not a security in light of the uncertainties inherent
in the Howey and Reves tests. However, such policies and procedures are
risk-based judgments made by the Sponsor and not a legal standard or
determination binding on any regulatory body or court. The Sponsor has been
contacted by staff from the SEC’s Division of Enforcement with respect to
securities law compliance matters involving SOL and has responded to the SEC
staff. The Sponsor subsequently received a termination notice from the SEC staff
with respect to this inquiry.
In
light of these uncertainties and the fact-based nature of the analysis, the
Sponsor acknowledges that the SEC may take a contrary position; and the
Sponsor’s conclusion, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not
preclude legal or regulatory action based on the presence of a
security.
As
is the case with SOL, analyses from counsel typically review the often-complex
facts surrounding a particular digital asset’s underlying technology, creation,
use case and usage development, distribution and secondary-market trading
characteristics as well as contributions of and marketing or promotional efforts
by the individuals or organizations who appear to be involved in these
activities, among other relevant facts, usually drawing on publicly available
information. This information, usually found on the internet, often includes
both information that originated with or is attributed to such individuals or
organizations, as well as information from third-party sources and databases
that may or may not have a connection to such individuals or organizations, and
the availability and nature of such information can change over time. The
Sponsor and counsel often have no independent means of verifying the accuracy or
completeness of such information, and therefore of necessity usually must assume
that such information is materially accurate and complete for purposes of the
Howey and Reves analyses. After having gathered this information, counsel
typically analyzes it in light of the Howey and Reves tests, in order to inform
a judgment as to whether or not a federal court would conclude that the digital
asset, or transactions in the digital asset, in question is or is not a
security, or are or are not securities transactions, respectively, for purposes
of the federal securities laws. Often, certain factors appear to support a
conclusion that the digital asset in question, or transactions in the digital
asset, is a security, or are or are not securities transactions, respectively,
while other factors appear to support the opposite conclusion, and in such a
case counsel endeavors to weigh the importance and relevance of the competing
factors. This analytical process is further complicated by the fact that, at
present, federal judicial case law applying the relevant tests to digital assets
is limited and in some situations inconsistent, with no federal appellate court
having considered the question on the merits, as well as the fact that
because
each
digital asset presents its own unique set of relevant facts, it is not always
possible to directly analogize the analysis of one digital asset to another.
Because of this factual complexity and the current lack of a well-developed body
of federal case law applying the relevant tests to a variety of different fact
patterns, the Sponsor has not in the past received, and currently does not
expect that it would be able to receive, “opinions” of counsel stating that a
particular digital asset, or transactions in the digital asset, is or is not a
security, or are or are not securities transactions, respectively, for federal
securities law purposes. The Sponsor understands that as a matter of practice,
counsel is generally able to render a legal “opinion” only when the relevant
facts are substantially ascertainable and the applicable law is both
well-developed and settled. As a result, given the relative novelty of digital
assets, the challenges inherent in fact-gathering for particular digital assets,
and the fact that federal courts have only recently been tasked with
adjudicating the applicability of federal securities law to digital assets, the
Sponsor understands that at present counsel is generally not in a position to
render a legal “opinion” on the securities law status of SOL or any other
particular digital asset.
As
such, notwithstanding the Sponsor’s receipt of a memorandum regarding the status
of SOL under the federal securities laws from external counsel and the Sponsor’s
view that SOL is not a security and the Sponsor’s transactions in SOL are not
securities transactions, the SEC under former SEC Chair Gensler’s leadership
took, and a federal court may in the future take a different view as to the
security status of SOL.
If
the Sponsor determines that SOL, or transactions in SOL, are a security or
securities transactions, respectively, under the federal securities laws,
whether that determination is initially made by the Sponsor itself, or because a
federal court upholds an allegation that SOL is a security, the Sponsor does not
intend to permit the Trust to continue holding SOL in a way that would violate
the federal securities laws (and therefore would either dissolve the Trust or
potentially seek to operate the Trust in a manner that complies with the federal
securities laws, including the Investment Company Act). Because the legal tests
for determining whether a digital asset or transactions in the digital asset,
are or are not a security or securities transactions, respectively, often leave
room for interpretation, for so long as the Sponsor believes there to be good
faith grounds to conclude that the Trust’s SOL is not a security, the Sponsor
does not intend to dissolve the Trust on the basis that SOL could at some future
point be finally determined to be a security.
Any
enforcement action by the SEC or a state securities regulator asserting that
SOL, or transactions in SOL, are a security, or securities transactions,
respectively, or a court decision to that effect, would be expected to have an
immediate material adverse impact on the trading value of SOL, as well as the
Shares. This is because the market structure behind most digital assets are
incompatible with regulations applying to transactions in securities. If a
digital asset or transactions in that digital asset are determined to be a
security or securities transactions, respectively, it is likely to become
difficult or impossible for the digital asset to be traded, cleared or custodied
in the United States through the same channels used by non-security digital
assets, which in addition to materially and adversely affecting the trading
value of the digital asset is likely to significantly impact its liquidity and
market participants’ ability to convert the digital asset into U.S. dollars. Any
assertion that a digital asset or transactions in that digital asset are a
security or securities transactions, respectively, by the SEC or another
regulatory authority may have similar effects.
For
example, in 2020 the SEC filed a complaint against the issuer of XRP, Ripple
Labs, Inc., and two of its executives, alleging that they raised more than $1.3
billion through XRP sales that should have been registered under the federal
securities laws, but were not. In the years prior to the SEC’s action, XRP’s
market capitalization at times reached over $140 billion. However, in the weeks
following the SEC’s complaint, XRP’s market capitalization fell to less than $10
billion, which was less than half of its market capitalization in the days prior
to the complaint. Subsequently, in July 2023, the District Court for the
Southern District of New York held that while XRP is not a security, certain
sales of XRP to certain buyers (but not other types of sales to other buyers)
amounted to “investment contracts” under the Howey test. The District Court
entered a final judgment in the case on August 7, 2024 and the parties each
dismissed their appeals to the Second Circuit on August 7, 2025.
Likewise,
in the days following the announcement of SEC enforcement actions against
certain digital asset issuers and trading platforms, the prices of various
digital assets have declined significantly and may continue to decline as such
cases advance through the federal court system. Furthermore, the decisions in
cases involving digital assets have resulted in seemingly inconsistent views of
different district court judges, including one that explicitly disagreed with
the analysis underlying the decision regarding XRP, which underscore the
continuing uncertainty around which digital assets, or transactions in digital
assets, are securities and what the correct analysis is to determine each
digital asset’s status. For example, the conflicting district court opinions and
analyses demonstrate that factors such as how long a digital asset has been in
existence, how widely held it is, how large its market capitalization is, the
manner in which it is offered, sold or promoted, and whether it has actual use
in commercial transactions, ultimately may have limited or no bearing on whether
the SEC, a state securities regulator or any particular court will find it to be
a security.
In
addition, if SOL, or transactions in SOL, are in fact a security, or securities
transactions, respectively, the Trust could be considered an unregistered
“investment company” under the Investment Company Act, which could necessitate
the Trust’s liquidation. In this case, the Trust and the Sponsor may be deemed
to have participated in an illegal offering of investment company securities and
there is no guarantee that the Sponsor will be able to register the Trust under
the Investment Company Act at such time or take such other actions as may be
necessary to ensure the Trust’s activities comply with applicable law, which
could force the Sponsor to liquidate the Trust.
Moreover,
whether or not the Sponsor or the Trust were subject to additional regulatory
requirements as a result of any determination that the Trust’s assets include
securities or the Trust’s transactions in digital assets constitute securities
transactions, the Sponsor may nevertheless decide to terminate the Trust, in
order, if possible, to liquidate the Trust’s assets while a liquid market still
exists. For example, in response to the SEC’s action against the issuer of the
digital asset XRP, certain significant market participants announced they would
no longer support XRP and announced measures, including the delisting of XRP
from major Digital Asset Trading Platforms, resulting in the Sponsor’s
conclusion that it was likely to be increasingly difficult for U.S. investors,
including Grayscale XRP Trust (XRP), an affiliate of the Trust, to convert XRP
into U.S. dollars. The Sponsor subsequently dissolved Grayscale XRP Trust (XRP)
and liquidated its assets. The Sponsor has since established a new investment
vehicle that holds XRP, Grayscale XRP Trust ETF. If the SEC or a federal court
were to determine that SOL is a security or transactions in SOL are securities
transactions, it is likely that the value of the Shares of the Trust would
decline significantly. Furthermore, if a federal court upholds an allegation
that SOL is a security or transactions in SOL are securities transactions, the
Trust itself may be terminated and, if practical, its assets
liquidated.
Regulatory
changes or actions by the U.S. Congress or any U.S. federal or state agencies
may affect the value of the Shares or restrict the use of SOL, validating
activity or the operation of the Solana Network or the Digital Asset Markets in
a manner that adversely affects the value of the Shares.
As
digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, the U.S. Congress
and a number of U.S. federal and state agencies (including FinCEN, OFAC, SEC,
CFTC, FINRA, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), the Department
of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, the IRS, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve and state financial
institution and securities regulators) have been examining the operations of
digital asset networks, digital asset users and the Digital Asset Markets, with
particular focus on the extent to which digital assets can be used to launder
the proceeds of illegal activities, evade sanctions, or fund criminal or
terrorist enterprises and the safety and soundness of trading platforms and
other service providers that hold or custody digital assets for users. Many of
these state and federal agencies have issued consumer advisories regarding the
risks posed by digital assets to investors. Ongoing and future regulatory
actions with respect to digital assets generally or SOL in particular may alter,
perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the nature of an investment in the
Shares or the ability of the Trust to continue to operate.
On
January 23, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled
“Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” aimed at
supporting “the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain
technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy.” The
Executive Order also established an interagency working group that is tasked
with “proposing a Federal regulatory framework governing the issuance and
operation of digital assets” in the United States. Pursuant to this Executive
Order, the working group released a report in July 2025 outlining the
administration's recommendations to Congress and various agencies reflecting the
administration’s “pro-innovation mindset toward digital assets and blockchain
technologies.” In particular, the report recommends that Congress enact
legislation regarding self custody of digital assets, clarifying the
applicability of Bank Secrecy Act obligations with respect to digital asset
service providers, granting the CFTC authority to regulate spot markets in
non-security digital assets, prohibiting the adoption of a CBDC, and clarifying
tax laws as relevant to digital assets. In addition, the report recommends that
agencies reevaluate existing guidance on digital asset activities, use existing
authorities to enable the trading of digital assets at the federal level,
embrace DeFi, launch or relaunch crypto innovation efforts, and promote U.S.
private sector leadership in the responsible development of cross-border
payments and financial markets technologies, among others.
There
have also been several bills introduced in Congress that propose to establish
additional regulation and oversight of the digital asset markets. For example,
the CLARITY Act was passed by the House of Representatives in July 2025, which
would, if enacted, regulate digital asset markets and digital asset trading
platforms in the United States. In addition, also in July 2025, the Guiding and
Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025 (the “GENIUS
Act”) became the first federal law specifically regulating the issuance, custody
and other stablecoin-related matters in the United States. It is difficult to
predict whether, or when, the CLARITY Act or another bill that would regulate
digital asset markets and digital asset trading platforms may become law or what
any such bill may entail. It is also difficult to predict whether, or when, any
of these developments will lead to Congress granting additional authorities to
the SEC or other regulators, what the nature of such additional authorities
might be, how additional legislation and/or regulatory oversight might impact
the ability of Digital Asset Markets to function or how any new regulations or
changes to existing regulations might impact the value of digital assets
generally and SOL held by the Trust specifically. The consequences of increased
federal regulation of digital assets and digital asset activities could have a
material adverse effect on the Trust and the Shares.
Law
enforcement agencies have often relied on the transparency of blockchains to
facilitate investigations. However, certain privacy-enhancing features have
been, or are expected to be, introduced to a number of digital asset networks,
including the Solana Network. These features, including those adopted by the
Solana Network or which may be introduced on the Solana Network in the future,
may provide law enforcement agencies with less visibility into transaction-level
data. Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, released a report in
October 2017 noting the increased use of privacy-enhancing digital assets like
Zcash and Monero in criminal activity on the internet. In August 2022, OFAC
banned all U.S. citizens from using Tornado Cash, a digital asset protocol
designed to obfuscate blockchain transactions, by adding certain Solana wallet
addresses associated with the protocol to its Specially Designated Nationals and
Blocked Persons List. A large portion of Solana validators globally, as well as
notable industry
participants
such as Centre, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, have reportedly complied with
the sanctions and blacklisted the sanctioned addresses from interacting with
their networks. In October 2023, FinCEN issued a notice of proposed rulemaking
that identified convertible virtual currency (CVC) mixing as a class of
transactions of primary money laundering concern and proposed requiring covered
financial institutions to implement certain recordkeeping and reporting
requirements on transactions that covered financial institutions know, suspect,
or have reason to suspect involve CVC mixing within or involving jurisdictions
outside the United States. In April 2024, the DOJ arrested and charged the 25
developers of the Samourai Wallet mixing service with conspiracy to commit money
laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
In May 2024, a co-founder of Tornado Cash was sentenced to more than five years
imprisonment in the Netherlands for developing Tornado Cash on the basis that he
had helped launder more than $2 billion worth of digital assets through Tornado
Cash. In October 2023, FinCEN issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that
identified convertible virtual currency (CVC) mixing as a class of transactions
of primary money laundering concern and proposed requiring covered financial
institutions to implement certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements on
transactions that covered financial institutions know, suspect, or have reason
to suspect involve CVC mixing within or involving jurisdictions outside the
United States. In April 2024, the DOJ arrested and charged the developers of the
Samourai Wallet mixing service with conspiracy to commit money laundering and
conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. In May 2024, a
co-founder of Tornado Cash was sentenced to more than five years imprisonment in
the Netherlands for developing Tornado Cash on the basis that he had helped
launder more than $2 billion worth of digital assets through Tornado Cash. In
August 2025, a co-founder of Tornado Cash was convicted of conspiracy to operate
an unlicensed money transmitting business, but a mistrial was declared with
respect to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to
violate U.S. sanctions. Future additional regulatory action with respect to
privacy-enhancing digital assets is possible.
The
SEC has previously taken the view that SOL is a “security,” and a final
determination that SOL or any other digital asset is a “security” may adversely
affect the value of SOL and the value of the Shares, and result in potentially
extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to, or termination of, the
Trust.
Through
enforcement actions and other statements, the SEC and its staff have taken the
position that a digital asset’s initial manner of sale may be a key factor in
determining whether that digital asset was a security, at least at the time of
the digital asset’s delivery as part of that sale. Many blockchain startups that
have offered digital assets to the public in the form of initial coin offerings,
or through Simple Agreements for Future Tokens (“SAFTs”), have been alleged by
the SEC to have engaged in illegal unregistered distributions of securities.
Courts have, in certain instances, agreed with the SEC that distributions of
digital assets pursuant to SAFT or similar arrangements, or related public sales
conducted in close proximity thereto, constituted unregistered securities
offerings. Although courts have reached nuanced conclusions in certain cases
regarding whether particular digital asset transactions constitute “investment
contracts” under the Howey test, regulatory uncertainty remains.
Solana
Labs, Inc., the developer of the Solana Network and the creator of SOL, used a
SAFT to distribute approximately 38% of the total supply of SOL. Certain
individuals and entities associated with Solana Labs, Inc. have also distributed
SOL. SOL’s distribution through a SAFT shares characteristics with other
offerings of digital assets through SAFTs that the SEC has alleged were used to
effect the unregistered public distribution of a security. While SOL may be
distinguishable from digital assets that have been the subject of prior
enforcement actions, the initial manner of distribution of SOL, including
through SAFT arrangements, may increase the risk that regulators or courts could
determine that SOL was offered or sold as a security, or that certain
transactions in SOL constitute securities transactions.
For
example, although SOL is decentralized in certain respects, a significant amount
of SOL remains under the control of Solana Labs, Inc. and related parties, and
the degree of influence retained by such parties could be viewed by a regulator
as relevant to an analysis under the federal securities laws. In addition, even
setting aside SOL’s initial manner of offering, a significant portion of demand
for digital assets is generated by speculators and investors, not necessarily by
those seeking to use digital assets for consumptive purposes. If the Solana
Network cannot retain users and demonstrate that its primary consumptive use
case for SOL is serious and viable, this could increase the risk that SOL is
determined to be a security.
If
SOL is determined to be a “security,” or if transactions in SOL are determined
to constitute securities transactions, under federal or state securities laws by
the SEC or a state regulatory agency, or in a proceeding in a court of law or
otherwise, such determination would have material adverse consequences for SOL
and an investment in the Shares. For example, it may become difficult or
impossible for SOL to be traded, cleared or custodied in the United States
through the same channels used by non-security digital assets, which could
materially and adversely affect the trading value, liquidity, market
participants’ ability to convert SOL into U.S. dollars and general acceptance of
SOL, and could cause users and developers to migrate to other digital
assets.
In
addition, if SOL were determined to be a security, the Trust could be considered
an unregistered “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
which could require the Trust to liquidate or to take other remedial actions
that may not be feasible. The Trust could also be required to register under the
Investment Company Act or the Securities Act, which may not be possible or may
result in significant additional expenses. Any such developments could result in
potentially extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to, or termination of, the
Trust and could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Competing
industries may have more influence with policymakers than the digital asset
industry, which could lead to the adoption of laws and regulations that are
harmful to the digital asset industry.
The
digital asset industry is relatively new, although its influence over public
policy is increasing, and it may not have the same access to policymakers and
lobbying organizations in many jurisdictions compared to industries with which
digital assets may be seen to compete, such as banking, payments and consumer
finance. Competitors from other, more established industries may have greater
access to and influence with governmental officials and regulators and may be
successful in persuading these policymakers that digital assets require
heightened levels of regulation compared to the regulation of traditional
financial services. As a result, new laws and regulations may be proposed and
adopted in the United States and elsewhere, or existing laws and regulations may
be interpreted in new ways, that disfavor or impose compliance burdens on the
digital asset industry or digital asset platforms, which could adversely impact
the value of SOL and therefore the value of the Shares.
Regulatory
changes or other events in foreign jurisdictions may affect the value of the
Shares or restrict the use of one or more digital assets, validating activity or
the operation of their networks or the Digital Asset Trading Platform Market in
a manner that adversely affects the value of the Shares.
Various
foreign jurisdictions have, and may continue to adopt laws, regulations or
directives that affect the digital asset network, the Digital Asset Markets, and
their users, particularly Digital Asset Trading Platforms and service providers
that fall within such jurisdictions’ regulatory scope. For example, if foreign
jurisdictions in addition to China were to ban or otherwise restrict validating
activity, including by regulating or limiting manufacturers’ ability to produce
or sell semiconductors or hard drives in connection with validating, it would
have a material adverse effect on digital asset networks (including the Solana
Network), the Digital Asset Market, and as a result, impact the value of the
Shares.
A
number of foreign jurisdictions have recently taken regulatory action aimed at
digital asset activities. China has made transacting in cryptocurrencies illegal
for Chinese citizens in mainland China, and additional restrictions may follow.
Both China and South Korea have banned initial coin offerings entirely and
regulators in other jurisdictions, including Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong,
have opined that initial coin offerings may constitute securities offerings
subject to local securities regulations. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct
Authority published final rules in October 2020 banning the sale of derivatives
and exchange-traded notes that reference certain types of digital assets,
contending that they are “ill-suited” to retail investors citing extreme
volatility, valuation challenges and association with financial crime. A new
law, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (“FSMA”), received royal assent
in June 2023. The FSMA brings digital asset activities within the scope of
existing laws governing financial institutions, markets and assets. In addition,
the Parliament of the European Union approved the text of the Markets in
Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”) in April 2023, establishing a regulatory
framework for digital asset services across the European Union. Certain parts of
MiCA became effective as of June 2024 and the remainder became effective as of
December 2024. MiCA is intended to serve as a comprehensive regulation of
digital asset markets and imposes various obligations on digital asset issuers
and service providers. The main aims of MiCA are industry regulation, consumer
protection, prevention of market abuse and upholding the integrity of digital
asset markets. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Solana Industry and
Market—Government Oversight.”
Foreign
laws, regulations or directives may conflict with those of the United States and
may negatively impact the acceptance of one or more digital assets by users,
merchants and service providers outside the United States and may therefore
impede the growth or sustainability of the digital asset economy in the European
Union, China, Japan, Russia and the United States and globally, or otherwise
negatively affect the value of SOL. Moreover, other events, such as the
interruption in telecommunications or internet services, cyber-related terrorist
acts, civil disturbances, war or other catastrophes, could also negatively
affect the digital asset economy in one or more jurisdictions. For example,
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 led to volatility in digital
asset prices, with an initial steep decline followed by a sharp rebound in
prices. The effect of any future regulatory change or other events on the Trust
or SOL is impossible to predict, and such change could be substantial and
adverse to the Trust and the value of the Shares.
If
regulators subject an Authorized Participant, the Trust or the Sponsor to
regulation as a money service business or money transmitter, this could result
in extraordinary expenses to the Authorized Participant, the Trust or the
Sponsor and also result in decreased liquidity
for the Shares.
To
the extent that the activities of any Authorized Participant, the Trust or the
Sponsor cause it to be deemed a “money services business” under the regulations
promulgated by FinCEN, such Authorized Participant, the Trust or the Sponsor may
be required to comply with FinCEN regulations, including those that would
mandate the Authorized Participant, the Trust or the Sponsor to implement
anti-money laundering programs, make certain reports to FinCEN and maintain
certain records. Similarly, the activities of an Authorized Participant, the
Trust or the Sponsor may require it to be licensed as a money transmitter or as
a digital asset business, such as under the NYDFS’ BitLicense regulations or
California’s Digital Financial Assets Law, once effective.
Such
additional regulatory obligations may cause the Authorized Participant, the
Trust or the Sponsor to incur extraordinary expenses. If the Authorized
Participant, the Trust or the Sponsor decided to seek the required licenses,
there is no guarantee that they will timely receive them. An Authorized
Participant may instead decide to terminate its role as Authorized Participant
of the Trust, or the Sponsor may decide to discontinue and wind up the Trust. An
Authorized Participant’s decision to cease acting as such may
decrease
the
liquidity of the Shares, which could adversely affect the value of the Shares,
and termination of the Trust in response to the changed regulatory circumstances
may be at a time that is disadvantageous to the shareholders.
Additionally,
to the extent an Authorized Participant, the Trust or the Sponsor is found to
have operated without appropriate state or federal licenses, or registration, it
may be subject to investigation, administrative or court proceedings, and civil
or criminal monetary fines and penalties, all of which would harm the reputation
of the Trust or the Sponsor, decrease the liquidity, and have a material adverse
effect on the price of the Shares.
Statutory
or regulatory changes or interpretations could obligate the Trust or the Sponsor
to register and comply with new regulations, resulting in potentially
extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to the Trust.
Current
and future legislation, CFTC and SEC rulemaking and other regulatory
developments may impact the manner in which SOL is treated. In particular, SOL
may be classified by the CFTC as a “commodity interest” under the CEA or may be
classified by the SEC as a “security” under U.S. federal securities laws. It is
also possible that a new Administration and Congress in the United States
creates a new classification for digital assets. For example, the current draft
of the CLARITY Act would add “digital commodities” to the list of assets that
are commodity interests under the CEA. The Sponsor and the Trust cannot be
certain as to how future regulatory developments will impact the treatment of
SOL under the law. In the face of such developments, the required registrations
and compliance steps may result in extraordinary, nonrecurring expenses to the
Trust. If the Sponsor decides to terminate the Trust in response to the changed
regulatory circumstances, the Trust may be dissolved or liquidated at a time
that is disadvantageous to shareholders.
