Canada has quietly been shaping the future of regulated digital asset investing. From launching the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in North America to introducing staking into exchange-traded products, Canadian firms are proving to be global leaders in the space.
In a recent episode of CFB Talks Digital Assets, Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ, joined the discussion to share his take on where the industry is headed and how Canada’s approach is helping push things forward.
It was only a few years ago, in early 2021, that Toronto’s TSX made history by listing the first physical Bitcoin funds in North America. It marked a turning point, making crypto exposure more accessible to a wide range of investors through familiar, regulated structures.
Since then, Canada has continued to innovate. This includes the latest wave of Solana ETFs, offering exposure to one of the fastest growing blockchain networks. But these aren’t just plain vanilla products. Canadian firms like 3iQ are now weaving staking into ETFs, creating new opportunities for investors to earn potential rewards while staying within a compliant framework.
During the conversation, Pascal explained why incorporating staking into ETFs was a natural next step.
“Blockchains like Solana depend on staking, it’s fundamental to how the network operates,” he explained. “The question for us was, how do we bring that benefit to investors in a regulated, institutional-grade way?”
3iQ’s Solana Staking ETF (tickers: SOLQ.U, SOLQ), have done exactly that. The firm has already seen strong demand, with the fund quickly becoming one of the fastest growing of its kind.
Pascal shared that 3iQ plans to stake more than half of the assets in these ETFs over time, tapping into the benefits of blockchain technology while staying true to the standards that institutions expect.
One reason Canada continues to lead is its regulatory environment. Compared to some jurisdictions where digital asset rules remain unclear, Canada has taken a more measured, principles-based approach.
That clarity, Pascal noted, is opening the door for more innovation and not only with Solana. He stated that XRP is next in line as a regulated ETF in Canada, given its growing use case and alignment with the country’s regulatory guidelines.
Looking ahead, 3iQ isn’t stopping with Solana. The firm is working on custom digital asset solutions designed for wealth managers, financial advisors, and institutional investors who want exposure to this space without compromising on oversight or structure.
They’re also investing in building institutional DeFi infrastructure, which could make decentralized finance more accessible to large, regulated investors like pension funds and family offices.
It’s a reflection of how digital assets are maturing. Moving beyond early adopters and speculative retail traders into the realm of traditional finance.
As the discussion wrapped up, Pascal emphasized a point often overlooked in global crypto conversations, Canada’s influence is only getting stronger.
“We may not always make the biggest headlines, but when it comes to responsible, regulated crypto investing, Canada has been ahead of the curve,” he said.
With experienced players like 3iQ leading the charge, and with products like staking ETFs gaining traction, Canada’s role in shaping the next phase of digital asset adoption shouldn’t be underestimated.
To hear the full discussion with 3iQ President Pascal St-Jean, including insights on Canada’s crypto ETF landscape, staking in ETFs, and what’s next for digital asset innovation, watch the full episode here on YouTube.