To
the extent that SOL is deemed to fall within the definition of a “commodity
interest” under the CEA, due to the passage of the CLARITY Act or otherwise, the
Trust and the Sponsor may be subject to additional regulation under the CEA and
CFTC regulations. The Sponsor may be required to register as a commodity pool
operator or commodity trading adviser with the CFTC and become a member of the
National Futures Association and may be subject to additional regulatory
requirements with respect to the Trust, including disclosure and reporting
requirements. These additional requirements may result in extraordinary,
recurring and/or nonrecurring expenses of the Trust, thereby materially and
adversely impacting the Shares. If the Sponsor determines not to comply with
such additional regulatory and registration requirements, the Sponsor will
terminate the Trust. Any such termination could result in the liquidation of the
Trust’s SOL at a time that is disadvantageous to shareholders.
To
the extent that SOL is determined to be a security under U.S. federal securities
laws, the Trust and the Sponsor may be subject to additional requirements under
the Investment Company Act and the Sponsor may be required to register as an
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act. Such additional
registration may result in extraordinary, recurring and/or non-recurring
expenses of the Trust, thereby materially and adversely impacting the Shares. If
the Sponsor determines not to comply with such additional regulatory and
registration requirements, the Sponsor will terminate the Trust. Any such
termination could result in the liquidation of the Trust’s SOL at a time that is
disadvantageous to shareholders.
The
treatment of the Trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes is
uncertain.
The
Sponsor intends to take the position that the Trust is properly treated as a
grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Trust is a
grantor trust, the Trust will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather,
if the Trust is a grantor trust, each beneficial owner of Shares will be treated
as directly owning its pro rata share of the Trust’s assets and a pro rata
portion of the Trust’s income, gains, losses and deductions will “flow through”
to each beneficial owner of Shares.
In
particular, the Staking Condition has been satisfied as to the particular form
of Staking described herein, and the Sponsor intends to continue to take the
position that the Trust is properly treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal
income tax purposes and that any Staking activity undertaken by the Trust in
compliance with the opinion, ruling or other guidance relied upon to satisfy the
Staking Condition will not prevent the Trust from continuing to qualify as a
grantor trust for such purposes. The IRS recently issued a revenue procedure
providing a staking safe harbor for certain grantor trust vehicles whose
beneficial interests are listed and traded on a national securities exchange
(the “2025 Revenue Procedure”), but certain aspects of the 2025 Revenue
Procedure are unclear, and therefore the Trust may not currently satisfy all
conditions of the safe harbor. Accordingly, due to the uncertainty regarding the
ability of a grantor trust to engage in Staking activities, there can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any court would agree
with this position (or with any opinion of counsel delivered to the Sponsor in
support thereof). Therefore, the Trust might cease to qualify as a grantor trust
for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The
Trust has taken certain positions with respect to the tax consequences of
Incidental Rights and its receipt of IR Virtual Currency. If the IRS were to
disagree with, and successfully challenge, any of these positions the Trust
might not qualify as a grantor trust. In addition, the Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment Notices (as defined herein) provide that the Trust will irrevocably
abandon, effective immediately prior to each Creation Time or Redemption Time,
all Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be
entitled as of such time and with respect to which it has not taken any
Affirmative Action at or prior to such time. The Sponsor has committed to cause
the Trust to irrevocably abandon any Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency
to which the Trust may become entitled in the future. There can be no complete
assurance that these abandonments will be treated as effective for
U.S.
federal
income tax purposes. If the Trust were treated as owning any asset other than
SOL as of any date on which it creates or redeems Shares, it might cease to
qualify as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In
addition, at this time the Trust is not permitted to create or redeem Shares via
in-kind transactions with Authorized Participants. Unless and until Authorized
Participants enter into or amend their respective Participant Agreements to
provide for in-kind creations and redemptions, Baskets will be created or
redeemed only through Cash Orders. In general, investment vehicles intended to
be treated as grantor trusts for U.S. federal income tax purposes historically
have created additional trust interests only in-kind, and there is no authority
directly addressing whether a grantor trust may create or redeem trust interests
under procedures similar to those that govern Cash Orders. Accordingly, there
can be no complete assurance that the creation or redemption of Shares under the
procedures governing Cash Orders will not cause the Trust to fail to qualify as
a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Moreover,
because of the evolving nature of digital assets, it is not possible to predict
potential future developments that may arise with respect to digital assets,
including forks, airdrops and other similar occurrences. Assuming that the Trust
is currently a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, certain
future developments could render it impossible, or impracticable, for the Trust
to continue to be treated as a grantor trust for such purposes.
If
the Trust is not properly classified as a grantor trust, the Trust might be
classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, due
to the uncertain treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax
purposes (as discussed in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences—Uncertainty Regarding the U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of
Digital Assets”), there can be no assurance in this regard. If the Trust were
classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax
consequences of owning Shares generally would not be materially different from
the tax consequences described herein, although there might be certain
differences, including with respect to timing of the recognition of taxable
income or loss. In addition, tax information reports provided to beneficial
owners of Shares would be made in a different form. Moreover, it is possible, in
that case, that a portion of the Trust’s income would be considered to be
“effectively connected” with the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States and, accordingly, a non-U.S. person owning Shares could be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to that “effectively
connected” income and be required to file a U.S. tax return. If none of the
Trust’s Staking income were considered to be “effectively connected” income, a
non-U.S. person owning Shares might be subject to withholding on its pro rata
portion of income from the Trust’s Staking activities as described below in
“—Shareholders may be subject to withholding tax on Staking Consideration
received as staking rewards and income derived from forks, airdrops and similar
occurrences.” Tax-exempt shareholders may also recognize “unrelated business
taxable income” (“UBTI”) from the Trust’s Staking activities if the Trust is not
treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If
the Trust were not classified as either a grantor trust or a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would be classified as a corporation for
such purposes. In that event, the Trust would be subject to entity-level U.S.
federal income tax (currently at the rate of 21%) on its net taxable income and
certain distributions made by the Trust to shareholders would be treated as
taxable dividends to the extent of the Trust’s current and accumulated earnings
and profits. Any such dividend distributed to a beneficial owner of Shares that
is a non-U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be subject to
U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as provided in
an applicable tax treaty). As a result, the taxation of the Trust as a
corporation could materially reduce the after-tax return on an investment in
Shares, and substantially reduce the value of the Shares, and result in a
material divergence between NAV and the value of the Trust’s SOL.
The
treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes is
uncertain.
As
discussed in the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences—Uncertainty Regarding the U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of
Digital Assets,” assuming that the Trust is properly treated as a grantor trust
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each beneficial owner of Shares will be
treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the owner of an undivided
interest in the SOL (and, if applicable, any Incidental Rights, IR Virtual
Currency and/or any Staking Consideration) held in the Trust. Due to the new and
evolving nature of digital assets and the absence of comprehensive guidance with
respect to digital assets, many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income
tax treatment of digital assets are uncertain.
In
2014, the IRS released a notice (the “Notice”) discussing certain aspects of
“convertible virtual currency” (that is, digital assets that have an equivalent
value in fiat currency or that act as substitutes for fiat currency) for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and, in particular, stating that such digital assets
(i) are “property” (ii) are not “currency” for purposes of the rules relating to
foreign currency gain or loss and (iii) may be held as a capital asset. In 2019,
the IRS released a revenue ruling and a set of “Frequently Asked Questions” that
has been updated from time to time since (the “Ruling & FAQs”). The Ruling
& FAQs provide some additional guidance, including guidance to the effect
that, under certain circumstances, hard forks of digital assets are taxable
events giving rise to ordinary income and guidance with respect to the
determination of the tax basis of digital assets. Moreover, in 2023, the IRS
released a revenue ruling that provided guidance on digital asset staking,
including guidance to the effect that staking rewards will, under certain
circumstances, be treated as giving rise to taxable income (the “2023 Staking
Guidance”). Further, the IRS recently issued the 2025 Revenue Procedure, which
provides a staking safe harbor for certain grantor trust vehicles. However, the
Notice, the Ruling & FAQs, the 2023 Staking Guidance and the 2025 Revenue
Procedure do not address other significant aspects of the U.S. federal income
tax treatment of digital assets. For example, for a non-U.S. Holder (as defined
below), there currently is no guidance directly addressing whether or in
what
circumstances
engaging in certain activities to generate yield on digital assets, including
Staking, could give rise to income that is effectively connected with a trade or
business in the United States. Similarly, for a U.S. tax-exempt shareholder,
there currently is no guidance directly addressing whether or in what
circumstances such activities could give rise to UBTI. Moreover, although the
Ruling & FAQs address the treatment of hard forks, there continues to be
uncertainty with respect to the timing and amount of the income inclusions.
While the Ruling & FAQs do not address most situations in which airdrops
occur, it is clear from the reasoning of the Ruling & FAQs that the IRS
generally would treat an airdrop as a taxable event giving rise to ordinary
income.
There
can be no assurance that the IRS will not alter its position with respect to
digital assets in the future or that a court would uphold the treatment set
forth in the Notice, the Ruling & FAQs, the 2023 Staking Guidance and the
2025 Revenue Procedure. It is also unclear what additional guidance on the
treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be issued
in the future. Any such alteration of the current IRS positions or additional
guidance could result in adverse tax consequences for shareholders and could
have an adverse effect on the value of SOL. Future developments that may arise
with respect to digital assets may increase the uncertainty with respect to the
treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example,
the Notice addresses only digital assets that are “convertible virtual
currency,” and it is conceivable that, as a result of a fork, airdrop or similar
occurrence, the Trust could hold certain types of digital assets that are not
within the scope of the Notice, in the event the Sponsor seeks to change the
Trust’s policy with respect to Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency, subject
to NYSE Arca obtaining regulatory approval from the SEC.
Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of owning
and disposing of Shares and digital assets in general.
Future
developments regarding the treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income
tax purposes could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
As
discussed above, many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax
treatment of digital assets, such as SOL, are uncertain, and it is unclear what
guidance on the treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes
may be issued in the future. It is possible that any such guidance would have an
adverse effect on the prices of digital assets, including on the price of SOL in
the Digital Asset Markets, and therefore may have an adverse effect on the value
of the Shares.
Because
of the evolving nature of digital assets, it is not possible to predict
potential future developments that may arise with respect to digital assets,
including forks, airdrops and similar occurrences. Such developments may
increase the uncertainty with respect to the treatment of digital assets for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. Moreover, certain future developments could
render it impossible, or impracticable, for the Trust to continue to be treated
as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Future
developments in the treatment of digital assets for tax purposes other than U.S.
federal income tax purposes could adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
The
taxing authorities of certain states, including New York, (i) have announced
that they will follow the Notice with respect to the treatment of digital assets
for state income tax purposes and/or (ii) have issued guidance exempting the
purchase and/or sale of digital assets for fiat currency from state sales tax.
However, it is unclear what further guidance on the treatment of digital assets
for state tax purposes may be issued in the future.
The
treatment of digital assets for tax purposes by non-U.S. jurisdictions may
differ from the treatment of digital assets for U.S. federal, state or local tax
purposes. It is possible, for example, that a non-U.S. jurisdiction would impose
sales tax or value-added tax on purchases and sales of digital assets for fiat
currency. If a foreign jurisdiction with a significant share of the market of
Solana Network users imposes onerous tax burdens on digital asset users, or
imposes sales or value-added tax on purchases and sales of digital assets for
fiat currency, such actions could result in decreased demand for SOL in such
jurisdiction.
Any
future guidance on the treatment of digital assets for state, local or non-U.S.
tax purposes could increase the expenses of the Trust and could have an adverse
effect on the prices of digital assets, including on the price of SOL in the
Digital Asset Markets. As a result, any such future guidance could have an
adverse effect on the value of the Shares.
The
tax treatment of SOL and transactions involving SOL for state and local tax
purposes is not settled.
Because
SOL is a new technological innovation, the tax treatment of SOL for state and
local tax purposes, including, without limitation state and local income and
sales and use taxes, is not settled. It is uncertain what guidance, if any, on
the treatment of SOL for state and local tax purposes may be issued in the
future. A state or local government authority’s treatment of SOL may have
negative consequences, including the imposition of a greater tax burden on
investors in SOL or the imposition of a greater cost on the acquisition and
disposition of SOL generally. Any such treatment may have a negative effect on
prices of SOL and may adversely affect the value of the Shares.
A
U.S. tax-exempt shareholder may recognize “unrelated business taxable income” as
a consequence of an investment in Shares.
Under
the guidance provided in the Ruling & FAQs, hard forks, airdrops and similar
occurrences with respect to digital assets will under certain circumstances be
treated as taxable events giving rise to ordinary income. Moreover, as
separately provided by the IRS in the 2023 Staking Guidance, staking rewards
will, under certain circumstances, be treated as giving rise to taxable income.
In the absence of guidance to the contrary, it is possible that any such income
recognized by a U.S. tax-exempt shareholder would constitute UBTI. A tax-exempt
shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding whether such shareholder
may recognize UBTI as a consequence of an investment in Shares. See “Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
Shareholders
may be subject to withholding tax on Staking Consideration received as staking
rewards and income derived from forks, airdrops and similar
occurrences.
The
Ruling & FAQs do not address whether income recognized by a non-U.S. person
as a result of a fork, airdrop or similar occurrence or staking could be subject
to the 30% withholding tax imposed on U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual
or periodical” income. Based on the current manner in which the Trust’s Staking
activities are undertaken and certain assurances from the Trust’s Staking
Providers regarding their connections to the United States, the Trust believes
that its income from staking rewards should not be treated as U.S.-source FDAP
income. However, that conclusion is not free from doubt under current law due to
the lack of direct governing authority, and no assurance can be given that a
withholding agent (including a broker through which Shares are held) will not
take a contrary position. In addition, changes in law or changes to the Trust’s
Staking Arrangements could cause all or a portion of the Trust’s staking rewards
to be treated as U.S.-source FDAP income in the future. As a result, Non-U.S.
Holders (as defined under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders”) should be aware that, in the absence of
guidance, a withholding agent (including a broker through which a Non-U.S.
Holder holds Shares) may withhold 30% of any such income recognized by a
non-U.S. Holder in respect of its Shares, including by deducting such withheld
amounts from proceeds that such non-U.S. Holder would otherwise be entitled to
receive in connection with a distribution of Incidental Rights, IR Virtual
Currency or Staking Consideration received as staking rewards. See “Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
In
addition, the Trust may enter into Staking Arrangements with Staking Providers
organized in, or that have operations in, a non-U.S. jurisdiction. Non-U.S.
jurisdictions may seek to impose withholding tax on Staking Consideration
received by the Trust as staking rewards, which may negatively affect a
shareholder’s investment in the Trust.
Risk
Factors Related to Potential Conflicts of Interest
Potential
conflicts of interest may arise among the Sponsor or its affiliates and the
Trust. The Sponsor and its affiliates have no fiduciary duties to the Trust and
its shareholders other than as provided in the Trust Agreement, which may permit
them to favor their own interests to the detriment of the Trust and its
shareholders.
The
Sponsor will manage the affairs of the Trust. Conflicts of interest may arise
among the Sponsor and its affiliates, on the one hand, and the Trust and its
shareholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, the Sponsor may
favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates over the Trust and
its shareholders. These potential conflicts include, among others, the
following:
•
The
Sponsor has no fiduciary duties to, and is allowed to take into account the
interests of parties other than, the Trust and its shareholders in resolving
conflicts of interest, provided the Sponsor does not act in bad
faith;
•
The
Trust has agreed to indemnify the Sponsor and its affiliates pursuant to the
Trust Agreement;
•
The
Sponsor is responsible for allocating its own limited resources among different
clients and potential future business ventures, to each of which it owes
fiduciary duties;
•
The
Sponsor and its staff also service affiliates of the Sponsor, including several
other digital asset investment vehicles, and their respective clients and cannot
devote all of its, or their, respective time or resources to the management of
the affairs of the Trust;
•
The
Sponsor, its affiliates and their respective officers and employees are not
prohibited from engaging in other businesses or activities, including those that
might be in direct competition with the Trust;
•
Affiliates
of the Sponsor have substantial direct investments in SOL that they are
permitted to manage taking into account their own interests without regard to
the interests of the Trust or its shareholders, and any increases, decreases or
other changes in such investments could affect the Index Price and, in turn, the
value of the Shares;
•
There
is an absence of arm’s-length negotiation with respect to certain terms of the
Trust, and, where applicable, there has been no independent due diligence
conducted with respect to the Trust;
•
The
Sponsor’s indirect parent company, DCG, holds less than 1% of the Shares
representing ownership in the Trust, as of March 6,
2026;
•
Several
employees of the Sponsor and the Sponsor’s indirect parent company, DCG, are
FINRA-registered representatives who historically maintained their licenses
through Genesis and currently maintain their licenses through Grayscale
Securities;
•
DCG
is (i) the indirect parent company of the Sponsor; (ii) the indirect parent
company of Grayscale Securities, the Authorized Participant from October 3, 2022
through October 28, 2025; and (iii) a minority interest holder in Kraken, one of
the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index, representing less
than 1.0% of its equity;
•
DCG
has investments in a large number of digital assets and companies involved in
the digital asset ecosystem, including trading platforms and custodians. DCG’s
positions on changes that should be adopted in the Solana Network could be
adverse to positions that would benefit the Trust or its shareholders.
Additionally, before or after a hard fork on the Solana Network, DCG’s position
regarding which fork among a group of incompatible forks of the Solana Network
should be considered the “true” Solana Network could be adverse to positions
that would most benefit the Trust;
•
DCG
has been vocal in the past about its support for digital assets other than SOL.
Any investments in, or public positions taken on, digital assets other than SOL
by DCG could have an adverse impact on the price of SOL;
•
The
Sponsor decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to
perform services for the Trust;
•
While
the Index Provider does not currently utilize data from over-the-counter markets
or derivatives platforms, it may decide to include pricing from such markets or
platforms in the future;
•
The
Sponsor may appoint an agent to act on behalf of the shareholders, and such
agent may be the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor; and
•
The
Sponsor has historically, and may again select an Index Provider that is an
affiliate of the Sponsor and the Trust.
By
purchasing the Shares, shareholders agree and consent to the provisions set
forth in the Trust Agreement. See “Item 1. Business—Description of the Trust
Agreement.”
For
a further discussion of the conflicts of interest among the Sponsor, the
distributor, the marketer, Authorized Participant, Liquidity Providers, the
Trust and others, see “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
and Director Independence.”
DCG
is a minority interest holder in Kraken, which operates one of the Digital Asset
Trading Platforms included in the Index Price.
DCG,
the indirect parent company of the Sponsor, holds a minority interest of less
than 1.0% in Kraken. The Sponsor values its digital assets by reference to the
Index Price. The Index Price is the price in U.S. dollars of a SOL derived from
the Digital Asset Trading Platforms that are reflected in the Index developed by
CoinDesk Indices, Inc. as of 4:00 p.m., New York time on each business day.
Kraken is one of the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the
Index.
Although
DCG does not exercise control over Kraken, it is possible that investors could
have concerns that DCG could influence market data provided by this Digital
Asset Trading Platform in a way that benefits DCG, for example by artificially
inflating the values of SOL in order to increase the Sponsor’s fees. This could
make the Trust’s Shares less attractive to investors than the shares of similar
vehicles that do not present these concerns, adversely affect investor sentiment
about the Trust and negatively affect Share trading prices.
Shareholders
cannot be assured of the Sponsor’s continued services, the discontinuance of
which may be detrimental to the Trust.
Shareholders
cannot be assured that the Sponsor will be willing or able to continue to serve
as sponsor to the Trust for any length of time. If the Sponsor discontinues its
activities on behalf of the Trust and a substitute sponsor is not appointed, the
Trust will terminate and liquidate its SOL.
Appointment
of a substitute sponsor will not guarantee the Trust’s continued operation,
successful or otherwise. Because a substitute sponsor may have no experience
managing a digital asset financial vehicle, a substitute sponsor may not have
the experience, knowledge or expertise required to ensure that the Trust will
operate successfully or continue to operate at all. Therefore, the appointment
of a substitute sponsor may not necessarily be beneficial to the Trust and the
Trust may terminate. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions and Director Independence—The Sponsor.”
Although
the Custodian is a fiduciary with respect to the Trust’s assets, if the
Custodian resigns or is removed by the Sponsor or otherwise, without
replacement, it would trigger early termination of the Trust.
The
Custodian is a fiduciary under § 100 of the New York Banking Law and a qualified
custodian for purposes of Rule 206(4)-2(d)(6) under the Investment Advisers Act
and is licensed to custody the Trust’s SOL in trust on the Trust’s behalf.
However, the SEC previously released proposed amendments in February 2023 to
Rule 206(4)-2 that, if enacted as proposed, would amend the definition of a
“qualified custodian” under Rule 206(4)-2(d)(6). Executive officers of the
Custodian’s parent company have made public statements indicating that the
Custodian will remain a qualified custodian under the proposed SEC rule, if
enacted as proposed. In June 2025, however, the SEC formally withdrew that
proposed rulemaking and stated that it does not intend to issue final rules
based on the
proposal.
However, there can be no assurance that the Custodian would continue to qualify
as a “qualified custodian” under a final rule that may be proposed or adopted by
the SEC in the future.
Furthermore,
during the initial term, the Custodian may terminate the Prime Broker Agreement
for Cause (as defined in “Description of the Prime Broker
Agreement—Termination”) at any time, and after the initial term, the Custodian
can terminate the Agreement for any reason upon the notice period provided under
the Prime Broker Agreement. If the Custodian resigns or is removed by the
Sponsor or otherwise, without replacement, the Trust will dissolve in accordance
with the terms of the Trust Agreement.
Shareholders
may be adversely affected by the lack of independent advisers representing
investors in the Trust.
The
Sponsor has consulted with counsel, accountants and other advisers regarding the
formation and operation of the Trust. No counsel was appointed to represent
investors in connection with the formation of the Trust or the establishment of
the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Shares. Moreover, no counsel has been
appointed to represent an investor in connection with the offering of the
Shares. Accordingly, an investor should consult his, her or its own legal, tax
and financial advisers regarding the desirability of the value of the Shares.
Lack of such consultation may lead to an undesirable investment decision with
respect to investment in the Shares.
The
Trust is an “emerging growth company” and the reduced disclosure requirements
applicable to emerging growth companies may make the Shares less attractive to
investors.
The
Trust is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and intends
to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that
are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not
being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding
executive compensation in its periodic reports and exemptions from the
requirement of shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not
previously approved. The Trust intends to take advantage of these reporting
exemptions until it is no longer an emerging growth company. The Sponsor and the
Trust cannot predict if investors will find the Shares less attractive because
the Trust will rely on these exemptions. The Trust will remain an emerging
growth company for up to five years after its initial public offering, although
it will lose that status sooner if the Trust has more than $1.235 billion of
revenues in a fiscal year, has more than $700 million in market value of Shares
held by non-affiliates as of any June 30 or issues more than $1.0 billion of
non-convertible debt over a rolling three-year period. If some investors find
the Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading
market for the Shares and the price of the Shares may be more
volatile.
Risk
Factors Related to Staking
Although
the Trust is permitted to engage in Staking, the Trust will not be permitted to
engage in any different form of Staking unless (and, then, only to the extent
that) the Staking Condition is satisfied in addition to the Trust satisfying any
additional requirements that may arise in connection with the satisfaction of
the Staking Condition, which could negatively affect the value of the
Shares.
Although
the Trust is permitted to engage in Staking, the Trust is only permitted to
engage in Staking to the extent that the Staking Condition is satisfied with
respect thereto. There can be no assurance that the Trust will be permitted to
engage in any different form of Staking in the future. The Trust Agreement
provides that the Trust may engage in Staking, but only if (and, then, only to
the extent that) the Staking Condition has been satisfied.
Subject
to the Staking Condition being satisfied and subject to compliance with certain
related requirements, in the future the Sponsor may, from time to time, seek to
modify the form of Staking in which the Trust engages, but only if (and, then,
only to the extent that) the Staking Condition has been satisfied with respect
to any such modified form of Staking, and subject to compliance with any
additional requirements that may arise in connection with satisfaction of the
Staking Condition with respect thereto. However, as long as the Staking
Condition and any related requirements have not been satisfied with respect to
any modified form of Staking, the Trust will not be permitted to engage in such
modified form of Staking, which could place the Shares at a comparative
disadvantage relative to an investment in SOL directly or through a vehicle that
is not subject to such a prohibition, which could negatively affect the value of
the Shares.
Staking
introduces a risk of loss of SOL, which could adversely affect the value of the
Shares.
Staking
introduces a risk of loss of SOL. None of the Trust’s assets, including
potentially staked assets, are subject to the protections enjoyed by depositors
or customers of institutions with FDIC or Securities Investor Protection
Corporation membership.
The
Solana Network may impose penalties (i.e., “slashing”) if a validator commits
malicious acts related to the validation of blocks with invalid transactions.
Currently on the Solana Network, slashing generally operates theoretically
possible by social consensus, rather than being automatically applied by the
protocol’s code. The Solana community generally aspires to slash 100% of staked
assets in cases where a Solana node is maliciously trying to violate safety
rules and 0% during routine operations. As a result, there is currently no
automatic slashing in the Solana Network. Rather, for regular consensus, after a
safety violation, the Solana
Network
will halt. The validators will analyze the data prior to the halt to determine
who was responsible and propose that the stake of the malicious actors
responsible for the safety violation should be slashed after restart, typically
100% of their stake. Future protocol upgrades may include the implementation of
automated slashing mechanisms, where penalties would be triggered and enforced
directly by the network code without requiring social coordination. As of
December 31, 2025, there have been no slashing events on the Solana
Network.
There
can be no guarantee that slashing penalties and resulting losses will not occur
as a result of the activities of a Staking Provider. Furthermore, a Staking
Provider’s liability to the Trust is expected to be limited, and a Staking
Provider may lack the assets or insurance in order to support the recovery of
any losses incurred. While the Staking Arrangements may provide for
indemnification up to a specified cap, slashing insurance or other reimbursement
programs, there can be no guarantee that the Trust would recover any of its
staked assets, or the value thereof, if it is subject to penalties imposed by
the Solana Network.
Staked
SOL tokens will be inaccessible for a variable period of time, determined by a
range of factors, which could result in certain liquidity risk to the
Trust.
Under
current Solana Network protocols, staked SOL tokens are permitted to be
un-staked by the holder of the private keys for the withdrawal address of such
SOL tokens. However, as part of the “activating” and “exiting” processes of
staking, staked SOL tokens will be inaccessible for a variable period of time
determined by a range of factors, including network congestion, resulting in
certain liquidity risks that the Sponsor plans to manage. “Activation” is the
funding of a validator to be included in the active set, thereby allowing the
validator to participate in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake consensus
protocol. “Exit” is the request to exit from the active set and no longer
participate in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake consensus protocol. As part
of these “activating” and “exiting” processes of staking on the Solana Network,
any staked SOL will be inaccessible for a period of time. The duration of
activating and exiting periods are dependent on a range of factors, including
network conditions. However, depending on demand, un-staking can take between
hours, days or weeks to complete. This can result in certain liquidity risk to
the Trust, which the Sponsor will seek to manage through a range of risk
management methods.
The
Sponsor anticipates that it will engage in staking with respect to all of the
Trust’s SOL at all times, except (i) as necessary to pay the Sponsor’s Fee, (ii)
as necessary to pay any additional Trust expenses, (iii) as necessary to satisfy
existing and reasonably foreseen potential redemption requests (assuming the
Trust is then permitted to operate an ongoing redemption program) as determined
by the Sponsor, (iv) as necessary to reduce the SOL obtained by the Trust as
Staking Consideration to cash for distribution at regular intervals, (v) if the
Sponsor determines that Staking raises significant governmental, policy or
regulatory concerns or is subject or likely subject to a specialized regulatory
regime, (vi) if the Sponsor determines there exists vulnerabilities in the
source code or cryptography underlying the Solana Network and any associated
software, (vii) if the Custodian or Staking Provider discontinues their
arrangements with the Trust, (viii) if the Sponsor otherwise determines that
continued Staking of such portion of the Trust’s assets would be inconsistent
with the Trust’s purpose of protecting and preserving the value of the Trust
Estate, (ix) to fund or replenish the Liquidity Sleeve or (x) in accordance with
any other exception that is expressly contemplated by an opinion, ruling or tax
guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition. All SOL received by the Trust in
connection with the creation of new Shares, or as Staking Consideration, would
also be staked upon receipt by the Trust, unless one or more of the exceptions
described in clauses (i)-(ix) above applies.
As
of the date of this filing, and subject to the satisfaction of the Staking
Condition, the Sponsor generally seeks to stake as much of the Trust’s SOL as is
practicable (i.e., up to 100%) at all times, with the remainder of the Trust’s
SOL remaining unstaked in order to address the various exceptions and other
considerations described herein. The percentage of the Trust’s SOL that is
staked each day is reported the following day at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on
etfs.grayscale.com/gsol.
Due
to the time involved in “exiting” the staking process, there is a risk that the
Trust could become unable to timely meet excessive redemption requests in
amounts that are greater than the portion of the Trust’s SOL that remains
un-staked, leading to temporary delays in settlement and, in extreme scenarios,
the temporary unavailability of the Trust’s redemption program. Moreover, any
staked SOL which must be un-staked in order to fulfill a redemption (to the
extent such redemption cannot be fulfilled utilizing the portion of the Trust’s
SOL that has not been staked, or through another mechanism to manage liquidity
in connection with Redemption Orders contemplated by an opinion of a Tax
Advisor, a Tax Ruling or Tax Guidance that satisfies the Staking Condition) will
be un-staked only after the redemption request is approved by the Trust, the
Sponsor executes an un-stake or withdrawal transaction through the Custodian,
and such transaction is processed by the Solana Network. The Staking Provider
will not be able to transfer unstaked SOL or Staking Consideration to another
address on the Solana Network.
Although
the Sponsor anticipates that the Trust may enter into financing arrangements to
borrow SOL in order to fulfill redemption requests if the Trust’s unstaked SOL
is insufficient to do so, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will
be available as intended or provide sufficient liquidity to satisfy redemption
requests.
The
Trust will be dependent on third parties or intermediary technical systems to
effectively execute the Trust’s Staking Arrangements.
Staking
is carried out by the third-party Staking Providers, the amount of Staking
Consideration that the Trust’s staking activity generates is dependent on the
performance of the Staking Provider, including the adequacy and reliability of
the hardware and software utilized by the Staking Provider. If the Custodian or
the Staking Provider experience service outages or otherwise are unable to
optimally execute the Staking of the Trust’s SOL, the Trust’s Staking
Consideration may be adversely affected. Moreover, the Trust’s Staking
Arrangements may rely on smart contracts, wallet infrastructure, validator
clients, or other intermediary technical systems that could malfunction, contain
vulnerabilities, or be subject to cyberattacks, any of which could result in
loss or inaccessibility of SOL.
The
regulatory landscape surrounding Staking is uncertain.
The
regulatory landscape surrounding Staking is highly uncertain, and may expose the
Sponsor, Custodian, third-party Staking Providers and the Trust and its
shareholders to unforeseen regulatory risks or potential enforcement actions.
For example, there is a risk that the Staking Arrangements could constitute an
“investment contract” under the federal securities laws, such that it is a
security, and thus needs to be registered or eligible for an exemption from
registration. In May 2025, staff at the SEC Division of Corporation Finance
issued a statement (the “SEC Staking Statement”) expressing the view that
certain staking activities do not involve the offer and sale of securities
within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and we believe the Staking
Arrangements satisfy the criteria in this guidance. However, the SEC Staking
Statement is not a rule, regulation, guidance, or statement of the SEC, and has
no legal force or effect. There is accordingly a risk that a court could
disagree with the views expressed in the SEC Staking Statement. In that case, or
if SOL were deemed a security, there would also be a risk that a Staking
Provider could be deemed to be acting as a broker-dealer, on the basis that the
Staking Provider is receiving a commission for effecting the staking
transactions and receipt of Staking Consideration.
The
Sponsor is permitted to cause the Trust to engage in Staking only if certain
conditions set forth in the Trust Agreement relating to the qualification of the
Trust as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes are satisfied. Due
to the lack of authority regarding the ability of a grantor trust to engage in
activities such as Staking, there can be no assurance whether or when these
conditions will be satisfied or the Trust will be permitted to engage in
Staking.
Beneficial
owners of Shares could incur tax liabilities without receiving corresponding
distributions from the Trust.
As
of the date of this filing, the Staking Condition has been satisfied as to the
particular form of Staking described in this Annual Report. Shareholders may
suffer adverse tax consequences as a result. In particular, the IRS has
indicated that the receipt of Staking Consideration gives rise to current,
ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Trust is
properly treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
beneficial owners of Shares will be required to take their ratable share of any
such income into account in determining their own tax liability, regardless of
whether the Trust makes any corresponding distributions. Shareholders should
therefore expect that other sources of funds may be needed to satisfy any
associated tax liability. Moreover, if the Trust were to sell SOL to fund cash
distributions in respect of that tax liability, a shareholder generally would be
treated as having sold its pro rata share of those SOL for their fair market
value at that time (which, in the case of SOL sold by the Trust, generally will
be equal to the cash proceeds received by the Trust in respect thereof), and the
shareholders generally would recognize gain or loss on such sale as described in
the section entitled “Item 1. Business—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences.”
Not
applicable.
Item
1C. Cybersecurity
To
prevent, detect and respond to information security threats, the Sponsor
maintains a cyber risk management program.
The
program is supervised by an in-house dedicated Chief Information Security
Officer (“CISO”), with over 15 years of experience in financial services risk
management, whose team is responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity
strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and
processes.
The
Enterprise Risk Committee (“ERC”), which includes members of management of the
Sponsor, receives regular reports from the CISO on, among other things, the
Sponsor’s cyber risks and threats, the status of projects to strengthen the
Sponsor’s information security systems, assessments of the Sponsor’s security
program and the emerging threat
landscape.
The
ERC provides updates to the Board quarterly,
including on changes to security risks and outcomes. The CISO also promptly
informs and updates the ERC and the Board of the Sponsor about any information
security incidents that may pose a material risk to the
Sponsor.
The Sponsor contracts an independent third party to conduct a full cyber risk
assessment annually, and the results of those assessments are included in
reporting to the ERC and the Board. Material outcomes from any penetration
testing, vulnerability scanning, and business continuity or disaster recovery
testing are additionally included in reporting to the ERC and
Board.
The
Sponsor’s Security Awareness Program includes training that reinforces the
Sponsor’s Information Security policies, standards, and practices, and the
expectation that employees will comply with these policies. The Security
Awareness Program engages
personnel through training on how to identify potential cybersecurity risks and
protect the Sponsor’s resources and information. This training is mandatory for
all employees upon onboarding at the firm and again annually, and it is
supplemented by firmwide training and testing initiatives, including periodic
phishing tests.
The
Sponsor administers a Third-Party Risk Management Program at the firm to
identify, assess and oversee the risk associated with service providers and
third parties involved in the supply chain.
Third parties are assessed for risk and may additionally be required to adhere
to additional security diligence requirements administered with oversight from
the CISO according to risk, including cybersecurity diligence questionnaires,
evidence validation, SOC report reviews, and/or on-site assessments. Material
changes to the program, new, or worsening security risks associated with third
parties are reported to the ERC at least quarterly.
Cybersecurity
Breaches:
During
the year ended December
31, 2025,
we did not identify any cybersecurity threats at the Sponsor or the Trust that
have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our
business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, even
though we take steps to employ reasonable cybersecurity efforts, not every
cybersecurity incident can be prevented or detected. Therefore, while we believe
there are currently no risks from any potential cybersecurity threat or
cybersecurity incident that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on
our results of operations or financial condition, the likelihood or severity of
such risks are difficult to
predict.
Item
2. Properties
None.
Item
3. Legal
Proceedings
Grayscale
Operating, LLC, the former Co-Sponsor of the Trust until May 3, 2025, was a
party to certain legal proceedings during the period covered by this report.
Although the Trust is not a party to these proceedings, the Trust may in the
future be subject to legal proceedings or disputes.
On
May 19, 2025, Genesis Global Capital, LLC (“Genesis Capital”) and Genesis Asia
Pacific Pte. Ltd. (“Genesis Asia”) filed a complaint in the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY Bankruptcy Court”)
against Digital Currency Group, Inc. (“DCG”) and certain of its affiliates
including GSO alleging that Genesis Capital made certain preferential transfers
to GSI, the predecessor in interest to GSO prior to the Merger, during the
preference period prior to Genesis Capital’s filing of a bankruptcy petition in
SDNY Bankruptcy Court while GSI was allegedly an insider to Genesis Capital
pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 101(31). Genesis Capital seeks to avoid the alleged
preferential transfers pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 547(b), as well as recovery of
property and disallowance of claims. Genesis Capital is seeking to avoid
transfers to GSI, the predecessor in interest to GSO prior to the Merger, of 105
Bitcoin and 37,647.06 Ethereum Classic tokens. GSO believes this lawsuit is
without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.
As
of the date of this Annual Report, the Sponsor does not expect the foregoing
proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s business, financial
condition or results of operations.
The
Sponsor and/or the Trust may be subject to additional legal proceedings and
disputes in the future.
Item
4. Mine
Safety
Disclosures
Not
applicable.
PART
II
Item
5. Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market
Information
The
Shares commenced trading on NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025 under the ticker
symbol “GSOL.”
Holders
of Record
As
of December 31, 2025, there were approximately 17 DTC participating shareholders
of record of the Trust. Because most of the Trust’s Shares are held by brokers
and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, we are unable to estimate the
total number of shareholders represented by these record holders.
Dividends
The
Trust made no distributions to shareholders during the years ended December 31,
2025 and 2024. The Trust has no obligation to make periodic distributions to
shareholders.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Shares
Prior
to the Uplisting Date, the Registrant had distributed 7,234,135 Shares at
varying prices determined by reference to the NAV per Share to selected
“accredited investors,” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D under the
Securities Act. The Shares were sold in connection with an ongoing offering
pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act. Genesis acted
as the Authorized Participant with respect to these distributions. In exchange
for these sales, the Trust received an aggregate of 551,985.97201267 SOL.
Because Shares have been, and continue to be, created and issued on a periodic
basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may be
occurring from time to time. As a result, an Authorized Participant facilitating
the creation of Shares and acting as a distributor and marketer during any such
period may be deemed an “underwriter” under Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities
Act. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid to an Authorized
Participant with respect to such sales.
Purchases
of Equity Securities
Although
the Trust does not purchase Shares directly from its shareholders, in connection
with its redemption of Baskets from Authorized Participants during the three
months ended December 31, 2025, the Trust redeemed the following
Shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Period |
|
Total
Number of Shares of GSOL Redeemed |
|
|
Average
Price Paid per Share of GSOL(1) |
|
|
October
1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 |
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
November
1, 2025 - November 30, 2025 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
December
1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Total |
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
(1)
The
Price Paid per Share is based on the NAV per Share, which is derived from the
Index Price as represented by the Index as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the
valuation date. The Trust’s NAV per Share is calculated using a non-GAAP
methodology where the price is derived from multiple Digital Asset Trading
Platforms.
Item
6. [Reserved]
Item
7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The
following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, our audited financial statements and related notes included
elsewhere in this Annual Report, which have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The
following discussion may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions
we believe to be reasonable. Our actual results could differ materially from
those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or
contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
below and elsewhere in this Annual Report, particularly in “Item 1A. Risk
Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Trust
Overview
The
Trust is a passive entity that is managed and administered by the Sponsor and
does not have any officers, directors or employees. The Trust holds SOL and,
from time to time on a periodic basis, issues Creation Baskets in exchange for
deposits of SOL. On October 28, 2025, in connection with the approval for
listing and trading of the Shares of the Trust under the Generic Listing
Standards and the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-1, as
amended (File No. 333-286374), the Sponsor authorized the commencement of a
redemption program. Shares of the Trust began trading on NYSE Arca on October
29, 2025, following the effectiveness of the Trust’s registration statement on
Form S-1, as amended. The Trust issues Shares only in one or more blocks of
10,000 Shares (a block of 10,000 Shares is called a “Basket”) to certain
Authorized Participants from time to time. Baskets are offered in exchange for
SOL. Through its redemption program, the Trust redeems Shares from Authorized
Participants on an ongoing basis. As a passive investment vehicle, the Trust’s
investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on SOL per Share) to
reflect the value of the SOL held by the Trust, including SOL earned as Staking
Consideration, determined by reference to the Index Price, less the Trust’s
expenses and other liabilities. While an investment in the Shares is not a
direct investment in SOL, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a
cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to SOL. The Trust
is not managed like a business corporation or an active investment vehicle. The
Trust will not utilize leverage, derivatives or any similar arrangements in
seeking to meet its investment objective.
Historically,
the Trust has not met its investment objective and, prior to their uplisting to
NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025, the Shares quoted on OTCQX did not reflect the
value of the SOL held by the Trust, less the Trust’s expenses and other
liabilities, but instead have traded at both premiums and discounts to such
value, which at times were substantial, although the Sponsor has observed that
the Trust has begun to meet its investment objective more closely following the
uplisting of the Shares to NYSE Arca.
Staking
On
October 6, 2025, the Trust began staking its SOL pursuant to staking
arrangements with the Custodian and certain third-party staking providers. As a
result, the Trust may earn staking rewards in the form of additional SOL
(“Staking Consideration”).
The
amount of Staking Consideration received by the Trust, if any, may vary from
period to period and is influenced by a number of factors, including prevailing
Solana Network conditions, protocol-level reward rates, the amount of SOL held
by the Trust during the period, and the portion of the Trust’s SOL that is
staked. Because staking rewards are determined by network-level mechanics rather
than by the Trust or the Sponsor, the Trust does not expect Staking
Consideration to be earned at a consistent rate.
Pursuant
to the Trust’s staking arrangements and the Trust Agreement, a portion of gross
Staking Consideration is allocated among the Custodian, the applicable staking
provider(s), and the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Staking Fee”), with the Trust
retaining the remainder. The net amount of Staking Consideration retained by the
Trust increases the Trust’s SOL holdings, while any SOL distributed or sold for
cash in connection with distributions reduces the Trust’s SOL holdings by the
amount distributed or sold.
From
time to time, the Trust may distribute SOL (or cash from the sale of SOL)
received as Staking Consideration to shareholders, although the timing and
amount of any such distributions, if made, are subject to the Sponsor’s
discretion and applicable requirements under the Trust Agreement. Shareholders
may incur tax liabilities with respect to Staking Consideration regardless of
whether the Trust makes corresponding distributions.
Staking
introduces additional operational, liquidity, regulatory and tax considerations
for the Trust. In particular, staked SOL may be inaccessible for
a period of time required to un-stake and withdraw SOL under Solana Network
protocols, and the Trust remains dependent on third-party staking providers and
related technical systems for the execution of staking activities. These
considerations, and the risks associated with staking, are discussed further
under “Item 1. Business—Staking” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Related
to Staking.”
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Investment
Transactions and Revenue Recognition
The
Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of SOL by the Trust in
connection with Share creations and the delivery of SOL by the Trust in
connection with Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in SOL. Prior to
October 29, 2025, the Trust was not accepting redemption requests, however the
Sponsor has since authorized the commencement of the Trust’s redemption program
on October 28, 2025 in connection with the uplisting of the Shares to NYSE Arca.
The Trust records its investment transactions on a trade date basis and changes
in fair value are reflected as net change in unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the
specific identification method. Realized gains and losses are recognized in
connection with transactions
including settling obligations for the Sponsor’s Fee in SOL.
Principal
Market and Fair Value Determination
To
determine which market is the Trust’s principal market (or in the absence of a
principal market, the most advantageous market) for purposes of calculating the
Trust’s net asset value in accordance with U.S. GAAP (“Principal Market NAV”),
the Trust follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting
Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, which
outlines the application of fair value accounting. ASC 820-10 determines fair
value to be the price that would be received for SOL in a current sale, which
assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement
date. ASC 820-10 requires the Trust to assume that SOL is sold in its principal
market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal market, the most
advantageous market. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in
the principal or most advantageous market that are independent, knowledgeable,
and willing and able to transact.
The
Trust only receives SOL in connection with a creation order from the Authorized
Participant (or a Liquidity Provider) and does not itself transact on any
Digital Asset Markets. Therefore, the Trust looks to market-based volume and
level of activity for Digital Asset Markets. The Authorized Participant(s), or a
Liquidity Provider, may transact in a Brokered Market, a Dealer Market,
Principal-to-Principal Markets and Exchange Markets (referred to as “Trading
Platform Markets” in this Annual Report), each as defined in the FASB ASC Master
Glossary (collectively, “Digital Asset Markets”).
In
determining
which of the eligible Digital Asset Markets is the Trust’s principal market, the
Trust reviews these criteria in the following order:
•
First,
the Trust reviews a list of Digital Asset Markets that maintain practices and
policies designed to comply with anti-money laundering (“AML”) and
know-your-customer (“KYC”) regulations, and non-Digital Asset Trading Platform
Markets that the Trust reasonably believes are operating in compliance with
applicable law, including federal and state licensing requirements, based upon
information and assurances provided to it by each market.
•
Second,
the Trust sorts these Digital Asset Markets from high to low by market-based
volume and level of activity of SOL traded on each Digital Asset Market in the
trailing twelve months.
•
Third,
the Trust then reviews pricing fluctuations and the degree of variances in price
on Digital Asset Markets to identify any material notable variances that may
impact the volume or price information of a particular Digital Asset Market.
•
Fourth,
the Trust then selects a Digital Asset Market as its principal market based on
the highest market-based volume, level of activity and price stability in
comparison to the other Digital Asset Markets on the list. Based on information
reasonably available to the Trust, Trading Platform Markets have the greatest
volume and level of activity for the asset. The Trust therefore looks to
accessible Trading Platform Markets as opposed to the Brokered Market, Dealer
Market and Principal-to-Principal Markets to determine its principal market. As
a result of the aforementioned analysis, a Trading Platform Market has been
selected as the Trust’s principal market.
The
Trust determines its principal market (or in the absence of a principal market
the most advantageous market) annually and conducts a quarterly analysis to
determine (i) if there have been recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s
trading volume and level of activity in the trailing twelve months, (ii) if any
Digital Asset Markets have developed that the Trust has access to, or (iii) if
recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s price stability have occurred that
would materially impact the selection of the principal market and necessitate a
change in the Trust’s determination of its principal market.
The
cost basis of the SOL received by the Trust in connection with a creation order
is recorded by the Trust at the fair value of SOL at 4:00 p.m., New York time,
on the creation date for financial reporting purposes. The cost basis recorded
by the Trust may differ from proceeds
collected by the Authorized Participant from the sale of the corresponding
Shares to investors.
Investment
Company Considerations
The
Trust is an investment company for U.S. GAAP purposes and follows accounting and
reporting guidance in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 946, Financial
Services—Investment Companies. The Trust uses fair value as its method of
accounting for SOL in accordance with its classification as an investment
company for accounting purposes. The Trust is not a registered investment
company under
the Investment Company Act. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and these
differences could be material.
Review
of Financial Results
Financial
Highlights for the Years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023
(All
amounts in the following table and the subsequent paragraphs, except Share, per
Share, SOL and price of SOL amounts, are in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
For
the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investment in SOL |
|
$ |
(48,914 |
) |
|
$ |
34,051 |
|
|
$ |
15,097 |
|
|
Net
(decrease) increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
$ |
(49,327 |
) |
|
$ |
32,293 |
|
|
$ |
14,995 |
|
|
Net
assets(1) |
|
$ |
160,357 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
$ |
25,190 |
|
(1)
Net
assets in the above table and subsequent paragraphs are calculated in accordance
with U.S. GAAP based on the Digital Asset Market price of SOL on the Digital
Asset Trading Platform that the Trust considered its principal market, as of
4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date.
Net
realized and unrealized loss on investment in SOL for the year ended December
31, 2025 was ($48,914), which includes a realized
gain of $516 on the transfer of SOL to pay expenses, net change in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investment in SOL of (49,455), and net change in
unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Sponsor’s Staking Fee in SOL of $25. Net
realized and unrealized loss on investment in SOL for the period was driven by
SOL price depreciation from $193.69 per SOL as of December 31, 2024, to $123.97
per SOL as of December 31, 2025. Net decrease in net assets resulting from
operations was ($49,327) for the year ended December 31, 2025, which consisted
of the net realized and unrealized loss on investment in SOL and net investment
loss of ($413). Net assets increased to $160,357 at December 31, 2025, a 56%
increase for the year. The increase in net assets resulted from the contribution
of approximately 763,741 SOL with a value of $107,053 to the Trust in connection
with Share creations during the period and the contribution of approximately
11,419 SOL (of which approximately 343 SOL with a value of $43 to the Trust was
a receivable) with a value of $1,611 in connection with Staking Rewards,
partially offset by the aforementioned SOL price depreciation and the redemption
of approximately 10,943 SOL to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Fee and the payable
of approximately 569 SOL to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Staking Fee.
Net
realized and unrealized gain on investment in SOL for the year ended December
31, 2024 was $34,051, which includes a realized gain of $433 on the transfer of
SOL to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and net change in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investment in SOL of $33,618. Net realized and
unrealized gain on investment in SOL for the period was driven by SOL price
appreciation from $104.79 per SOL as of December 31, 2023 to $193.69 per SOL as
of December 31, 2024. Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was
$32,293 for the year ended December 31, 2024, which consisted of the net
realized and unrealized gain on investment in SOL, less the Sponsor’s Fee of
$1,758. Net assets increased to $102,631 at December 31, 2024, a 307% increase
for the year. The increase in net assets resulted from the aforementioned SOL
price appreciation and the contribution of approximately 300,450 SOL with a
value of $45,149 to the Trust in connection with Share creations, partially
offset by the withdrawal of approximately 10,957 SOL to pay the foregoing
Sponsor’s Fee.
Net
realized and unrealized gain on investment in SOL for the year ended December
31, 2023 was $15,097, which includes a realized loss of ($290) on the transfer
of SOL to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and net change in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investment in SOL of $15,387. Net realized and
unrealized gain on investment in SOL for the period was driven by SOL price
appreciation from $10.09 per SOL as of December 31, 2022 to $104.79 per SOL as
of December 31, 2023. Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations
was $14,995 for the year ended December 31, 2023, which consisted of the net
realized and unrealized gain on investment in SOL, less the Sponsor’s Fee of
$102. Net assets increased to $25,190 at December 31, 2023, a 2008% increase for
the year. The increase in net assets resulted from the aforementioned SOL price
appreciation and the contribution of approximately 125,094 SOL with a value of
$8,999 to the Trust in connection with Share creations, partially offset by the
withdrawal of approximately 3,128 SOL to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s
Fee.
Cash
Resources and Liquidity
The
Trust only receives and holds cash in order to facilitate creations and
redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders, and has not otherwise had or maintained a
cash balance at any time since inception. When selling SOL in the Digital Asset
Market to pay Additional Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust, the Sponsor
endeavors to sell the exact amount of SOL needed to pay expenses in order to
minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than SOL. In addition, upon the
consummation or deemed failure of a Cash Order to create or redeem Baskets, the
Trust will promptly return any excess cash it continues to hold with respect to
such Cash Order to the applicable counterparty. As a consequence, the Sponsor
expects that the Trust will not record any cash flow from its operations and
that its cash balance will be zero at the end of each reporting period.
Furthermore, the Trust is not a party to any off-balance sheet
arrangements.
Generally,
the Trust does not intend to hold cash, except in connection with Cash Orders
for creations or redemptions of Baskets. Cash includes non-interest bearing
non-restricted cash with one institution. Cash in a bank deposit account, at
times, may exceed U.S. federally insured limits. The Trust has not experienced
any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any
significant credit risk on such bank deposits.
In
exchange for the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume most of the
expenses incurred by the Trust. As a result, the only ordinary expense of the
Trust expected to be incurred is the Sponsor’s Fee.
The
Sponsor, from time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the
Sponsor’s Fee of the Trust in its discretion for stated periods of time.
Effective November 5, 2025, the Sponsor has determined to waive a portion of the
Sponsor’s Fee until the earlier of (x) February 5, 2026 and (y) the first date
on which the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0 billion (such period, the “Fee Waiver
Period”). If the Trust’s NAV exceeded $1.0 billion prior to February 5, 2026,
the Sponsor’s Fee charged on assets over $1.0 billion would have become 0.35%.
All investors will incur the same Sponsor’s Fee, which is the weighted average
of those fee rates. Following the expiration of the Fee Waiver Period on
February 5, 2026, the effective Sponsor’s Fee is now 0.35%. From November 5,
2025 to December 31, 2025, the Trust’s assets did not exceed $1.0 billion and no
Sponsor’s Fee had been incurred.
The
Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, conditions or events that are
reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity
needs.
Selected
Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
As
of December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Price of
SOL on principal market |
|
$ |
123.97 |
|
|
$ |
193.69 |
|
|
$ |
104.79 |
|
|
Principal
Market NAV per Share(1)(2) |
|
$ |
9.09 |
|
|
$ |
14.33 |
|
|
$ |
7.95 |
|
|
Principal
Market NAV(2) |
|
$ |
160,357,924 |
|
|
$ |
102,631,276 |
|
|
$ |
25,189,559 |
|
|
Index
Price |
|
$ |
124.02 |
|
|
$ |
193.76 |
|
|
$ |
104.63 |
|
|
NAV per
Share(1)(3) |
|
$ |
9.10 |
|
|
$ |
14.34 |
|
|
$ |
7.94 |
|
|
NAV
(Non-GAAP)(3) |
|
$ |
160,422,600 |
|
|
$ |
102,668,367 |
|
|
$ |
25,151,098 |
|
(1)
Share
and per Share amounts for periods presented prior to the Share Split have been
retroactively adjusted for the 5-for-1 Share Split of the Trust’s issued and
outstanding Shares completed on December 9, 2024.
(2)
The
Principal Market NAV and Principal Market NAV per Share are calculated using the
fair value of SOL based on the price provided by the Digital Asset Trading
Platform that the Trust considered its principal market, as of 4:00 p.m., New
York time, on the valuation date, in accordance with U.S.
GAAP.
(3)
The
Trust’s NAV and NAV per Share are derived from the Index Price as represented by
the Index as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date. The Trust’s NAV
per Share is calculated using a non-GAAP methodology where the price is derived
from multiple Digital Asset Trading Platforms.
Historical
NAV and SOL Prices
As
movements in the price of SOL will directly affect the price of the Shares,
investors should understand recent movements in the price of SOL. Investors,
however, should also be aware that past movements in the SOL price are not
indicators of future movements. Movements may be influenced by various factors,
including, but not limited to, government regulation, security breaches
experienced by service providers, as well as political and economic
uncertainties around the world.
The
Trust’s performance prior to October 29, 2025 is based on market-determined
prices on the OTCQX marketplace and on the Trust’s performance without an
ongoing share creation and redemption program. Prior to October 29, 2025, the
Trust’s Shares traded at both premiums and discounts to the value of the Trust’s
assets, less its expenses and other liabilities, which at times were
substantial, in part due to the lack of an ongoing redemption program. Effective
as of October 29, 2025, the Trust established an ongoing share creation and
redemption program and the Shares of the Trust were listed to NYSE Arca. Hence,
the Trust’s performance for periods prior to October 29, 2025 is not directly
comparable to, and should not be used to make conclusions in conjunction with,
the Trust’s performance for periods subsequent to October 29, 2025.
The
following chart illustrates the movement in the Trust’s NAV per Share (as
adjusted for the Reverse Share Splits and Share Split for periods prior to June
23, 2022, March 20, 2023, and December 9, 2024, respectively) versus the Index
Price and the Trust’s Principal Market NAV per Share (as adjusted for the
Reverse Share Splits and Share Split for periods prior to June 23, 2022, March
20, 2023, and December 9, 2024, respectively) from November 18, 2021 (the
commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31, 2025. For
more information on the determination of the Trust’s NAV, see “Item 1.
Business—Overview of the Solana Industry and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the
Index Price.”

The
following table illustrates the movements in the Index Price from November 18,
2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31, 2025. The
Sponsor has not observed a material difference between the Index Price and
average prices from the Constituent Trading Platforms individually or as a
group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
Average |
|
|
Index
Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Index
Price |
|
|
Date |
|
End
of period |
|
|
Last
business day |
|
|
November
18, 2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31,
2021 |
|
$ |
192.12 |
|
|
$ |
228.15 |
|
|
12/2/2021 |
|
$ |
156.13 |
|
|
12/14/2021 |
|
$ |
172.57 |
|
|
$ |
172.57 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
64.37 |
|
|
$ |
274.60 |
|
|
4/2/2022 |
|
$ |
8.29 |
|
|
12/29/2022 |
|
$ |
10.09 |
|
|
$ |
9.86 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
29.28 |
|
|
$ |
119.53 |
|
|
12/25/2023 |
|
$ |
9.98 |
|
|
1/1/2023 |
|
$ |
104.63 |
|
|
$ |
104.84 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
155.17 |
|
|
$ |
255.64 |
|
|
11/23/2024 |
|
$ |
81.25 |
|
|
1/23/2024 |
|
$ |
193.76 |
|
|
$ |
193.76 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2025 |
|
$ |
169.91 |
|
|
$ |
277.39 |
|
|
1/19/2025 |
|
$ |
103.89 |
|
|
4/8/2025 |
|
$ |
124.02 |
|
|
$ |
124.02 |
|
|
November
18, 2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31,
2025 |
|
$ |
107.27 |
|
|
$ |
277.39 |
|
|
1/19/2025 |
|
$ |
8.29 |
|
|
12/29/2022 |
|
$ |
124.02 |
|
|
$ |
124.02 |
|
The
following table illustrates the movements in the Digital Asset Market price of
SOL, as reported on the Trust’s principal market, from November 18, 2021 (the
commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31, 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
Average |
|
|
Digital
Asset Market Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Digital
Asset Market Price |
|
|
Date |
|
End
of period |
|
|
Last
business day |
|
|
November
18, 2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31,
2021 |
|
$ |
193.26 |
|
|
$ |
239.94 |
|
|
12/2/2021 |
|
$ |
151.98 |
|
|
12/13/2021 |
|
$ |
168.25 |
|
|
$ |
168.25 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
58.07 |
|
|
$ |
177.75 |
|
|
1/1/2022 |
|
$ |
8.29 |
|
|
12/29/2022 |
|
$ |
10.09 |
|
|
$ |
9.86 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
29.28 |
|
|
$ |
119.79 |
|
|
12/25/2023 |
|
$ |
9.97 |
|
|
1/1/2023 |
|
$ |
104.79 |
|
|
$ |
104.82 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
155.17 |
|
|
$ |
255.75 |
|
|
11/23/2024 |
|
$ |
81.17 |
|
|
1/23/2024 |
|
$ |
193.69 |
|
|
$ |
193.69 |
|
|
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2025 |
|
$ |
169.90 |
|
|
$ |
280.00 |
|
|
1/19/2025 |
|
$ |
103.92 |
|
|
4/8/2025 |
|
$ |
123.97 |
|
|
$ |
123.97 |
|
|
November
18, 2021 (the commencement of the Trust’s operations) to December 31,
2025 |
|
$ |
105.78 |
|
|
$ |
280.00 |
|
|
1/19/2025 |
|
$ |
8.29 |
|
|
12/29/2022 |
|
$ |
123.97 |
|
|
$ |
123.97 |
|
The
following chart sets out the historical closing prices for the Shares as
reported by OTCQX and the Trust’s NAV per Share from April 19, 2023 to October
28, 2025.
GSOL
Premium/(Discount): GSOL Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP)
($)

The
following chart sets out the historical closing prices for the Shares as
reported by NYSE Arca from October 29, 2025 to December 31, 2025 and the Trust’s
NAV per Share from October 29, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
GSOL
Premium/(Discount): GSOL Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP) ($)

The
following chart sets out the historical premium and discount for the Shares
calculated as a percentage of the historical closing prices for the Shares as
reported by OTCQX and the Trust’s NAV per Share from April 19, 2023 to October
28, 2025.
GSOL
Premium/(Discount): GSOL Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP) (%)

The
following chart sets out the historical premium and discount for the Shares
calculated as a percentage of the historical closing prices for the Shares as
reported by NYSE Arca from October 29, 2025 to December 31, 2025 divided by the
Trust’s NAV per Share from October 29, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
GSOL
Premium/(Discount): GSOL Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP) (%)

Item
7A. Quantitative
and Qualitative
Disclosures about Market Risk
The
Trust Agreement does not authorize the Trust to borrow for payment of the
Trust’s ordinary expenses. The Trust does not engage in transactions in foreign
currencies which could expose the Trust or holders of Shares to any foreign
currency related market risk. The Trust does not invest in derivative financial
instruments and has no foreign operations or long-term debt
instruments.
Item
8. Financial
Statements
and Supplementary Data
See
Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 for a list of the financial statements
being filed therein.
Item
9. Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There
have been no disagreements with accountants on any matter of accounting
principles or practices or financial statement disclosures during the year ended
December 31, 2025.
Item
9A. Controls
and Procedures
Conclusion
Regarding the Effectiveness of
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The
Trust maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, and to the audit committee of the Sponsor, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under
the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer
and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, the Sponsor
conducted an evaluation of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures, as
defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the
Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
of the Sponsor concluded that, as of December 31, 2025, the Trust’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
This
annual report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding
internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the
Trust’s registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established
by rules of the SEC for newly public companies. In addition, because we are an
“emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, our independent registered public
accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting for so long as we are an emerging
growth company.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There
was no change in the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting that
occurred during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal quarter ended
December 31, 2025 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, these internal controls.
Item
9B. Other
Information
Not
applicable.
Item
9C. Disclosure
Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not
applicable.
PART
III
Item
10. Directors,
Executive Officers
and Corporate Governance
Management
of the Sponsor
The
Trust does not have any directors, officers or employees. Under the Trust
Agreement, all management functions of the Trust have been delegated to and are
conducted by the Sponsor, its agents and its affiliates, including without
limitation, the Custodian and its agents. As officers of the Sponsor, Peter
Mintzberg, the principal executive officer of the Sponsor, and Edward McGee, the
principal financial and accounting officer of the Sponsor, may take certain
actions and execute certain agreements and certifications for the Trust, in
their capacity as the principal officers of the Sponsor.
As
of and prior to December 31, 2024, GSI had a board of directors that was
responsible for managing and directing the affairs of the Sponsor. From January
1, 2025 to October 22, 2025, GSO Intermediate Holdings Corporation (“GSOIH”), a
Delaware corporation formed in connection with the Reorganization, which was the
sole managing member of GSO and an indirect subsidiary of DCG, had a board of
directors which was responsible for managing and directing the affairs of the
Sponsor.
On
October 22, 2025, GSOIH consummated an internal corporate reorganization (the
“Management Reorganization”), pursuant to which GSOIH transferred a portion of
its common membership units of GSO for Class A shares of Grayscale Investments,
Inc. (“Grayscale Investments”), a Delaware corporation incorporated in
connection with the Management Reorganization, and ceded its managing member
rights in GSO to Grayscale Investments. As a result of the Management
Reorganization, Grayscale Investments is now the sole managing member of GSO,
the sole member of the Sponsor.
From
and after October 22, 2025, as a result of the Management Reorganization, DCG
Grayscale Holdco, LLC (“DCG Holdco”), the sole stockholder of Grayscale
Investments, elected a board of directors (the “Board”) at Grayscale
Investments. As a result of the Management Reorganization, the Board of
Grayscale Investments is responsible for managing and directing the affairs of
the Sponsor and consists of Barry Silbert, Mark Shifke, Simon Koster, Peter
Mintzberg and Edward McGee, the same members as the board of directors of GSOIH
prior to the Management Reorganization. Mr. Mintzberg and Mr. McGee also retain
the authority granted to them as officers of the Sponsor under the limited
liability company agreement of the Sponsor.
The
Sponsor has an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the responsibility for
overseeing the financial reporting process of the Trust, including the risks and
controls of that process and such other oversight functions as are typically
performed by an audit committee of a public company.
The
Sponsor has a code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to its
executive officers and agents. The Code of Ethics is available by writing the
Sponsor at 290 Harbor Drive, 4th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902 or calling
the Sponsor at (212) 668-1427. The Sponsor’s Code of Ethics is intended to be a
codification of the business and ethical principles that guide the Sponsor, and
to deter wrongdoing, to promote honest and ethical conduct, to avoid conflicts
of interest, and to foster compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules
and regulations, the prompt internal reporting of violations and accountability
for adherence to this code.
Prior
to January 1, 2025, references to the “Sponsor” in this section refer to GSI,
and thereafter refer to GSO or GSIS, as applicable. In connection with the
Reorganization, the former Board of GSI was reconstituted at GSOIH and in
connection with the Management Reorganization, the former board of GSOIH was
reconstituted at Grayscale Investments. Prior to January 1, 2025, any references
to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of Grayscale Investments, LLC,
the former sponsor of the Trust. From January 1, 2025 to October 22, 2025, any
references to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of GSOIH. From and
after October 22, 2025, any references to the “Board” refer to the board of
directors of Grayscale Investments.
Barry
Silbert, Chairman of the Board
Barry
Silbert, 49, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DCG and has served as
chairman of the Board since August 2025 (previously served as a director and
chairman of the Board from February 2020 through December 2023). Until January
2021, Mr. Silbert was the Chief Executive Officer of the Sponsor. A pioneer in
blockchain investing, Mr. Silbert established himself in 2012 as one of the
earliest and most active investors in the industry. Mr. Silbert founded DCG in
2015 and today, it is one of the world’s most prolific investors in
decentralized technologies, backing over 250 early-stage companies in more than
40 countries. Mr. Silbert founded Yuma, a decentralized AI-focused subsidiary of
DCG, where he also serves as CEO. Yuma invests in, builds, and scales the
Bittensor network. The Sponsor is a consolidated subsidiary of DCG. DCG also
owns Foundry, Fortitude, Luno and Yuma. DCG also invests directly in digital
currencies and other digital assets. Prior to leading DCG, Mr. Silbert was the
founder and CEO of SecondMarket, a venture-backed technology company that was
acquired by Nasdaq. Mr. Silbert has received numerous awards and accolades,
including being named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by both Ernst & Young and
Crain’s, and being selected to Fortune’s prestigious “40 under 40” list. Before
becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Silbert worked as an investment banker. He
graduated with honors from the Goizueta Business School of Emory
University.
Mark
Shifke, Board Member
Mark
Shifke, 66, is the Chief Financial Officer of DCG and has served as a director
of the Board since January 2024. Since March 2021, Mr. Shifke has served on the
board of directors of Dock Ltd., a full-stack payments and digital banking
platform. Since September 2023, Mr. Shifke has served on the board of directors
of Luno, a cryptocurrency platform. Mr. Shifke has nearly four decades of
financial and fintech experience, and more than eight years of CFO experience
leading two publicly-traded companies. Prior to joining DCG, Mr. Shifke served
as CFO of Billtrust, a company focused on providing AR and cloud-based solutions
around payments, and as CFO of Green Dot (NYSE: GDOT), a mobile banking company
and payments platform. Previously, Mr. Shifke led teams at JPMorgan Chase and
Goldman Sachs, specializing in M&A Structuring and Advisory, as well as Tax
Asset Investments. Mr. Shifke also served as the Head of International
Structured Finance Group at KPMG. Mr. Shifke began his career at Davis Polk,
where he was a partner. He is a graduate of Tulane University (B.A./J.D.) and
the New York University School of Law (LL.M. in Taxation).
Simon
Koster, Board Member
Simon
Koster, 44, is the Chief Strategy Officer of DCG and has served as a director of
the Board since October 2025. As CSO, Mr. Koster leads the investment team,
managing the portfolio comprised of digital assets, wholly owned subsidiaries,
and more than 250 early-stage companies in over 35 nations across the world as
of the date of this filing. Prior to his current role, Mr. Koster was the CEO of
Real Estate at DCG, spearheading both internal and external real estate
ventures. Previously, he served as CEO of The Collective and brings a decade of
real estate experience from JDS Development Group, where he was instrumental in
the acquisition and development of top-tier residential, hospitality, and
mixed-use projects in New York City and Miami. He is a graduate of Rutgers
University (B.S.) and holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University
of Michigan. Mr. Koster has served on the board of directors of Foundry and Luno
since 2023. He has served as a director of Fortitude since 2024 and as a
director of Yuma since 2025. Each of Foundry, Luno, Fortitude and Yuma are
affiliated with the registrant.
Peter
Mintzberg, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer
Peter
Mintzberg, 57, has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Sponsor and has
served as a director of the Board since August 2024. Mr. Mintzberg joins the
Sponsor from Goldman Sachs, where he served as Global Head of Strategy for Asset
and Wealth Management. Prior, he held several global leadership roles in
Strategy, M&A, and Investor Relations at BlackRock, Apollo,
OppenheimerFunds, and Invesco. With deep knowledge across a broad base of client
types and asset classes, Mr. Mintzberg has over two decades of experience
developing and executing strategy and innovating to drive growth. Mr. Mintzberg
started his career working at McKinsey & Co. in New York, San Francisco, and
São Paulo, focused on the financial services and technology sectors. Mr.
Mintzberg was recognized as a Latino leader in Finance by The Alumni Society in
2018, and was selected as a David Rockefeller Fellow in the 2016-2017 Class by
the Partnership for New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering
from the Universidade Federal Rio de Janeiro, and an MBA from Harvard
University.
Edward
McGee, Board Member and Chief Financial Officer
Edward
McGee, 42, has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor since January
2022 and has served as a director of the Sponsor since January 2024. Before
serving as CFO, Mr. McGee was Vice President, Finance and Controller of the
Sponsor since June 2019. Prior to taking on his role at the Sponsor, Mr. McGee
served as a Vice President, Accounting Policy at Goldman, Sachs & Co.
providing coverage to their SEC Financial Reporting team facilitating the
preparation and review of their financial statements and provided U.S. GAAP
interpretation, application and policy development while servicing their Special
Situations Group, Merchant Banking Division and Urban Investments Group from
2014 to 2019. From 2011 to 2014, Mr. McGee was an auditor at Ernst & Young
providing assurance services to publicly listed companies. Mr. McGee earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the John H. Sykes College of
Business at the University of Tampa and graduated with honors while earning his
Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting from the Rutgers Business School
at the State University of New Jersey. Mr. McGee is a Certified Public
Accountant licensed in the state of New York.
Item
11. Executive
Compensation
Not
applicable.
Item
12. Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Securities
Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans and Related Stockholder
Matters
Not
applicable.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The
Trust does not have any directors, officers or employees. The following table
sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the
Shares for (i) each person that, to the Sponsor’s knowledge based on the records
of the Transfer Agent and other ownership information provided to the Sponsor,
owns beneficially a significant portion of the Shares; (ii) each director and
executive officer of the Sponsor individually; and (iii) all directors and
executive officers of the Sponsor as a group.
The
number of Shares beneficially owned and percentages of beneficial ownership set
forth below are based on the number of Shares outstanding as of March 6,
2026.
In
accordance with the rules of the SEC, beneficial ownership includes voting or
investment power with respect to securities.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percentage
of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Significant
Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital
Currency Group, Inc.(1) |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Directors
& Executive Officers of the Sponsor:(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
Barry
Silbert(3) |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Mark
Shifke |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Simon
Koster |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Peter
Mintzberg |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Edward
McGee |
|
* |
|
*
% |
|
Directors
& Executive Officers of the Sponsor as a group |
|
* |
|
*
% |
(1)
Barry
Silbert is the Chief Executive Officer of DCG and in such capacity may be deemed
to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held, directly or
indirectly, by such entity.
(2)
The
Trust does not have any directors, officers or employees. Under the Trust
Agreement, all management functions of the Trust have been delegated to and are
conducted by the Sponsor, its agents and its affiliates.
(3)
Does
not include Shares beneficially owned through DCG.
*
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each shareholder listed in the table above
is c/o Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, 290 Harbor Drive, 4th
Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902.
Item
13. Certain
Relationships and Related
Transactions and Director Independence
General
The
Sponsor has not established formal procedures to resolve all potential conflicts
of interest. Consequently, shareholders may be dependent on the good faith of
the respective parties subject to such conflicts to resolve them equitably.
Although the Sponsor attempts to monitor these conflicts, it is extremely
difficult, if not impossible, for the Sponsor to ensure that these conflicts do
not, in fact, result in adverse consequences to the Trust.
The
Sponsor presently intends to assert that shareholders have, by subscribing for
Shares of the Trust, consented to the following conflicts of interest in the
event of any proceeding alleging that such conflicts violated any duty owed by
the Sponsor to investors.
Digital
Currency Group, Inc.
DCG
is (i) the indirect parent company of the Sponsor, (ii) the indirect parent
company of Grayscale Securities, the Authorized Participant from October 3, 2022
through October 28, 2025, and (iii) a minority interest holder in Kraken, one of
the Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index, representing less
than 1.0% of its equity.
DCG
has investments in a large number of digital assets and companies involved in
the digital asset ecosystem, including trading platforms and custodians. DCG’s
positions on changes that should be adopted in the Solana Network could be
adverse to positions that would benefit the Trust or its shareholders.
Additionally, before or after a hard fork, DCG’s position regarding which fork
among a group of incompatible forks of the Solana Network should be considered
the “true” Solana Network could be adverse to positions that would most benefit
the Trust.
The
Sponsor
The
Sponsor has a conflict of interest in allocating its own limited resources
among, when applicable, different clients and potential future business
ventures, to each of which it owes fiduciary duties. Additionally, the
professional staff of the Sponsor also services other affiliates of the Trust,
including several other digital asset investment vehicles, and their respective
clients. Although the Sponsor and its professional staff cannot and will not
devote all of its or their respective time or resources to the management of the
affairs of the Trust, the Sponsor intends to devote, and to cause its
professional staff to devote, sufficient time and resources to manage properly
the affairs of the Trust consistent with its or their respective fiduciary
duties to the Trust and others.
The
Sponsor and Grayscale Securities are affiliates of each other, and the Sponsor
may engage other affiliated service providers in the future. Because of the
Sponsor’s affiliated status, it may be disincentivized from replacing affiliated
service providers. In connection with this conflict of interest, shareholders
should understand that affiliated service providers will receive fees for
providing services to the Trust. Clients of the affiliated service providers may
pay commissions at negotiated rates which are greater or less than the rate paid
by the Trust.
The
Sponsor and any affiliated service provider may, from time to time, have
conflicting demands in respect of their obligations to the Trust and, in the
future, to other clients. It is possible that future business ventures of the
Sponsor and affiliated service providers may generate larger fees, resulting in
increased payments to employees, and therefore, incentivizing the Sponsor and/or
the affiliated service providers to allocate its/their limited resources
accordingly to the potential detriment of the Trust.
There
is an absence of arm’s length negotiation with respect to some of the terms of
the Trust, and, where applicable, there has been no independent due diligence
conducted with respect to the Trust. The Sponsor will, however, not retain any
affiliated service providers for the Trust which the Sponsor has reason to
believe would knowingly or deliberately favor any other client over the
Trust.
Authorized
Participants
Prior
to October 3, 2022, Genesis, an affiliate of the Trust and the Sponsor, was the
only Authorized Participant and was party to a participant agreement with the
Sponsor and the Trust. From October 3, 2022 through October 28, 2025, Grayscale
Securities, an affiliate of the Trust and the Sponsor, was the Authorized
Participant. Effective October 29, 2025, the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust,
and the Transfer Agent entered into Participant Agreements with Jane Street
Capital, LLC, Virtu Americas LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., and ABN AMRO
Clearing USA LLC, pursuant to which such entities have agreed to act as
Authorized Participants. The Sponsor may engage additional Authorized
Participants who are unaffiliated with the Trust in the future.
Proprietary
Trading/Other Clients
Because
the officers of the Sponsor may trade SOL for their own personal trading
accounts (subject to certain internal trading policies and procedures) at the
same time as they are managing the account of the Trust, the activities of the
officers of the Sponsor, subject to their fiduciary duties, may, from
time-to-time, result in their taking positions in their personal trading
accounts which are opposite of the positions taken for the Trust. Records of the
Sponsor’s officers’ personal trading accounts will not be available for
inspection by shareholders.
Item
14. Principal
Accountant
Fees and Services
Fees
for services performed by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) for the years ended December 31,
2025 and 2024 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Audit
fees |
|
$ |
124,800 |
|
|
$ |
67,600 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
124,800 |
|
|
$ |
67,600 |
|
In
the table above, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, Audit Fees
are fees paid to KPMG for professional services for the audit of the Trust’s
financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K and review of
financial statements included in the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and for
services that are normally provided by the accountants in connection with
regulatory filings or engagements.
Pre-Approved
Policies
and Procedures
The
Trust has no board of directors, and as a result, has no audit committee or
pre-approval policy with respect to fees paid to its principal accounting firm.
Such determinations, including for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, are
made by the Sponsor’s Board and Audit Committee. Prior to January 1, 2025,
“Board” refers to the board of directors of Grayscale Investments, LLC, the
former Sponsor of the Trust. From January 1, 2025, to October 22, 2025, “Board”
refers to the board of directors of GSOIH. From and after October 22, 2025,
“Board” refers to the board of directors of Grayscale
Investments.
PART
IV
Item
15. Exhibits
and Financial
Statements Schedules
1.
Financial Statements
See
Index to Financial Statements on Page
F-1
for a list of the financial statements being filed herein.
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules
have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the
information has otherwise been included.
3.
Exhibits
|
| |
|
Exhibit
Number |
Exhibit
Description |
|
3.1 |
Certificate
of Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
3.2 |
Certificate
of Amendment to Certificate of Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on
April 4, 2025). |
|
3.3* |
Certificate
of Amendment to Certificate of Trust.
|
|
3.4* |
Certificate
of Amendment to Certificate of Trust. |
|
4.1 |
Second
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement, by and
among CSC Delaware Trust Company, as trustee, and Grayscale Investments
Sponsors, LLC, as sponsor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on September
26, 2025). |
|
4.2 |
Amendment
No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust
Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed
by the Registrant on October 29, 2025). |
|
4.3 |
Amendment
No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust
Agreement(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed
by the Registrant on January 5, 2026). |
|
4.4 |
Form
of Participant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on September
26, 2025). |
|
4.5* |
Description
of Registrant’s Securities. |
|
10.1† |
Prime
Broker Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on October 9,
2025). |
|
10.2† |
Staking
Addendum to the Coinbase Custody Custodial Services Agreement, dated as of
October 6, 2025, between the Sponsor, the Trust, and Coinbase, on behalf
of itself and the Coinbase Entities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.13 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on
October 9, 2025). |
|
10.3† |
Fund
Administration and Accounting Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the
Registrant on October 9, 2025). |
|
10.4† |
Index
License Agreement, dated February 1, 2022, between the Sponsor, and the
Index Provider (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
10.5† |
Amendment
No. 1 to the Index License Agreement, dated June 20, 2023, between the
Sponsor and Index Provider (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
10.6† |
Amendment
No. 6 to the Index License Agreement, dated March 1, 2025, between the
Sponsor and Index Provider (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
10.7† |
Marketing
Agent Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on October 9,
2025). |
|
| |
|
10.8† |
Transfer
Agency and Service Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on October
9, 2025). |
|
10.9† |
Co-Transfer
Agency Agreement, dated October 9, 2025, between the Sponsor and the
Co-Transfer Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on October 9,
2025).
|
|
10.10† |
Assignment
and Assumption Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
10.11† |
Coinbase
Assignment Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on April 4,
2025). |
|
10.12† |
Master
Custody Service Agreement, dated August 8, 2025, between the Trust and
Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on
September 26, 2025). |
|
10.13 |
Second
Amendment to Master Custody Service Agreement, dated September 25, 2025,
between the Trust and Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed
by the Registrant on September 26, 2025). |
|
10.14†* |
Master
Services Agreement, dated August 6, 2020, between Sponsor and the
Secondary Index Provider. |
|
31.1* |
Certification
by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
31.2* |
Certification
by Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
32.1* |
Certification
by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. |
|
32.2* |
Certification
by Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002. |
|
97.1* |
Recovery
of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Policy. |
|
101.INS* |
Inline
XBRL Instance Document – the
instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its
XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
|
101.SCH* |
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With
Embedded Linkbase Documents.
|
|
104 |
Cover
Page Interactive Data File—The cover page interactive data file does not
appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded
within the inline XBRL document |
*
Filed herewith.
†
Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted as the
Registrant has determined that (i) the omitted information is not material and
(ii) the omitted information is of the type that the Registrant treats as
private or confidential.
Item
16. Form
10-K
Summary
Not
applicable.
Glossary
of Defined
Terms
In
this Annual Report, each of the following quoted terms has the meanings set
forth after such term:
“Actual
Exchange Rate”—With
respect to any particular asset, at any time, the price per single unit of such
asset (determined net of any associated fees) at which the Trust is able to sell
such asset for U.S. dollars (or other applicable fiat currency) at such time to
enable the Trust to timely pay any Additional Trust Expenses, through use of the
Sponsor’s commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the highest such
price.
“Actual
Execution Cash Order”—A
Cash Order pursuant to which any price differential between (x) the Total Basket
NAV on the trade date and (y) the price realized in acquiring or disposing of
the corresponding Total Basket Amount, as the case may be, will be borne solely
by the Authorized Participant.
“Additional
Creation Cash”—In
connection with a creation pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, the
amount of additional cash required to be delivered by the Authorized Participant
in the event the price realized in acquiring the corresponding Total Basket
Amount is higher than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date.
“Additional
Custodian”
or “Anchorage
Digital”—Anchorage
Digital Bank N.A.
“Additional
Redemption Cash”—In
connection with a redemption pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, the
amount of additional cash to be delivered to the Authorized Participant in the
event the price realized in disposing the corresponding Total Basket Amount is
higher than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date.
“Additional
Trust Expenses”—Together,
any expenses incurred by the Trust in addition to the Sponsor’s Fee that are not
Sponsor-paid Expenses, including, but not limited to, (i) taxes and governmental
charges, (ii) expenses and costs of any extraordinary services performed by the
Sponsor (or any other service provider) on behalf of the Trust to protect the
Trust or the interests of shareholders, (iii) any indemnification of the
Custodian or other agents, service providers or counterparties of the Trust,
(iv) the fees and expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the
Shares on any Secondary Market (including legal, marketing and audit fees and
expenses) to the extent exceeding $600,000 in any given fiscal year and (v)
extraordinary legal fees and expenses, including any legal fees and expenses
incurred in connection with litigation, regulatory enforcement or investigation
matters.
“Administrator”—The
Bank of New York Mellon, a New York corporation authorized to conduct banking
business.
“Administrator
Fee”—The
fee payable to any administrator of the Trust for services it provides to the
Trust, which the Sponsor will pay such administrator as a Sponsor-paid
Expense.
“Affirmative
Action”—A
decision by the Trust to acquire or abandon specific Incidental Rights and IR
Virtual Currency at any time prior to the time of a creation or redemption of
Shares.
“Anchorage
Digital Custodian Agreement”—The
Master Custody Service Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2025, as
amended by
the Second Amendment, dated September 25, 2025, between the Trust and Anchorage
Digital regarding the custody and safekeeping of the Trust’s SOL
holdings.
“AML”—Anti-money
laundering.
“AP
Designee”—An
Authorized Participant’s designee in connection with In-Kind Orders (to the
extent Authorized Participants enter into or amend their respective Participant
Agreements to provide for in-kind creations and redemptions).
“Authorized
Participant”—Certain
eligible financial institutions that have entered into an agreement with the
Trust and the Sponsor concerning the creation or redemption of Shares. Each
Authorized Participant (i) is a registered broker-dealer and (ii) has entered
into a Participant Agreement with the Sponsor and the Transfer Agent. Subject to
the Sponsor causing the Trust to create and redeem Shares via in-kind
transactions with Authorized Participants, in the future any Authorized
Participants creating and redeeming Shares through In-Kind Orders must also own,
or their AP Designee (as defined above) must own, a SOL wallet address that is
known to the Custodian as belonging to the Authorized Participant or its AP
Designee and maintain an account with the Custodian.
“Basket”—A
block of 10,000 Shares.
“Basket
Amount”—On
any trade date, the amount of SOL required as of such trade date for the
creation or redemption of a Basket, as determined by dividing (x) the amount of
SOL owned by the Trust at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on such trade date,
after
deducting
the amount of SOL representing the U.S. dollar value of accrued but unpaid fees
and expenses of the Trust (converted using the Index Price at such time, and
carried to the eighth decimal place), by (y) the number of Shares outstanding at
such time (with the quotient so obtained calculated to one one-hundred-millionth
of one SOL (i.e.,
carried to the eighth decimal place)), and multiplying such quotient by
10,000.
“Basket
NAV”—The
U.S. dollar value of a Basket calculated by multiplying the Basket Amount by the
Index Price as of the trade date.
“Binance”—Binance
Holdings Ltd.
“Bitcoin”—A
type of digital asset based on an open-source cryptographic protocol existing on
the Bitcoin network.
“Blockchain”—The
public transaction ledger of the Solana Network on which transactions in SOL are
recorded.
“Board”—Board
of Directors of Grayscale Investments, Inc., which, as of October 22, 2025, and
pursuant to the Management Reorganization, manages and directs the affairs of
the Sponsor. Prior to January 1, 2025, any references to the “Board” refer to
the board of directors of Grayscale Investments, LLC, the former Sponsor of the
Trust. From January 1, 2025, to October 22, 2025, any references to the “Board”
refer to the board of directors of GSOIH. From and after October 22, 2025, any
references to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of Grayscale
Investments.
“Cash
Account”—The
segregated account maintained by the Transfer Agent in the name of the Trust for
purposes of receiving cash from Authorized Participants in connection with
creations of Shares and distributing cash to Authorized Participants in
connection with redemptions of Shares.
“Cash
Order”—An
order for the creation or redemption of Shares pursuant to procedures
facilitated by the Transfer Agent and pursuant to which a Liquidity Provider is
engaged to facilitate the purchase or sale of SOL. A
Cash Order may be executed as either a Variable Fee Cash Order or an Actual
Execution Cash Order. Unless the Sponsor determines otherwise in its sole
discretion based on market conditions and other factors existing at the time of
such Cash Order, all creations and redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders are
expected to be executed as Variable Fee Cash Orders.
“CDI”—CoinDesk
Indices, Inc., with its affiliates, including CC Data Limited.
“CEA”—Commodity
Exchange Act of 1936, as amended.
“CFPB”—The
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“CFTC”—The
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent agency with the
mandate to regulate commodity futures and option markets in the United
States.
“CME”—The
Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
“Code”—The
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Coinbase”—Coinbase,
Inc.
“Coinbase
Credit”—Coinbase
Credit, Inc.
“Co-Transfer
Agent”—Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
“Covered
Person”—The
Sponsor and its affiliates. See “Item 1. Business—Description of the Trust
Agreement—The Sponsor—Liability of the Sponsor and Indemnification.”
“Creation
Basket”—Basket
of Shares issued by the Trust upon deposit of the Basket Amount required for
each such Creation Basket.
“Creation
Time”—With
respect to the creation of any Shares by the Trust, the time at which the Trust
creates such Shares.
“Custodial
and Prime Broker Services”—The
services of the Custodian and the Prime Broker that provide for: (i) holding of
the Trust’s SOL in the Vault Balance and the Settlement Balance; (ii) transfer
of the Trust’s SOL between the relevant Vault Balance and the Settlement
Balance; (iii) the deposit of SOL from a public blockchain address into the
respective account or accounts in which the Vault Balance or the Settlement
Balance are maintained; and (iv) the withdrawal of SOL from the Vault Balance to
a public blockchain address the Trust controls.
“Custodial
Entities”—The
Prime Broker, together with the Custodian.
“Custodian”—Coinbase
Custody Trust Company, LLC, Anchorage Digital Bank, N.A. and/or other
custodians, collectively or in their individual capacities, as the context may
require.
“Custodian
Fee”—Fee
payable to the Custodian and the Prime Broker for services they provide to the
Trust, which the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian and the Prime Broker as a
Sponsor-paid Expense.
“DAOs”—Decentralized
autonomous organizations.
“DCG”—Digital
Currency Group, Inc.
“DCG
Holdco”—DCG
Grayscale Holdco, LLC.
“DCM”—A
designated contract market, which is a board of trade (commonly referred to as
an exchange) that operates under the regulatory oversight of the
CFTC.
“Digital
Asset Market”—A
“Brokered Market,” “Dealer Market,” “Principal-to-Principal Market” or “Exchange
Market” (referred to as “Trading Platform Market” in this Annual Report), as
each such term is defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting
Standards Codification Master Glossary.
“Digital
Asset Trading Platform”—An
electronic marketplace where trading platform participants may trade, buy and
sell SOL based on bid-ask trading. The largest Digital Asset Trading Platforms
are online and typically trade on a 24-hour basis, publishing transaction price
and volume data.
“Digital
Asset Trading Platform Market”—The
global trading platform market for the trading of SOL, which consists of
transactions on electronic Digital Asset Trading Platforms.
“DSTA”—The
Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended.
“DTC”—The
Depository Trust Company. DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under
New York law, a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and a clearing agency
registered with the SEC. DTC will act as the securities depository for the
Shares.
“Ether”—Ethereum
tokens, which are a type of digital asset based on an open-source cryptographic
protocol existing on the Ethereum network.
“Excess
Creation Cash”—In
connection with a creation pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, the
amount of excess cash to be returned to the Authorized Participant in the event
the price realized in acquiring the corresponding Total Basket Amount is lower
than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date.
“Exchange
Act”—The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“FDIC”—The
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Fee
Waiver Period”—The
period from November 5, 2025 until the earlier of (x) February 5, 2026 and (y)
the first date on which the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0 billion.
“FinCEN”—The
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the
Treasury.
“FINRA”—The
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is the primary regulator in
the United States for broker-dealers, including Authorized
Participants.
“FSMA”—The
Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.
“FTX”—FTX
Trading Ltd.
“Genesis”—Genesis
Global Trading, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Currency Group,
Inc.
“Grayscale
Investments”—Grayscale
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a consolidated subsidiary of
DCG.
“Grayscale
Securities”—Grayscale
Securities, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of Grayscale Operating, LLC, which
served as the Authorized Participant from October 3, 2022 through October 28,
2025, and GSO thereafter.
“GSI”—Grayscale
Investments, LLC, the Sponsor of the Trust until December 31, 2024.
“GSIS”—Grayscale
Investments Sponsors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a
consolidated subsidiary of Grayscale Operating, LLC.
“GSO”—Grayscale
Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a consolidated
subsidiary of DCG.
“GSOIH”—GSO
Intermediate Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a consolidated
subsidiary of DCG.
“ICE”—Intercontinental
Exchange.
“Incidental
Rights”—Rights
to acquire, or otherwise establish dominion and control over, any virtual
currency or other asset or right, which rights are incident to the Trust’s
ownership of SOL and arise without any action of the Trust, or of the Sponsor or
Trustee on behalf of the Trust.
“Index”—Prior
to October 1, 2025, the CoinDesk Solana Price Index (SLX). As of October 1,
2025, the Index is the CoinDesk Solana Benchmark Rate (formerly known as the
CoinDesk SOL CCIXber Reference Rate).
“Index
License Agreement”—The
license agreement, dated as of February 1, 2022, between the Index Provider and
the Sponsor governing the Sponsor’s use of the Index for calculation of the
Index Price, as amended from time to time.
“Index
Price”—The
U.S. dollar value of a SOL token derived from the Digital Asset Trading
Platforms that are reflected in the Index, calculated at 4:00 p.m., New York
time, on each business day. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Solana
Industry and Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index Price” for a description
of how the Index Price is calculated. For purposes of the Trust Agreement, the
term SOL Index Price shall mean the Index Price as defined herein.
“Index
Provider”—CoinDesk
Indices, Inc., a Delaware corporation that publishes the Index.
“In-Kind
Order”—An
order for the creation or redemption of Shares pursuant to which the Authorized
Participant (or its AP Designee) will deliver or receive SOL directly from the
Trust’s Vault Balance. At this time, the Trust is not permitted to create or
redeem Shares through In-Kind Orders.
“Investment
Advisers Act”—Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
“Investment
Company Act”—Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
“Investor”—Any
investor that has entered into a subscription agreement with an Authorized
Participant, pursuant to which such Authorized Participant will act as agent for
the investor.
“IR
Virtual Currency”—Any
virtual currency tokens, or other asset or right, acquired by the Trust through
the exercise (subject to the applicable provisions of the Trust Agreement) of
any Incidental Right.
“IRS”—The
U.S. Internal Revenue Service, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the
Treasury.
“KYC”—Know-your-customer.
“Layer
1”—The
underlying smart contract platform blockchain on which a digital asset
functions.
“Layer
2”—Protocols
built on top of an underlying smart contract platform blockchain intended to
provide scalability to the underlying blockchain by increasing transaction
efficiency.
“Liquidity
Engager”—Until
December 31, 2024, Grayscale Investments, LLC, and on or after January 1, 2025,
Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, in each case acting other than in its
capacity as Sponsor, and in its capacity to engage one or more Liquidity
Providers.
“Liquidity
Provider”—One
or more eligible companies that facilitate the purchase and sale of SOL in
connection with creations or redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders. The Liquidity
Providers with which Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, acting in its capacity
as the Liquidity Engager, will engage in SOL transactions are third parties that
are not affiliated with the Sponsor or the Trust and are not acting as agents of
the Trust, the Sponsor, or any Authorized Participant. Except for the
contractual relationships between each Liquidity Provider and Grayscale
Investments Sponsors, LLC in its capacity as the Liquidity Engager, there is no
contractual relationship between each Liquidity Provider and the Trust, the
Sponsor, or any Authorized Participant.
“Liquidity
Sleeve”—The
portion of SOL in the Trust intended to be maintained as unstaked, as determined
by the Sponsor from time to time.
“Management
Reorganization”—An
internal corporate reorganization consummated on October 22, 2025. As a result
of the Management Reorganization, Grayscale Investments is now the sole managing
member of GSO, the sole member of the Sponsor, and the Board of Grayscale
Investments is responsible for managing and directing the affairs of the
Sponsor.
“Marketing
Agent”—Foreside
Fund Services, LLC.
“Marketing
Agent Agreement”—An
agreement entered into by the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, dated October 3,
2025, with Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
“Marketing
Fee”—Fee
payable to the marketer for services it provides to the Trust, which the Sponsor
will pay to the marketer as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“Merger”—The
merger of Grayscale Investments, LLC with and into Grayscale Operating, LLC,
with Grayscale Operating, LLC continuing as the surviving company.
“MiCA”—The
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, which was approved by the Parliament of the
European Union in 2023.
“MSB”—A
money services business.
“NAV”—The
aggregate value, expressed in U.S. dollars, of the Trust’s assets (other than
U.S. dollars or other fiat currency), less its liabilities (which include
estimated accrued but unpaid fees and expenses), a non-GAAP metric, calculated
in the manner set forth under “Item 1. Business—Valuation of SOL and
Determination of NAV.” See also “Item 1. Business—Investment Objective” for a
description of the Trust’s Principal Market NAV, as calculated in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. Prior to February 23, 2024, NAV was referred to as Digital Asset
Holdings.
“NAV
Fee Basis Amount”—The
amount on which the Sponsor’s Fee for the Trust is based, as calculated in the
manner set forth under “Item 1. Business—Valuation of SOL and Determination of
NAV”.
“NYSE
Arca”—NYSE
Arca, Inc.
“OTCQX”—The
OTCQX Best Market® of OTC Markets Group Inc.
“Participant
Agreement”—An
agreement entered into by an Authorized Participant with the Sponsor and the
Transfer Agent that provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of
Baskets.
“Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment”—The
abandonment by the Trust, irrevocably for no direct or indirect consideration,
all Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency to which the Trust would otherwise
be entitled, effective immediately prior to a Creation Time or a Redemption Time
(as the case may be) for the Trust.
“Pre-Creation/Redemption
Abandonment Notices”—The
notices, collectively, as amended or supplemented from time to time, delivered
by the Sponsor to each of the Prime Broker, the Custodian and Coinbase Credit,
on behalf of the Trust, stating that the Trust
will
abandon irrevocably and for no direct or indirect consideration, effective
immediately prior to each Creation Time and each Redemption Time for the Trust,
all Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be
entitled as of such time and with respect to which the Trust has not taken any
Affirmative Action at or prior to such time.
“Prime
Broker”—Coinbase,
Inc.
“Prime
Broker Agreement”—The
Prime Broker Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2024, by and among the Trust, the
Sponsor and the Prime Broker, on behalf of itself, the Custodian and Coinbase
Credit, that governs the Trust’s and the Sponsor’s use of the Custodial and
Prime Broker Services provided by the Custodian and the Prime Broker.
“Principal
Market NAV”—The
net asset value of the Trust determined on a U.S. GAAP basis. Prior to February
23, 2024, Principal Market NAV was referred to as NAV.
“Redemption
Basket”—Basket
of Shares redeemed by the Trust upon distribution or disposition of the Basket
Amount required for each such Redemption Basket.
“Redemption
Cash Shortfall”—In
connection with a redemption pursuant to an Actual Execution Cash Order, the
amount by which the cash to be delivered to the Authorized Participant is
reduced in the event the price realized in disposing the corresponding Total
Basket Amount is lower than the Total Basket NAV on the trade date.
“Redemption
Time”—With
respect to the redemption of any Shares by the Trust, the time at which the
Trust redeems such Shares.
“Reorganization”—The
internal corporate reorganization of Grayscale Investments, LLC consummated on
January 1, 2025.
“Required
Redemption Cash”—The
actual proceeds to the Trust from the liquidation of the Total Basket
Amount.
“Reverse
Share
Split”—
1-for-20 reverse Share split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares, which
was effected on June 23, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of
business on June 22, 2022. A 1-for-2 reverse Share split of the Trust’s issued
and outstanding Shares, which was effected on March 20, 2023 to shareholders of
record as of the close of business on March 15, 2023.
“SEC”—The
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Secondary
Index”—The
Coin Metrics Real-Time Rate.
“Secondary
Index Price”—The
price set by Coin Metrics Real-Time Rate as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the
valuation date. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Solana Industry and
Market—SOL Value—The Index and the Index Price—Determination of the Index Price
When Index Price is Unavailable” for a description of how the Secondary Index
Price is utilized when the Index Price is unavailable.
“Secondary
Index Provider”—Coin
Metrics Inc., a Delaware corporation that publishes the Secondary
Index.
“Secondary
Market”—Any
marketplace or other alternative trading system, as determined by the Sponsor,
on which the Shares may then be listed, quoted or traded, including but not
limited to, NYSE Arca and and the OTCQX Best Market® of OTC Markets Group
Inc.
“Securities
Act”—The
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Settlement
Balance”—An
account controlled and maintained by the Custodian to which cash and digital
assets of the Trust are credited on the Trust’s behalf.
“Shares”—Common
units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the
Trust.
“Share
Percentage”—A
fraction the numerator of which is the number of Shares disposed of and the
denominator of which is the total number of Shares held by such U.S. Holder
immediately prior to such sale or other disposition.
“Share
Split”—A
5-for-1 Share split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares, which was
effected on December 9, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of
business on December 5, 2024.
“SIPC”—The
Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
“SOL”—
SOL tokens, which are a type of digital asset based on an open source
cryptographic protocol existing on the Solana
Network, comprising units that
constitute the assets underlying the Trust’s Shares.
“Solana
Network”—The
online, end-user-to-end-user network hosting a public transaction ledger, known
as the Solana
blockchain, and the source code comprising the basis for the
cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the Solana
network.
“Sponsor”
or “Co-Sponsor”—The
sponsor of the Trust. Grayscale Investments, LLC was the sponsor of the Trust
before January 1, 2025, Grayscale Operating, LLC was a co-sponsor of the Trust
from January 1, 2025 to May 3, 2025, and Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC was
a co-sponsor of the Trust from January 1, 2025 to May 3, 2025 and became the
sole remaining sponsor thereafter.
“Sponsor
Contracts”—Certain
contracts assigned by GSO pertaining to its role as Sponsor (as such term is
defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Trust to GSIS in connection with the
Reorganization.
“Sponsor-paid
Expenses”—The
fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in the ordinary course of its affairs
that the Sponsor is obligated to assume and pay, excluding taxes, but including:
(i) the Marketing Fee, (ii) the Administrator Fee, (iii) the Custodian Fee and
fees for any other security vendor engaged by the Trust, (iv) the Transfer Agent
Fee, (v) the Trustee fee, (vi) the fees and expenses related to the listing,
quotation or trading of the Shares on any Secondary Market (including customary
legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) in an amount up to $600,000 in any
given fiscal year, (vii) ordinary course, legal fees and expenses, (viii) audit
fees, (ix) regulatory fees, including, if applicable, any fees relating to the
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (x)
printing and mailing costs, (xi) costs of maintaining the Trust’s website and
(xii) applicable license fees, provided that any expense that qualifies as an
Additional Trust Expense will be deemed to be an Additional Trust Expense and
not a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“Sponsor’s
Fee”—A
fee, payable in SOL, which accrues daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate of
0.35% of the NAV Fee Basis Amount of the Trust as of 4:00 p.m., New York time,
on each day; provided that for a day that is not a business day, the calculation
of the Sponsor’s Fee will be based on the NAV Fee Basis Amount from the most
recent business day, reduced by the accrued and unpaid Sponsor’s Fee for such
most recent business day and for each day after such most recent business day
and prior to the relevant calculation date. The Sponsor has previously waived
the Sponsor's Fee during the Fee Waiver Period, which ended on February 5, 2026,
as described in more detail under “Item 1. Business—Expenses; Sales of
SOL.”
“Sponsor’s
Staking Fee”—In
addition to the Sponsor’s Fee, as partial consideration for the Sponsor’s
facilitation of Staking but only if (and, then, only to the extent that) the
Staking Condition has been satisfied with respect thereto, a portion of the
staking rewards payable to the Sponsor in SOL (or, if applicable, in the form of
any Other Staking Consideration), which accrues daily in U.S. dollars in an
amount calculated as a per annum percentage of any Staking Consideration
received by the Trust, as may be directed by the Sponsor in its sole discretion.
The Sponsor’s Staking Fee is payable to the Sponsor daily in arrears. As of the
date hereof, the Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the Staking
Provider’s share of such Staking Consideration comprises an aggregate of 23% of
the gross Staking Consideration generated under the Staking Arrangements. The
Trust will receive and retain the remainder of such gross Staking
Consideration.
“Staking”—
(i) Using, or permitting to be used, in any manner, through an agent or
otherwise (including, for the avoidance of doubt, through a delegation of rights
to any third party with respect to any portion of the Trust Estate, by making
any portion of the Trust Estate available to any third party or by entering into
any similar arrangement with a third party), any portion of the Trust Estate in
a proof-of-stake validation protocol, (ii) accepting any Staking Consideration,
(iii) holding any Other Staking Consideration accepted by the Trust pursuant to
clause (ii), for not more than 30 days after the Trust’s receipt thereof,
pending the use of such Other Staking Consideration for payment of Additional
Trust Expenses or distribution to the Shareholders and (iv) any financing
arrangement or other mechanism utilized by the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust,
in connection with Redemption Orders to manage SOL liquidity constraints arising
from activities described in the preceding clauses. For the avoidance of doubt,
(i) the mere act of transferring units of virtual currency on a peer-to-peer
virtual currency network that utilizes a proof-of-stake validation protocol
shall not be considered to be “Staking” and (ii) “Staking” shall include any
related activity contemplated by a Tax Ruling, an opinion or Tax Guidance, in
each case, described in the definition of Staking Condition (and, in the case of
a Tax Ruling, that is described in the private letter ruling request (as
supplemented from time to time) submitted to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
in connection therewith).
“Staking
Condition”—With
respect to a particular form of Staking, the condition that (i) (x) engaging in
such form of Staking should not cause the Trust to be treated as other than a
grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the Trust shall have
received (1) a written opinion from a Tax Advisor or (2) a Tax Ruling, in each
case, to that effect or (ii) such form of Staking is confirmed in Tax Guidance
to be a permissible undertaking by a grantor trust. As of the date of this
filing, the Staking Condition has been satisfied as to the particular form of
Staking described in the Trust’s Annual Report, as amended from time to time,
and the Sponsor intends to
cause
the Trust to engage in Staking as described therein. The Sponsor may in the
future modify the form of Staking in which the Trust engages, but only if (and,
then, only to the extent that) the Staking Condition has been satisfied with
respect to any such modified form of Staking, and subject to compliance with any
additional requirements that may arise in connection with satisfaction of the
Staking Condition with respect thereto.
“Staking
Consideration”—Any
consideration of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, any staking
reward paid in fiat currency or paid in-kind, in exchange for using, or
permitting to be used, any portion of the Trust Estate as described in clause
(i) of the definition of “Staking.”
“Tax
Advisor”—An
independent law firm that is recognized as being expert in tax
matters.
“Tax
Guidance”—any
tax guidance that is issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and on which taxpayers may rely.
“Tax
Ruling”—A
binding ruling issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Tertiary
Pricing Option”—The
price set by the Trust’s principal market.
“Total
Basket Amount”—With
respect to any creation or redemption order, the applicable Basket Amount
multiplied by the number of Baskets being created or redeemed.
“Total
Basket NAV”—The
applicable Basket NAV Amount multiplied by the number of Baskets being created
or redeemed.
“Transfer
Agency and Service Agreement”—The
agreement between the Sponsor and the Transfer Agent which sets forth the
obligations and responsibilities of the Transfer Agent with respect to transfer
agency services and related matters.
“Transfer
Agent”—The
Bank of New York Mellon, a New York corporation authorized to conduct banking
business.
“Transfer
Agent Fee”—Fee
payable to the Transfer Agent for services it provides to the Trust, which the
Sponsor will pay to the Transfer Agent as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“Treasury
Regulations”—The
regulations, including proposed or temporary regulations, promulgated under the
Code.
“Trust”—Grayscale
Solana Staking Trust ETF, a Delaware statutory trust, formed on November 9, 2021
under the DSTA and pursuant to the Trust Agreement. On January 5, 2026, the
Trust changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust ETF to Grayscale Solana
Staking ETF and previously, on October 28, 2025, the Trust changed its name from
Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) to Grayscale Solana Trust ETF by filing a
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary
of State in accordance with the provisions of the DSTA.
“Trust
Agreement”—The
Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement, dated as
of September 19, 2025, between the Trustee and the Sponsor establishing and
governing the operations of the Trust, as amended by Amendments No. 1 and No. 2
thereto, and as the same may be further amended from time to time.
“Trustee”—CSC
Delaware Trust Company (formerly known as Delaware Trust Company), a Delaware
trust company, is the Delaware trustee of the Trust.
“Trust
Estate”—Without
duplication, (i) all the SOL in the Trust’s accounts, including the SOL Account,
(ii) all Incidental Rights held by the Trust, (iii) all IR Virtual Currency in
the Trust’s accounts, (iv) all Other Staking Consideration held by the Trust,
(v) all proceeds from the sale of SOL, Incidental Rights, IR Virtual Currency
and Other Staking Consideration pending use of such cash for payment of
Additional Trust Expenses or distribution to the Shareholders and (vi) any
rights of the Trust pursuant to any agreements, other than this Trust Agreement,
to which the Trust is a party.
“UBTI”—Unrelated
business taxable income.
“Uplisting
Date”—October
29, 2025, the date on which the shares of Grayscale Solana Staking ETF began
trading on NYSE Arca as shares of an exchange-traded product.
“U.S.”—United
States.
“U.S.
dollar”
or “$”—United
States dollar or dollars.
“U.S.
GAAP”—United
States generally accepted accounting principles.
“Variable
Fee”—An
amount in cash based on the Total Basket NAV, which shall be paid by the
Authorized Participant in connection with Variable Fee Cash Orders. The amount
may be changed by the Sponsor in its sole discretion at any time.
“Variable
Fee Cash Order”—A
Cash Order pursuant to which any price differential between (x) the Total Basket
NAV on the trade date and (y) the price realized in acquiring or disposing of
the corresponding Total Basket Amount, as the case may be, will be borne solely
by the applicable Liquidity Provider.
“Vault
Balance”—A
segregated custody account controlled and secured by the Custodian to store
private keys, which allow for the transfer of ownership or control of the
Trust’s SOL on the Trust’s behalf.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned in the capacities* indicated, thereunto duly
authorized.
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Grayscale
Investments Sponsors, LLC as Sponsor of Grayscale Solana Staking
ETF |
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By: |
/s/
Peter Mintzberg
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Name: |
Peter
Mintzberg
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Title: |
Member
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)* |
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By: |
/s/
Edward McGee |
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Name: |
Edward
McGee |
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Title: |
Member
of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)* |
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By: |
/s/
Barry Silbert |
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Name:
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Barry
Silbert |
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Title: |
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
Director* |
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By: |
/s/ Mark
Shifke |
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Name:
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Mark
Shifke |
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Title: |
Member
of the Board of Directors
Director* |
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By: |
/s/
Simon Koster |
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Name: |
Simon
Koster |
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Title: |
Member
of the Board of Directors
Director* |
Date:
March 12, 2026
*
The Registrant is a trust and the persons are signing in their capacities as
officers of Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant,
or directors of Grayscale Investments, Inc., the sole managing member of
Grayscale Operating, LLC, the sole member of Grayscale Investments Sponsors,
LLC, as applicable.
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Shareholders and Sponsor of
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF:
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including
the schedules of investment of Grayscale Solana Staking ETF (the Trust) as of
December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the related statements of operations
and changes in net assets for the years then ended, the statement of cash flows
for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the related notes (collectively, the
financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of December 31,
2025 and December 31, 2024, and the results of its operations and changes in its
net assets for the years then ended, and its cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2025, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be
independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of
the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
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/s/
KPMG
LLP
We have
served as the Trust’s auditor since 2024.
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New
York, New York |
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March
12, 2026 |
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REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Shareholders and Sponsor of
Grayscale
Solana Staking ETF
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the statements of operations and changes in net assets of Grayscale
Solana Staking ETF (the “Trust”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the
related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our
opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects the
results of its operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the management of the Trust’s
Sponsor, Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Trust’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a
public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect
to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have,
nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our
audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and
performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Emphasis
of Matter - Investment in SOL
In
forming our opinion, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures included
in Note 7 to the financial statements concerning among other things the risks
and uncertainties related to the Trust’s investment in SOL and Incidental Rights
or IR Virtual Currency that arise as a result of the Trust’s investment in SOL.
The risks and rewards to be recognized by the Trust associated with its
investment in SOL will be dependent on many factors outside of the Trust’s
control. The currently immature nature of the SOL market including clearing,
settlement, custody and trading mechanisms, the dependency on information
technology to sustain SOL continuity, as well as valuation and volume volatility
all subject SOL to unique risks of theft, loss, or other misappropriation as
well as valuation uncertainty. Furthermore, these factors also contribute to the
significant uncertainty with respect to the future viability and value of SOL.
Our opinion is not qualified in respect to this matter.
|
|
/s/
Marcum
LLP
We have
served as the Trust’s auditor from 2021 to 2024 (such date takes into
account the acquisition of certain assets of Friedman LLP by Marcum LLP
effective September 1, 2022).
|
|
New
York, New York |
|
March 8,
2024, except for the retrospective application of the Share Split
described in Note 1, as to which the date is March 19, 2025.
|
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
(Amounts
in thousands, except Share and per Share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
December
31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
in SOL, at fair value (cost $174,992 and
$67,786 as
of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
Staking
Reward receivable, at fair value |
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Total
assets |
|
$ |
160,428 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsor’s
Staking Fee payable, related party |
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Sponsor’s
Fee payable, related party |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Total
liabilities |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
assets |
|
$ |
160,357 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
Shares
issued and outstanding, no par
value (unlimited Shares
authorized) |
|
|
17,634,135 |
|
|
|
7,160,335 |
|
|
Principal
Market NAV per Share |
|
$ |
9.09 |
|
|
$ |
14.33 |
|
See
accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENT
(Amounts
in thousands, except quantity of SOL and percentages)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
December
31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quantity
of SOL |
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Fair
Value |
|
|
%
of Net Assets |
|
|
Investment
in SOL |
|
|
1,293,746.87210555 |
|
|
$ |
174,992 |
|
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Total
Investment |
|
|
|
|
$ |
174,992 |
|
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Liabilities
in Excess of Other Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(28 |
) |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
Net
assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
160,357 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quantity
of SOL |
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Fair
Value |
|
|
%
of Net Assets |
|
|
Investment
in SOL |
|
|
529,873.89849530 |
|
|
$ |
67,786 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Total
Investment |
|
|
|
|
$ |
67,786 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Net
assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
See
accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
STATEMENTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Amounts
in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Investment
income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staking
Reward income |
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Investment
income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Total
Investment income |
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsor's
Staking Fee, related party |
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Sponsor’s
Fee, related party |
|
|
2,001 |
|
|
|
1,758 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
Gross
Expenses |
|
|
2,097 |
|
|
|
1,758 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
Sponsor’s
Fee Waiver, related party |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
expenses |
|
|
2,024 |
|
|
|
1,758 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
Net
investment loss |
|
|
(413 |
) |
|
|
(1,758 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold to pay
expenses |
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
(290 |
) |
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold for redemption of
Shares |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
(49,455 |
) |
|
|
33,618 |
|
|
|
15,387 |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Sponsor's Staking Fee
payable in SOL |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investment |
|
|
(48,914 |
) |
|
|
34,051 |
|
|
|
15,097 |
|
|
Net
(decrease) increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
$ |
(49,327 |
) |
|
$ |
32,293 |
|
|
$ |
14,995 |
|
See
accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
STATEMENTS
OF CHANGES
IN NET ASSETS
(Amounts
in thousands, except change in Shares outstanding)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Decrease
(increase) in net assets from operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment loss |
|
$ |
(413 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,758 |
) |
|
$ |
(102 |
) |
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold to pay
expenses |
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
(290 |
) |
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold for redemption of
Shares |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
(49,455 |
) |
|
|
33,618 |
|
|
|
15,387 |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Sponsor's Staking Fee
payable in SOL |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
decrease (increase) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
(49,327 |
) |
|
|
32,293 |
|
|
|
14,995 |
|
|
Increase
in net assets from capital share transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued |
|
|
107,053 |
|
|
|
45,149 |
|
|
|
8,999 |
|
|
Shares
redeemed |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
increase in net assets resulting from capital share
transactions |
|
|
107,053 |
|
|
|
45,149 |
|
|
|
8,999 |
|
|
Total
increase in net assets from operations and capital
share transactions |
|
|
57,726 |
|
|
|
77,442 |
|
|
|
23,994 |
|
|
Net
assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
of year |
|
|
102,631 |
|
|
|
25,189 |
|
|
|
1,195 |
|
|
End of
year |
|
$ |
160,357 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
$ |
25,189 |
|
|
Change
in Shares outstanding:(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
outstanding at beginning of year |
|
|
7,160,335 |
|
|
|
3,168,135 |
|
|
|
1,522,135 |
|
|
Shares
issued |
|
|
10,473,800 |
|
|
|
3,992,200 |
|
|
|
1,646,000 |
|
|
Shares
redeemed |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
increase in Shares |
|
|
10,473,800 |
|
|
|
3,992,200 |
|
|
|
1,646,000 |
|
|
Shares
outstanding at end of year |
|
|
17,634,135 |
|
|
|
7,160,335 |
|
|
|
3,168,135 |
|
(1)
Share
amounts for periods presented prior to the Share Split have been retroactively
adjusted to reflect the 1-for-2 Reverse Share Split of the Trust’s issued and
outstanding Shares completed on March 20, 2023.
(2)
Share
amounts for periods presented prior to the Share Split have been retroactively
adjusted to reflect the 5-for-1 Share Split of the Trust’s issued and
outstanding Shares completed on December 9,
2024.
See
accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
STATEMENT
OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts
in thousands)
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2025(1) |
|
|
Cash
used in operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Net
decrease in net assets resulting from operations |
|
$ |
(49,327 |
) |
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net decrease in net assets resulting from operations to net
cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of SOL(2) |
|
$ |
(106,937 |
) |
|
Proceeds
from SOL sold to pay expenses(2) |
|
|
1,928 |
|
|
SOL
received as Staking Rewards |
|
|
(1,568 |
) |
|
Net
realized gain on Sponsor's Fee |
|
|
(516 |
) |
|
Net
increase in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
49,455 |
|
|
Net
increase in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Sponsor Staking Fee
payable |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
Change
in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
SOL
Staking Reward Receiveable |
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
Sponsor’s
Staking Fee payable, related party |
|
|
96 |
|
|
Net cash
used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(106,937 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from issuance of capital shares(2) |
|
$ |
106,937 |
|
|
Net cash
provided by financing activities(2) |
|
$ |
106,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Cash,
beginning of year |
|
|
- |
|
|
Cash,
end of year |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosure of noncash activities |
|
|
|
|
In-kind
contributions of SOL for Shares issued |
|
$ |
949 |
|
|
Transfer
of SOL to pay for Sponsor’s Fee |
|
$ |
1,928 |
|
|
SOL
received as Staking Rewards |
|
$ |
1,568 |
|
(1)
No
comparative financial statements have been provided, as the Trust did not hold
any cash or cash equivalents prior to the Uplisting
Date.
(2)
The
proceeds collected by an Authorized Participant from the sale of Shares and the
payments for Shares redeemed by an Authorized Participant do not correlate with
the amounts in the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Changes in Net
Assets for the period due to creations and redemptions occurring at the Index
Price as defined in the Trust Agreement.
See
accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-7
GRAYSCALE
SOLANA STAKING ETF
NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
1.
Organization
Grayscale
Solana Staking ETF (the “Trust”) is a Delaware Statutory Trust that was formed
on November 9, 2021 and commenced operations on November 18, 2021. In general,
the Trust holds Solana (“SOL”) and, from time to time, issues common units of
fractional undivided beneficial interest (“Shares”) in exchange for SOL. On
January 5, 2026, the Trust changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust ETF to
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF and previously, on October 28, 2025, the Trust
changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) to Grayscale Solana Trust
ETF, in each case, by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. Prior to October 28, 2025, the
redemption of Shares was not contemplated and the Trust did not operate a
redemption program. However, the Sponsor has since authorized the commencement
of the Trust’s ’s redemption program on October 28, 2025 in connection with the
uplisting of the Shares to NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). On December 3, 2024,
NYSE Arca submitted an application under Rule 19b-4 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) to list the Shares of the Trust on
NYSE Arca. On September 17, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) approved a proposed rule change for new Rule 8.201-E (Generic) with the
SEC pursuant to Rule 19b-4 under the Exchange Act to amend NYSE Arca’s listing
rules to permit the listing and trading of shares of certain commodity-based
exchange-traded products that satisfy certain generic requirements (the “Generic
Listing Standards”). On October 28, 2025, the Sponsor’s application to list and
trade the Trust’s Shares on NYSE Arca under the Generic Listing Standards was
approved and the Trust began trading on NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025 (the
“Uplisting Date”), following the effectiveness of the Trust’s registration
statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-286374). The Shares are listed
on NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “GSOL.” As of the date of this Annual
Report, the Trust is an SEC reporting company with its Shares registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.
On
October 28, 2025, in connection with the approval for listing and trading of the
Shares of the Trust under the Generic Listing Standards and the effectiveness of
the registration statement on Form S-1, as amended, Grayscale Investments
Sponsors, LLC (“GSIS”)
authorized the commencement of a redemption program. Effective October 29, 2025,
the Trust creates and redeems Shares at such times and for such periods as
determined by the Sponsor (as defined below), but only in one or more whole
“Baskets.” A Basket equals 10,000
Shares. The creation of a Basket requires the delivery to the Trust of the
amount of SOL (or cash to acquire such amount of SOL) represented by one Share
immediately prior to such creation multiplied by 10,000.
The redemption of a Basket requires distribution by the Trust of the amount of
SOL represented by one Share immediately prior to such redemption multiplied by
10,000.
The Trust may from time to time halt creations and redemptions for a variety of
reasons, including in connection with forks, airdrops and other similar
occurrences.
The
Trust’s investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on SOL per
Share) to reflect the value of the SOL held by the Trust and to reflect rewards
from Staking a portion of the Trust’s SOL, less the Trust’s expenses and other
liabilities.
GSI
was the sponsor of the Trust before January 1, 2025, Grayscale Operating, LLC
(“GSO”), was the co-sponsor of the Trust from January 1, 2025 to May 3, 2025,
and Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC (“GSIS” or the “Sponsor”), was the
co-sponsor of the Trust from January 1, 2025 to May 3, 2025 and is the sole
remaining sponsor thereafter. GSI was, and each of GSO and GSIS are, a
consolidated subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, Inc. (“DCG”). The Sponsor is
responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Trust pursuant to the
provisions of the Trust Agreement. The Sponsor is responsible for preparing and
providing annual and quarterly reports on behalf of the Trust to investors and
is also responsible for selecting and monitoring the Trust’s service providers.
As partial consideration for the Sponsor’s services, the Trust pays the Sponsor
a Sponsor’s Fee as discussed in Note 6. The Sponsor also acts as the sponsor and
manager of other single-asset and diversified investment products, each of which
is an affiliate of the Trust. Information related to the affiliated investment
products can be found on the Sponsor’s website at
www.grayscale.com/resources/regulatory-filings. Any information contained on or
linked from such website is not part of nor incorporated by reference into these
audited financial statements. Several of the affiliated investment products are
SEC reporting companies with their shares registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Exchange Act. In addition, the following affiliated investment products
are also SEC reporting companies with their shares registered pursuant to
Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF, Grayscale
Ethereum Staking ETF, Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF, Grayscale Bitcoin
Mini Trust ETF, Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF, Grayscale XRP Trust ETF,
Grayscale Dogecoin Trust ETF, Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF, and as of February
18, 2026, Grayscale Sui Staking ETF.
Staking
on the Solana Network refers to the use of SOL, or the permission for SOL to be
used through an agent or otherwise, in the Solana Network’s proof-of-stake
validation protocol in exchange for the receipt of staking rewards paid in-kind
(“Staking”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trust to engage in Staking, and on
October 6, 2025, the Trust commenced Staking pursuant to the Staking
Arrangements. The Sponsor has caused, and from time to time may cause, the Trust
to enter into written arrangements (the “Staking Arrangements”) with the
Custodian and one or more third party staking providers (each, a “Staking
Provider”), which may be affiliates of the Custodian or other trusted
institutional validators, to stake the Trust’s SOL to a Staking Provider
operating validator software and associated hardware (“Provider-Facilitated
Staking”). Effective October 6, 2025, and pursuant to the Staking Arrangements,
the Custodian and the applicable Staking Provider became entitled to receive a
portion of the gross staking rewards generated thereunder,
representing
the Custodian’s fee and the Staking Provider’s share of such staking rewards
(collectively, the “Validator Fees”), with the remaining staking rewards
received by the Trust, as discussed in Note 6.
Authorized
Participants of the Trust are the only entities who may place orders to create
or redeem Baskets. Grayscale Securities, LLC (“Grayscale Securities” or, in such
capacity, an “Authorized Participant”), a registered broker-dealer and affiliate
of the Sponsor, was the only Authorized Participant from October 3, 2022 through
October 28, 2025. On or after October 29, 2025, the Sponsor, on behalf of the
Trust, and the Transfer Agent entered into Participant Agreements with a number
of unaffiliated Authorized Participants in connection with the approval of NYSE
Arca’s application under Rule 19b-4 of the Exchange Act, and the Trust has also
since engaged other Authorized Participants. In connection with the entry into
the Participant Agreements, as of October 29, 2025, the Sponsor amended, solely,
with respect to the Trust, the Participant Agreement, dated as of October 3,
2022, between the Sponsor and Grayscale Securities, to remove the Trust as an
entity covered by the Agreement. Effective October 29, 2025, Grayscale
Securities no longer serves as Authorized Participant of the Trust. Additional
Authorized Participants may be added at any time, subject to the discretion of
the Sponsor.
Liquidity
Providers facilitate the purchase and sale of SOL in connection with cash orders
for creations or redemptions of Baskets. The Liquidity Providers with which
GSIS, acting in its capacity as the “Liquidity Engager,” will engage in SOL
transactions are third parties that are not affiliated with the Sponsor or the
Trust and are not acting as agents of the Trust, the Sponsor, or any Authorized
Participant. Except for the contractual relationships between each Liquidity
Provider and GSIS in its capacity as the Liquidity Engager, there is no
contractual relationship between each Liquidity Provider and the Trust, the
Sponsor, or any Authorized Participant. The Liquidity Engager may engage
additional Liquidity Providers who are unaffiliated with the Trust in the
future.
Effective
October 29, 2025, the Trust, the Sponsor and Coinbase, Inc., the prime broker of
the Trust (“Coinbase” or the “Prime Broker”), on behalf of itself and as agent
for Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (“Coinbase Custody” or the “Custodian”)
and Coinbase Credit, Inc. (“Coinbase Credit” and, collectively with Coinbase and
Coinbase Custody, the “Coinbase Entities”), entered into the Coinbase Prime
Broker Agreement governing the Trust’s and the Sponsor’s use of the Custodial
and Prime Broker Services provided by the Custodian and the Prime Broker. The
Prime Broker Agreement establishes the rights and responsibilities of the
Custodian, the Prime Broker, the Sponsor and the Trust with respect to the
Trust’s SOL which is held in accounts maintained and operated by the Custodian,
as a fiduciary with respect to the Trust’s assets, and the Prime Broker
(together with the Custodian, the “Custodial Entities”) on behalf of the Trust.
The Custodian is responsible for safeguarding the SOL held by the Trust, and
holding the private key(s) that provide access to the Trust’s digital wallets
and vaults. Additionally, Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. (“Anchorage Digital” or
the “Additional Custodian”), a national trust bank chartered by the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, provides services related to custody and
safekeeping of the Trust’s SOL holdings, pursuant to a Master Custody Services
Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2025, as amended by a certain Second Amendment,
dated September 25, 2025, which provides that the Trust was added as a party to
such Master Custody Service Agreement (collectively, the “Anchorage Digital
Custodian Agreement”). Pursuant to the Anchorage Digital Custodian Agreement,
Anchorage Digital will provide services related to custody and safekeeping of
the Trust’s SOL holdings.
Effective
October 29, 2025, the transfer agent for the Trust (the “Transfer Agent”) is The
Bank of New York Mellon. The responsibilities of the Transfer Agent are to (1)
facilitate the issuance and redemption of shares of the Trust; (2) respond to
correspondence by Trust shareholders and others relating to its duties; (3)
maintain shareholder accounts; and (4) make periodic reports to the Trust. The
co-transfer agent for the Trust (the “Co-Transfer Agent”) is Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company. The administrator for the Trust (the
“Administrator”) is BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, a division of The Bank of New
York Mellon. BNY Mellon Asset Servicing provides administration and accounting
services to the Trust. The Administrator’s fees are paid on behalf of the Trust
by the Sponsor.
The
marketing agent for the Trust (the “Marketing Agent”) is Foreside Fund Services,
LLC. Effective October 29, 2025, the Marketing Agent provides the following
services to the Sponsor: (i) assist the Sponsor in facilitating Participant
Agreements between and among Authorized Participants, the Sponsor, on behalf of
the Trust, and the Transfer Agent; (ii) provide prospectuses to Authorized
Participants; (iii) work with the Transfer Agent to review and approve orders
placed by the Authorized Participants and transmitted to the Transfer Agent;
(iv) review and file applicable marketing materials with FINRA and (v) maintain,
reproduce and store applicable books and records.
On
December 9, 2024, the Trust completed a 5-for-1 Share Split of the Trust’s
issued and outstanding Shares. In connection with the Share Split, shareholders
of record on December 5, 2024, received four additional Shares of the Trust for
each Share held. The number of outstanding Shares and per-Share amounts
disclosed for periods prior to December 10, 2024 have been retroactively
adjusted to reflect the effects of the Share Split. On March 20, 2023, the Trust
completed a 1-for-2 Reverse Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding
Shares. In connection with the Share Split, shareholders of record on March 15,
2023, received one Share for every two Shares of the Trust held. The number of
outstanding Shares and per-Share amounts disclosed for periods prior to March
21, 2023 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the Share
Split. On April 17, 2023, the Trust received notice that its Shares were
qualified for public trading on the OTCQB U.S. Market (“OTCQB”) of OTC Markets
Group Inc. On March 7, 2024, the Trust qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best
Market® (“OTCQX”) of OTC Markets Group Inc. Until October 28, 2025, the Trust’s
trading symbol on OTCQX was “GSOL.” On September 17, 2025, the SEC approved a
proposed rule change for new Rule 8.201-E (Generic) with the SEC pursuant to
Rule 19b-4 under the Exchange Act to amend NYSE Arca’s listing rules to permit
the listing and trading of shares of certain commodity-based exchange-traded
products that satisfy the Generic Listing Standards. On October 28, 2025, the
Sponsor’s
application
to list and trade the Trust’s Shares on NYSE Arca under the Generic Listing
Standards was approved and following the effectiveness of the Trust’s
registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-286374), Shares of
the Trust began trading on NYSE Arca on October 29, 2025. The Trust’s trading
symbol on NYSE Arca is “GSOL” and the CUSIP number for its Shares is
38965D104.
The
Trust may also receive Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency as a result
of the Trust’s investment in SOL, in accordance with the terms of the Trust
Agreement.
Incidental
Rights are rights to claim, or otherwise establish dominion and control over,
any virtual currency or other asset or right, which rights are incident to the
Trust’s ownership of SOL and arise without any action of the Trust, or of the
Sponsor or Trustee on behalf of the Trust; IR Virtual Currency is any virtual
currency tokens, or other asset or right, received by the Trust through the
exercise (subject to the applicable provisions of the Trust Agreement) of any
Incidental Right. The Sponsor has committed to cause the Trust to abandon
irrevocably for no direct or indirect consideration, effective immediately prior
to each time at which the Trust creates or redeems Shares, all Incidental Rights
and IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be entitled as of such time.
In furtherance of that commitment, the Prime Broker Agreement provides that the
Trust is abandoning irrevocably, for no direct or indirect consideration,
effective immediately prior to each Creation Time and each Redemption Time, all
Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency to which it would otherwise be entitled
as of such time. The Sponsor has committed to cause the Trust not to take any
Affirmative Action to acquire any Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency,
thereby irrevocably abandoning any Incidental Rights and IR Virtual Currency to
which the Trust may become entitled in the future. Because the Sponsor has now
committed to causing the Trust to irrevocably abandon all Incidental Rights and
IR Virtual Currency to which the Trust otherwise would become entitled in the
future, and causing the Trust not to take any Affirmative Actions, the Trust
will not receive any direct or indirect consideration for the Incidental Rights
or IR Virtual Currency and thus the value of the Shares will not reflect the
value of the Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency. In addition, in the event
the Sponsor seeks to change the Trust’s policy with respect to Incidental Rights
or IR Virtual Currency, an application would need to be filed with the SEC by
NYSE Arca seeking approval to amend its listing rules to permit the Trust to
distribute the Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency in-kind to an agent of
the shareholders for resale by such agent.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Trust:
The
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Trust qualifies as
an investment company for accounting purposes pursuant to the accounting and
reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial
Services—Investment Companies. The Trust uses fair value as its method of
accounting for SOL in accordance with its classification as an investment
company for accounting purposes. The Trust is not a registered investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. U.S. GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from
those estimates and these differences could be material.
The
Trust conducts its transactions in SOL, including receiving SOL for the creation
of Shares and delivering SOL for the redemption of Shares and for the payment of
the Sponsor’s Fee and Sponsor’s Staking Fee. The Sponsor will determine the
Trust’s net asset value (“NAV”) on each business day as of 4:00 p.m., New York
time, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Generally,
the Trust does not intend to hold cash, except in connection with cash orders
for creations or redemptions of Baskets. Cash includes non-interest bearing
non-restricted cash with one institution. Cash in a bank deposit account, at
times, may exceed U.S. federally insured limits. The Trust has not experienced
any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any
significant credit risk on such bank deposits.
Principal
Market and Fair Value Determination
To
determine which market is the Trust’s principal market (or in the absence of a
principal market, the most advantageous market) for purposes of calculating the
Trust’s net asset value in accordance with U.S. GAAP (“Principal Market NAV”),
the Trust follows ASC Topic 820-10, Fair
Value Measurement,
which outlines the application of fair value accounting. ASC 820-10 determines
fair value to be the price that would be received for SOL in a current sale,
which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the
measurement date. ASC 820-10 requires the Trust to assume that SOL is sold in
its principal market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal
market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are defined as buyers
and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that are independent,
knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact.
The
Trust only receives SOL in connection with a creation order from the Authorized
Participant (or a Liquidity Provider) and does not itself transact on any
Digital Asset Markets. Therefore, the Trust looks to market-based volume and
level of activity for Digital Asset
Markets.
The Authorized Participant(s), or a Liquidity Provider, may transact in a
Brokered Market, a Dealer Market, Principal-to-Principal Markets and Exchange
Markets (referred to as “Trading Platform Markets” in this Annual Report), each
as defined in the FASB ASC Master Glossary (collectively, “Digital Asset
Markets”).
In
determining which of the eligible Digital Asset Markets is the Trust’s principal
market, the Trust reviews these criteria in the following order:
First,
the Trust reviews a list of Digital Asset Markets that maintain practices and
policies designed to comply with anti-money laundering (“AML”) and
know-your-customer (“KYC”) regulations, and non-Digital Asset Trading Platform
Markets that the Trust reasonably believes are operating in compliance with
applicable law, including federal and state licensing requirements, based upon
information and assurances provided to it by each market.
Second,
the Trust sorts these Digital Asset Markets from high to low by market-based
volume and level of activity of SOL traded on each Digital Asset Market in the
trailing twelve months.
Third,
the Trust then reviews pricing fluctuations and the degree of variances in price
on Digital Asset Markets to identify any material notable variances that may
impact the volume or price information of a particular Digital Asset
Market.
Fourth,
the Trust then selects a Digital Asset Market as its principal market based on
the highest market-based volume, level of activity and price stability in
comparison to the other Digital Asset Markets on the list. Based on information
reasonably available to the Trust, Trading Platform Markets have the greatest
volume and level of activity for the asset. The Trust therefore looks to
accessible Trading Platform Markets as opposed to the Brokered Market, Dealer
Market and Principal-to-Principal Markets to determine its principal market. As
a result of the aforementioned analysis, a Trading Platform Market has been
selected as the Trust’s principal market.
The
Trust determines its principal market (or in the absence of a principal market
the most advantageous market) annually and conducts a quarterly analysis to
determine (i) if there have been recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s
trading volume and level of activity in the trailing twelve months, (ii) if any
Digital Asset Markets have developed that the Trust has access to, or (iii) if
recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s price stability have occurred that
would materially impact the selection of the principal market and necessitate a
change in the Trust’s determination of its principal market.
The
cost basis of the SOL received by the Trust in connection with a creation order
is recorded by the Trust at the fair value of SOL at 4:00 p.m., New York time,
on the creation date for financial reporting purposes. The cost basis recorded
by the Trust may differ from proceeds collected by the Authorized Participant
from the sale of the corresponding Shares to
investors.
Investment
Transactions and Revenue Recognition
The
Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of SOL for Share
creations and the delivery of SOL for Share redemptions or for payment of
expenses in SOL. The Trust records its investment transactions on a trade date
basis and changes in fair value are reflected as net change in unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on investments. Realized gains and losses are
calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses
are recognized in connection with transactions including settling obligations
for the Sponsor’s Fee in SOL.
Solana
Staking
The
Trust earns staking rewards by delegating a portion of its SOL on the Solana
Network’s proof-of-stake consensus protocol. The Sponsor has entered into
contractual arrangements with the Custodian and one or more third-party staking
service providers, which may include affiliates of the Custodian or other
institutional validators, to facilitate the staking of the Trust’s SOL. The
Trust retains control of its SOL throughout the staking process. The delegation
of SOL for staking purposes does not constitute a sale, transfer, or other
derecognition event, as control of the SOL is not transferred to the validator
or staking provider. Accordingly, the staked SOL is not derecognized under ASC
Topic 610-20, Other
Income, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial
Assets,
or ASC Topic 350-60, Intangibles,
Goodwill and Other, Crypto Assets.
The
Trust recognizes staking rewards as revenue in accordance with ASC Topic
606,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC
606”). Under the staking arrangements, the validator (e.g., the Custodian or
other staking provider) is considered the customer, as it receives access to the
Trust’s staking capacity (i.e., the delegation of SOL), which represents the
Trust’s performance obligation. In exchange, the Trust is entitled to staking
rewards generated by the Solana protocol, net of Validator Fees.
Staking
rewards represent variable consideration, as the amount of rewards is not known
until the applicable validation activities are completed, and the Trust receives
rewards in their custodial account. The contract term is the length of each
staking epoch. Staking rewards are recognized as revenue when the Trust
satisfies its performance obligations (i.e., successfully validates blocks or
transactions as determined by the protocol) ratably over the contract term.
Staking rewards are received in SOL, which represents non-cash consideration.
Non-cash consideration is measured at fair value at the inception of each
contract (i.e., the beginning of each staking
epoch),
in accordance with ASC 606.
Because
the Trust is not the principal to the block validation service, it does not
control the full output of the reward-generating activity, and instead receives
net staking rewards, after Validator Fees are deducted. As such, the Trust
presents staking revenue on a net basis, reflecting only the portion of protocol
rewards to which it is entitled. Staking revenue is recorded as staking reward
income on the Statements of Operations. Any staking (block) rewards that have
been earned and collected by validators (held in the validator’s address and
under the validator’s control) but not yet transferred to the Trust’s digital
asset wallet are recorded as a Staking Reward receivable, at fair value on the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Fair
Value Measurement
Fair
value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability (i.e., the ‘exit price’) in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date.
U.S.
GAAP utilizes a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value
that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of
unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when
available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in
pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources
independent of the Trust. Unobservable inputs reflect the Trust’s assumptions
about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability
developed based on the best information available in the
circumstances.
The
fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as
follows:
•
Level
1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access. Since valuations
are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active
market, these valuations do not entail a significant degree of judgment.
•
Level
2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for
which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
•
Level
3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the
overall fair value measurement.
The
availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary by
investment. To the extent that valuations are based on sources that are less
observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value
requires more judgment. Fair value estimates do not necessarily represent the
amounts that may be ultimately realized by the Trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value Measurement Using |
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
Amount
at Fair Value |
|
|
Level
1 |
|
|
Level
2 |
|
|
Level
3 |
|
|
December
31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
in SOL |
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
December
31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
in SOL |
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Segment
Reporting
The
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor act as the
Trust’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The Trust represents a
single
operating
segment, as the CODM monitors the operating results of the Trust as a whole and
the Trust’s passive investment objective is pre-determined in accordance with
the terms of the Trust Agreement. The financial information in the form of the
Trust’s total returns, expense ratios and changes in net assets (i.e., changes
in net assets resulting from operations and capital share transactions), which
are used by the CODM to assess the segment’s performance, are consistent with
that presented within the Trust’s financial statements. Segment assets are
reflected on the accompanying Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Total
assets and the only significant segment expenses, the Sponsor’s Fee, related
party and Sponsor’s Staking Fee, related party, are included in the accompanying
Statements of
Operations.
3.
Fair Value of SOL
SOL
is held by the Custodian on behalf of the Trust and is carried at fair value. As
of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 the Trust held 1,294,090.55476756,
529,873.8984953,
and 240,381.32738679
SOL, respectively.
The
Trust determined the fair value per SOL to be $123.97,
193.69,
and 104.79
on December
31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, using the price provided at 4:00 p.m.,
New York time, by the Digital Asset Trading Platform Market considered to be the
Trust’s principal market (Coinbase).
The
Trust performed an assessment of the principal market at December 31, 2025,
2024, and 2023 and identified Coinbase as the principal
market.
The
following represents the changes in quantity of SOL and the respective fair
value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
(Amounts
in thousands, except SOL amounts) |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Fair
Value |
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
118,415.28927248 |
|
|
|
1,195 |
|
|
SOL
contributed |
|
|
125,094.35983579 |
|
|
|
8,999 |
|
|
SOL
distributed for Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
|
|
(3,128.32172148 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
15,387 |
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(290 |
) |
|
Balance
at December 31, 2023 |
|
|
240,381.32738679 |
|
|
$ |
25,189 |
|
|
SOL
contributed |
|
|
300,449.71934981 |
|
|
|
45,149 |
|
|
SOL
distributed for Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
|
|
(10,957.14824130 |
) |
|
|
(1,758 |
) |
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
33,618 |
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
433 |
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2024 |
|
|
529,873.89849530 |
|
|
$ |
102,631 |
|
|
SOL
contributed |
|
|
763,741.08814985 |
|
|
|
107,053 |
|
|
SOL
redeemed |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Staking
Reward income |
|
|
11,075.32111722 |
|
|
|
1,568 |
|
|
SOL
distributed for Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
|
|
(10,943.43565681 |
) |
|
|
(1,928 |
) |
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(49,455 |
) |
|
Net
realized gain on investment in SOL sold to pay expenses |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold for redemption of
Shares |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2025 |
|
|
1,293,746.87210555 |
|
|
$ |
160,385 |
|
4.
Creations and Redemptions of Shares
At
December 31, 2025, there were an unlimited number of Shares authorized by the
Trust. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but only in one
or more Baskets. The creation and redemption of Baskets on behalf of investors
are made by the Authorized Participant in exchange for the delivery of SOL to
the Trust or the distribution of SOL by the Trust. The amount of SOL required
for each Creation Basket or Redemption Basket is determined by dividing (x) the
amount of SOL owned by the Trust at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on such trade date
of a creation or redemption order, after deducting the amount of SOL
representing the U.S. dollar value of accrued but unpaid fees and expenses of
the Trust, by (y) the number of Shares outstanding at such time and multiplying
the quotient obtained by 10,000. Each Share represented approximately
0.0734
and 0.0740
of one SOL at December
31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in the amount of SOL represented
by each Share is primarily a result of the periodic withdrawal of SOL to pay the
Sponsor’s Fee.
The
cost basis of investments in SOL recorded by the Trust is the fair value of SOL,
as determined by the Trust, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the date of transfer
to the Trust by the Authorized Participant, or Liquidity Provider, based on the
Creation Baskets. The cost basis recorded by the Trust may differ from proceeds
collected by the Authorized Participant from the sale of each Share to
investors. The Authorized Participant, or Liquidity Provider, may realize
significant profits buying, selling, creating and redeeming Shares as a result
of changes in the value of Shares or SOL.
On
October 28, 2025, in connection with the approval for listing and trading of the
Shares of the Trust under the Generic Listing Standards and the effectiveness of
the registration statement on Form S-1, as amended, the Sponsor authorized the
commencement of a redemption program once the registration statement on Form
S-1, as amended, was declared effective.
Prior
to uplisting the Shares to NYSE Arca, the Trust created Shares via both cash and
in-kind transactions with the Authorized Participant and Liquidity Providers in
exchange for SOL. As of the date of this Annual Report, Authorized Participants
may only submit orders to create or redeem Shares through transactions that are
referred to as “cash orders”, as the agreements with Authorized Participants do
not currently provide for in-kind creations and
redemptions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Activity
in Number of Shares Issued and Redeemed:(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued |
|
|
10,473,800 |
|
|
|
3,992,200 |
|
|
Shares
redeemed |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
Change in Number of Shares Issued and Redeemed |
|
|
10,473,800 |
|
|
|
3,992,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Activity
in Value of Shares Issued and Redeemed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued |
|
$ |
107,053 |
|
|
$ |
45,149 |
|
|
Shares
redeemed |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
Net
Change in Value of Shares Issued and Redeemed |
|
$ |
107,053 |
|
|
$ |
45,149 |
|
(1)
Share
amounts for periods presented prior to the Share Split have been retroactively
adjusted to reflect the 5-for-1
Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares completed on December
9, 2024.
SOL
receivable represents the value of SOL covered by contractually binding orders
for the creation of Shares where the SOL has not yet been transferred to the
Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of the SOL is transferred within no more
than two business days of the trade date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
SOL
receivable |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
SOL
payable represents the value of SOL covered by contractually binding orders for
the redemption of Shares where the SOL has not yet been transferred out of the
Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of the SOL is transferred within no more
than two business days of the trade date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
SOL
payable |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
5.
Income Taxes
The
Sponsor takes the position that the Trust is properly treated as a grantor trust
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Trust is a grantor
trust, the Trust will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather, if the
Trust is a grantor trust, each beneficial owner of Shares will be treated as
directly owning its pro rata Share of the Trust’s assets and a pro rata portion
of the Trust’s income, gains, losses and deductions will “flow through” to each
beneficial owner of Shares.
If
the Trust were not properly classified as a grantor trust, the Trust might be
classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, due
to the uncertain treatment of digital assets, with respect to staking and
including forks, airdrops and similar occurrences for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the Trust were classified
as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax consequences of
owning Shares generally would not be materially different from the tax
consequences described herein, although there might be certain differences,
including with respect to timing. In addition, tax information reports provided
to beneficial owners of Shares would be made in a different form. If the Trust
were not classified as either a grantor trust or a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, it would be classified as a corporation for such purposes.
In that event, the Trust would be subject to entity-level U.S. federal income
tax (currently at the rate of 21%)
on its net taxable income and certain distributions made by the Trust to
shareholders would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of the Trust’s
current and accumulated earnings and profits.
In
accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Trust has defined the threshold for recognizing
the benefits of tax positions in the financial statements as
“more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable taxing authority and
requires measurement of a tax position meeting the “more-likely-than-not”
threshold, based on the largest benefit that is more than 50% likely to be
realized. Tax positions deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are
recorded as a tax benefit in the current period. As of and during the years
ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023,
the Trust did not
have a liability for any unrecognized tax amounts. However, the Sponsor’s
conclusions concerning its determination of “more-likely-than-not” tax positions
may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors
including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance, and ongoing
analyses of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations
thereof.
The
Sponsor of the Trust has evaluated whether or not there are uncertain tax
positions that require financial statement recognition and has determined that
no reserves for uncertain tax positions related to federal, state and local
income taxes existed as of December 31, 2025 or 2024
6.
Related Parties
The
Trust considered the following entities, their directors, and certain employees
to be related parties of the Trust as of December 31, 2025: DCG, GSO, GSIS and
Grayscale Securities. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 164,214
and 297,606
Shares of the Trust were held by related parties of the Trust,
respectively.
On
January 1, 2025, GSI consummated an internal corporate reorganization (the
“Reorganization”), pursuant to which GSI, the Sponsor of the Trust prior to the
Reorganization, merged with and into GSO, a Delaware limited liability company
and a consolidated subsidiary of DCG, with GSO continuing as the surviving
company (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, GSO succeeded by operation of
law to all the rights, powers, privileges and franchises and became subject to
all of the obligations, liabilities, restrictions and disabilities of GSI,
including with respect to the Sponsor Contracts (as defined below), all as
provided under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. The Reorganization is
not expected to have any material impact on the operations of the
Trust.
In
connection with the Reorganization, on January 1, 2025, and promptly following
the effectiveness of the Merger, GSO assigned certain contracts pertaining to
its role as Sponsor (as such term is defined in the Trust Agreement) of the
Trust (such contracts, the “Sponsor Contracts”) to GSIS, a Delaware limited
liability company and a consolidated subsidiary of GSO, whereby GSIS assumed all
of the rights and obligations of GSO under the Sponsor Contracts. Other than the
assumption of the Sponsor Contracts by GSIS, the Reorganization does not alter
the rights or obligations under any of the Sponsor Contracts.
In
connection with the Reorganization, on January 1, 2025, and promptly following
the effectiveness of the Merger, GSO and GSIS executed a Certificate of
Admission, pursuant to which GSIS was admitted as an additional Sponsor of the
Trust under the Trust Agreement, by and among GSO (as successor in interest to
GSI), the Trustee, and the shareholders from time to time thereunder, as amended
from time to time. GSIS shall be subject to the rights and obligations of a
Sponsor under the Trust Agreement. On January 3, 2025, GSO voluntarily withdrew
as a Sponsor of the Trust pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement, and,
effective May 3, 2025, became the sole remaining Sponsor of the
Trust.
On
October 22, 2025, GSO Intermediate Holdings Corporation (“GSOIH”), a Delaware
corporation which was the sole managing member of GSO, consummated an internal
corporate reorganization (the “Management Reorganization”). Pursuant to the
Management Reorganization, GSOIH transferred a portion of its common membership
units of GSO for Class A shares of Grayscale Investments,
Inc.
(“Grayscale Investments”), a Delaware corporation incorporated in connection
with the Management Reorganization, and ceded its managing member rights in GSO
to Grayscale Investments. As a result of the Reorganization, Grayscale
Investments is now the sole managing member of GSO, the sole member of the
Sponsor. Also in connection with the Reorganization, on October 22, 2025, DCG
Grayscale Holdco, LLC (“DCG Holdco”), the sole stockholder of Grayscale
Investments, elected a board of directors (the “Board”) at Grayscale
Investments.
On
October 27, 2025, the Sponsor and the Trustee entered into Amendment No. 1 to
the Second A&R Trust Agreement in order to reduce the Sponsor’s Fee to
0.35%,
effective as of the Uplisting Date. As a result, effective October 29, 2025, the
Sponsor’s Fee was lowered from 2.5%
to 0.35%.
In accordance with the Trust Agreement governing the Trust, the Trust pays a fee
to the Sponsor, calculated as 0.35%
of the aggregate value of the Trust’s assets, less its liabilities (which
include any accrued but unpaid expenses up to, but excluding, the date of
calculation), as calculated and published by the Sponsor or its delegates in the
manner set forth in the Trust Agreement (the “Sponsor’s Fee”). The Sponsor’s Fee
accrues daily in U.S. dollars and is payable in SOL monthly in arrears prior to
the reduction in Sponsor’s Fees on October 29, 2025 and daily in arrears on and
after October 29, 2025. The amount of SOL payable in respect of each daily U.S.
dollar accrual will be determined by reference to the same U.S. dollar value of
SOL used to determine such accrual. For purposes of these financial statements,
the U.S. dollar value of SOL is determined by reference to the Digital Asset
Trading Platform Market that the Trust considers its principal market as of 4:00
p.m., New York time, on each valuation date. The Trust held no
Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currency as of December
31, 2025 and 2024.
No
Incidental Rights or IR Virtual Currencies have been distributed in payment of
the Sponsor’s Fee during the years ended December
31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Effective
October 6, 2025, and pursuant to the Staking Arrangements, the Custodian and the
applicable Staking Provider became entitled to receive a portion of the gross
staking rewards generated thereunder, representing the Custodian’s fee and the
Staking Provider’s share of such staking rewards (collectively, the “Validator
Fees”), with the remaining staking rewards received by the Trust. In addition,
pursuant to the Trust Agreement and as consideration for the Sponsor’s
facilitation of Staking, the Sponsor is entitled to receive a fee equal to a
portion of the staking rewards, payable in SOL, which accrues daily in U.S.
dollars and is calculated as a per annum percentage of the staking rewards
received by the Trust, as directed by the Sponsor in its sole discretion (the
“Sponsor’s Staking Fee”). The Sponsor’s Staking Fee is payable daily in arrears.
From November 5, 2025 until February 5, 2026 (the “Fee Waiver Period”), the
Sponsor waived a portion of the fees associated with Staking, such that the
Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the Staking Provider’s share of
the gross staking rewards comprised an aggregate of 5%
of the gross staking rewards generated under the Staking Arrangements, with the
Trust receiving and retaining the remainder of such gross Staking Consideration.
Following the expiration of the Fee Waiver Period on February 5, 2026, the
Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the Staking Provider’s share of
the gross staking rewards comprise an aggregate of 23%
of the gross staking rewards generated under the Staking Arrangements. The Trust
receives and retains the remainder of such gross staking rewards.
As
partial consideration for receipt of the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor is obligated
under the Trust Agreement to assume and pay all fees and other expenses incurred
by the Trust in the ordinary course of its affairs, excluding taxes, but
including marketing fees; administrator fees, if any; custodian fees; transfer
agent fees; trustee fees; the fees and expenses related to the listing,
quotation or trading of the Shares on any secondary market (including customary
legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) in an amount up to $600,000
in any given fiscal year; ordinary course legal fees and expenses; audit fees;
regulatory fees, including, if applicable, any fees relating to the registration
of the Shares under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act; printing and mailing
costs; the costs of maintaining the Trust’s website and applicable license fees
(together, the “Sponsor-paid Expenses”), provided that any expense that
qualifies as an Additional Trust Expense will be deemed to be an Additional
Trust Expense and not a Sponsor-paid
Expense.
The
Trust may incur certain extraordinary, non-recurring expenses that are not
Sponsor-paid Expenses, including, but not limited to, taxes and governmental
charges, expenses and costs of any extraordinary services performed by the
Sponsor (or any other service provider) on behalf of the Trust to protect the
Trust or the interests of shareholders, any indemnification of the Custodian or
other agents, service providers or counterparties of the Trust, the fees and
expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the Shares on any
secondary market (including legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) to the
extent exceeding $600,000
in any given fiscal year and extraordinary legal fees and expenses, including
any legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with litigation, regulatory
enforcement or investigation matters (collectively “Additional Trust Expenses”).
In such circumstances, the Sponsor or its delegate (i) will instruct the
Custodian to withdraw from the Vault Balance SOL in such quantity as may be
necessary to permit payment of such Additional Trust Expenses and (ii) may
either (x) cause the Trust (or its delegate) to convert such SOL into U.S.
dollars or other fiat currencies at the Actual Exchange Rate or (y) when the
Sponsor incurs such expenses on behalf of the Trust, cause the Trust (or its
delegate) to deliver such SOL in-kind to the Sponsor, in each case in such
quantity as may be necessary to permit payment of such Additional Trust
Expenses.
The
Sponsor, from time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the
Sponsor’s Fee of the Trust in its discretion for stated periods of time.
Effective November 5, 2025, the Sponsor has determined to waive a portion of the
Sponsor’s Fee until the earlier of (x) February 5, 2026 and (y) the first date
on which the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0
billion (such period, the “Fee Waiver Period”). If the Trust’s NAV exceeds
$1.0
billion prior to February 5, 2026, the Sponsor’s Fee charged on assets over
$1.0
billion would have become 0.35%.
All investors will incur the same Sponsor’s Fee, which is the weighted average
of those fee rates. Following the expiration of the Fee Waiver Period on
February 5, 2026, the effective Sponsor’s Fee is now 0.35%.
Prior
to the Fee Waiver Period, for the period from January 1, 2025 until November 5,
2025, and the year ended December 31, 2024, the
Trust incurred Sponsor’s Fees of $1,927,562
and $1,758,499,
respectively. As of December
31, 2025 and 2024,
there were no
accrued and unpaid Sponsor’s Fees. In addition, the Sponsor may pay Additional
Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust, which are reimbursable by the Trust to
the Sponsor. For the years ended December
31, 2025 and 2024,
the Sponsor did not
pay any Additional Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust.
For
the period from October 6, 2025, when the Trust began staking SOL, through
December 31, 2025, the Trust incurred Sponsor’s Staking Fees of $95,648.
7.
Risks and Uncertainties
The
Trust is subject to various risks including market risk, liquidity risk, and
other risks related to its concentration in a single asset, SOL. Investing in
SOL is currently highly speculative and volatile.
The
Principal Market NAV of the Trust, calculated by reference to the principal
market price in accordance with U.S. GAAP, relates primarily to the value of the
SOL held by the Trust, and fluctuations in the price of SOL could materially and
adversely affect an investment in the Shares of the Trust. The price of SOL has
a limited history. During such history, SOL prices have been volatile and
subject to influence by many factors, including the levels of liquidity. If
Digital Asset Markets continue to experience significant price fluctuations, the
Trust may experience losses. Several factors may affect the price of SOL,
including, but not limited to, global SOL supply and demand, theft of SOL from
global trading platforms or vaults, competition from other forms of digital
currency or payment services, global or regional political, economic or
financial conditions, and other unforeseen events and situations.
The
SOL held by the Trust are commingled, and the Trust’s shareholders have no
specific rights to any specific SOL. In the event of the insolvency of the
Trust, its assets may be inadequate to satisfy a claim by its
shareholders.
There
is currently no clearing house for SOL, nor is there a central or major
depository for the custody of SOL. There is a risk that some or all of the
Trust’s SOL could be lost or stolen. There can be no assurance that the
Custodian will maintain adequate insurance or that such coverage will cover
losses with respect to the Trust’s SOL. Further, transactions in SOL are
irrevocable. Stolen or incorrectly transferred SOL may be irretrievable. As a
result, any incorrectly executed SOL transactions could adversely affect an
investment in the Shares.
The
SEC, at least under the prior administration, has stated that certain digital
assets may be considered “securities” under the federal securities laws. The
test for determining whether a particular digital asset is a “security” is
complex and difficult to apply, and the outcome is difficult to predict. A
number of SEC and SEC staff actions with respect to a variety of digital assets
demonstrate this difficulty. For example, public, though non-binding, statements
by senior officials at the SEC have indicated that the SEC did not consider
Bitcoin or Ether to be securities, and does not currently consider Bitcoin to be
a security. Moreover, in a recent settlement with another market participant
relating to allegations that it acted as an unregistered broker-dealer for
facilitating trading in certain digital assets, the SEC highlighted that the
firm would cease trading in all digital assets other than Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash
and Ether—activity that, if the SEC believed Ether was presently a
security—would continue to constitute unregistered brokerage activity. The SEC
staff has also provided informal assurances via no-action letter to a handful of
promoters that their digital assets are not securities. Moreover, the SEC’s
Division of Corporation Finance has published statements that it does not
consider, under certain circumstances, “meme
coins”
or some stablecoins to be securities. However, such statements may be withdrawn
at any time without notice and comment by the Division of Corporation Finance at
the SEC or the SEC itself. In addition, the SEC has brought enforcement actions
against the issuers and promoters of several other digital assets on the basis
that the digital assets in question are securities and has not formally or
explicitly confirmed that it does not deem Ether to be a security. These
developments demonstrate the difficulty in applying the federal securities laws
to digital assets generally. In January 2025, the SEC launched a crypto task
force dedicated to developing a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for
digital assets led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. Subsequently, Commissioner
Peirce announced a list of specific priorities to further that initiative, which
included pursuing final rules related to a digital asset’s security status, a
revised path to registered offerings and listings for digital assets-based
investment vehicles, and clarity regarding digital asset custody, lending, and
staking. On
July 31, 2025, Chairman Atkins announced “Project Crypto,” a Commission-wide
initiative to modernize securities rules for digital assets, reshore innovation
in the United States, and implement the recommendations of the working group
report. Chairman Atkins had directed the SEC’s policy divisions to work with the
Crypto Task Force to draft “clear and simple rules of the road for crypto asset
distributions, custody, and trading,” and the Commission and SEC staff will also
consider using interpretive, exemptive, and other authorities with respect to
digital asset markets. However,
the efforts of the crypto task force have only just begun, and how or whether
the SEC regulates digital asset activity in the future remains to be
seen.
If
SOL is determined to be a “security” under federal or state securities laws by
the SEC or any other agency, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise,
it may have material adverse consequences for SOL. For example, it may become
more difficult for SOL to be traded, cleared and custodied as compared to other
digital assets that are not considered to be securities, which could, in turn,
negatively affect the liquidity and general acceptance of SOL and cause users to
migrate to other digital assets. As such, any determination that SOL is a
security under federal or state securities laws may adversely affect the value
of SOL and, as a result, an investment in the Shares.
In
addition, if SOL is in fact a security, the Trust could be considered an
unregistered “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
which could necessitate the Trust’s liquidation. In this case, the Trust and the
Sponsor may be deemed to have participated in an illegal offering of securities
and there is no guarantee that the Sponsor will be able to register the Trust
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 at such time or take such other actions
as may be necessary to ensure the Trust’s activities comply with applicable law,
which could force the Sponsor to liquidate the Trust.
To
the extent a private key, held by the Custodian, required to access an address
on the Solana Network holding SOL is lost, destroyed or otherwise compromised
and no backup of the private keys are accessible, the Trust may be unable to
access the SOL controlled by the private key and the private key will not be
capable of being restored by the Solana Network. The processes by which SOL
transactions are settled are dependent on the Solana peer-to-peer network, and
as such, the Trust is subject to operational risk. A risk also exists with
respect to previously unknown technical vulnerabilities, which may adversely
affect the value of SOL.
The
Trust relies on third-party service providers, including Staking Providers and
custodial counterparties, to perform certain functions essential to its staking
activities and other operations. Any disruptions to the Trust’s service
providers’ business operations resulting from business failures, financial
instability, security failures, government mandated regulation or operational
problems could have an adverse impact on the Trust’s ability to access critical
services and be disruptive to the operations of the Trust.
In
addition, the Trust’s participation in staking arrangements subjects it to risks
that may directly affect its SOL holdings and financial position. Protocol-level
penalties, including slashing or inactivity leaks, or operational failures by
custodians or Staking Providers, may result in the permanent loss of staked SOL
and would require a corresponding reduction in the carrying amount of the
Trust’s digital assets and could result in realized losses. Staked SOL may be
subject to temporary lock-up periods or other transfer restrictions, which could
limit the Trust’s ability to meet redemptions or to sell SOL to fund expenses or
other obligations and could require sales at unfavorable prices. Staking rewards
may be recognized as income for U.S. federal income tax purposes without a
corresponding receipt of cash. In addition, Sponsor fees or other amounts
payable in SOL or determined by reference to the value of SOL may increase
volatility in the Trust’s net assets and results of operations due to
remeasurement at fair value, and disruptions or failures affecting Staking
Providers or custodians could require accruals, impairments, or expanded
subsequent event disclosures.
The
Sponsor and the Trust may be subject to various litigation, regulatory
investigations, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of
its business.
8.
Quarterly Statements of Operations
Fiscal
Year Ended December
31, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended (unaudited) |
|
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
Mar-31,
2025 |
|
|
Jun-30,
2025 |
|
|
Sept-30,
2025 |
|
|
Dec-31,
2025 |
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2025 |
|
|
Investment
income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staking
Reward income |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
Investment
income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Total
Investment income |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsor’s
Staking Fee, related party |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
Sponsor’s
Fee, related party |
|
|
589 |
|
|
|
492 |
|
|
|
635 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
|
|
2,001 |
|
|
Gross
Expenses |
|
|
589 |
|
|
|
492 |
|
|
|
635 |
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
2,097 |
|
|
Sponsor’s
Fee Waiver, related party |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
Net
Expenses |
|
|
589 |
|
|
|
492 |
|
|
|
635 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
2,024 |
|
|
Net
investment (loss) gain |
|
$ |
(589 |
) |
|
$ |
(492 |
) |
|
$ |
(635 |
) |
|
$ |
1,303 |
|
|
$ |
(413 |
) |
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold to pay
expenses |
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
Net
realized gain (loss) on investment in SOL sold for redemption of
Shares |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
(36,815 |
) |
|
|
17,213 |
|
|
|
26,752 |
|
|
|
(56,605 |
) |
|
|
(49,455 |
) |
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Sponsor's Staking Fee
payable in SOL |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investment |
|
|
(36,648 |
) |
|
|
17,279 |
|
|
|
26,959 |
|
|
|
(56,504 |
) |
|
|
(48,914 |
) |
|
Net
(decrease) increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
$ |
(37,237 |
) |
|
$ |
16,787 |
|
|
$ |
26,324 |
|
|
$ |
(55,201 |
) |
|
$ |
(49,327 |
) |
Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended (unaudited) |
|
|
|
(Amounts
in thousands) |
|
Mar-31,
2024 |
|
|
Jun-30,
2024 |
|
|
Sept-30,
2024 |
|
|
Dec-31,
2024 |
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2024 |
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsor's
Fee, related party |
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
$ |
432 |
|
|
$ |
454 |
|
|
$ |
639 |
|
|
$ |
1,758 |
|
|
Net
investment loss |
|
$ |
(233 |
) |
|
$ |
(432 |
) |
|
$ |
(454 |
) |
|
$ |
(639 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,758 |
) |
|
Net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
realized gain on investment in SOL |
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
92 |
|
|
$ |
72 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
433 |
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in
SOL |
|
|
33,024 |
|
|
|
(24,337 |
) |
|
|
4,894 |
|
|
|
20,037 |
|
|
|
33,618 |
|
|
Net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment |
|
|
33,071 |
|
|
|
(24,245 |
) |
|
|
4,966 |
|
|
|
20,259 |
|
|
|
34,051 |
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
$ |
32,838 |
|
|
$ |
(24,677 |
) |
|
$ |
4,512 |
|
|
$ |
19,620 |
|
|
$ |
32,293 |
|
9.
Financial Highlights Per Share Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024(2) |
|
|
2023(1)(2) |
|
|
Per
Share Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal
Market NAV, beginning of year |
|
$ |
14.33 |
|
|
$ |
7.95 |
|
|
$ |
0.78 |
|
|
Net
(decrease) increase in net assets from investment
operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment loss |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
Net
realized and unrealized (loss) gain |
|
|
(5.19 |
) |
|
|
6.68 |
|
|
|
7.23 |
|
|
Net
(decrease) increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
(5.24 |
) |
|
|
6.38 |
|
|
|
7.17 |
|
|
Principal
Market NAV, end of year |
|
$ |
9.09 |
|
|
$ |
14.33 |
|
|
$ |
7.95 |
|
|
Total
return |
|
|
-36.57 |
% |
|
|
80.25 |
% |
|
|
914.03 |
% |
|
Ratios
to average net assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment loss |
|
|
-0.41 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
Sponsor
Fee |
|
|
-1.93 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
Sponsor's
Staking Fee |
|
|
-0.10 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
Gross
Expenses |
|
|
-2.03 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
Sponsor
Fee Waiver |
|
|
0.07 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
Net
expenses |
|
|
-1.96 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
(1)
Per
Share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the
1-for-2
Reverse Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares completed on
March 20, 2023.
(2)
Per
Share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 5-for-1
Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares completed on December
9, 2024.
An
individual shareholder’s return, ratios, and per Share performance may vary from
those presented above based on the timing of Share transactions. The amount
shown for a Share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the
Statement of Operations for the period due to the number of Shares issued in
Creations occurring at an operational value derived from an operating metric as
defined in the Trust Agreement.
Total
return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the Principal Market
NAV at the beginning of the year and assuming redemption on the last day of the
year.
10.
Indemnifications
In
the normal course of business, the Trust enters into certain contracts that
provide a variety of indemnities, including contracts with the Sponsor and
affiliates of the Sponsor, DCG and its officers, directors, employees,
subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Custodian and the Additional Custodian as
well as others relating to services provided to the Trust. The Trust’s maximum
exposure under these and its other indemnities is unknown. However, no
liabilities have arisen under these indemnities in the past and, while there can
be no assurances in this regard, there is no expectation that any will occur in
the future. Therefore, the Sponsor does not consider it necessary to record a
liability in this regard.
11.
Subsequent Events
On
January 5, 2026, the Trust changed its name from Grayscale Solana Trust ETF to
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the
Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State.
Following
the expiration of the three-month Sponsor’s Fee waiver on February 5, 2026, the
effective Sponsor’s Fee is now 0.35%.
As
of the close of business on March
6, 2026,
the fair value of SOL determined in accordance with the Trust’s accounting
policy was $85.00
per SOL.
There
are no known events that have occurred that require disclosure other than that
which has already been disclosed in these notes to the financial
statements.