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A New Era of Finance: Exploring Institutional Adoption on Solana with Hadley Stern and a 9% APY Opportunity

· By Mike Wolfy Wealth · 3 min read

A New Era of Finance: Exploring Institutional Adoption on Solana

The financial landscape is evolving, and a notable shift is occurring with the remarkable adoption of blockchain technology by institutional investors, particularly on the Solana network. In light of recent developments, including a significant 9% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) opportunity, experts are emphasizing the transformative potential Solana holds in the world of finance. This discussion, featuring insights from Hadley Stern, Chief Commercial Officer of Marinade, unpacks this dynamic evolution.

The Rise of Institutional Adoption

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain prominence, institutions are increasingly recognizing the potential of digital assets. Hadley Stern highlights the contrast between Bitcoin’s inherently limited supply and Solana’s capabilities. Bitcoin is often viewed as "digital gold," representing a stable and uncorrelated asset ideal for preserving wealth in turbulent times, particularly amid economic uncertainties. The recent influx of Bitcoin ETFs exemplifies how traditional finance is integrating digital assets, providing investors with more accessible avenues to invest in Bitcoin through established financial products.

Conversely, Solana is emerging as a robust platform for developing decentralized applications and solutions that go beyond mere value storage. During the recent Solana Accelerator event, various announcements showcased the network's growing appeal for developers and institutions alike, signaling a pivotal moment for Solana in the financial sector.

Pioneering Financial Solutions with Marinade

Marinade has positioned itself as a key player in the Solana ecosystem by providing innovative staking solutions. Their approach differs from traditional validators, as Marinade does not run validators themselves. Instead, they offer a liquid staking token called MSOL, which allows users to stake their Solana holdings with trusted validators in exchange for rewards. This model is particularly appealing for institutions seeking reliable staking with transparency regarding validator performance.

Marinade’s recent announcements at the Accelerator event, including the launch of a pioneering Solana-staked ETF, are testament to the platform's commitment to bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology. As Stern explains, this ETF represents a significant leap forward in offering institutional investors the dual benefit of potential market gains and attractive staking yields, typically ranging from 8% to 10%.

The Future of Staking in a Regulated Market

With ongoing discussions around regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies and staking in particular, there is a sense of optimism regarding the acceptance of staking as a legitimate component of the financial ecosystem. The Genius Act's recent iteration signifies a positive step towards thoughtful regulation, which may enhance institutional confidence in staking activities.

Stern emphasizes that effective regulation could position staking as a sustainable and significant avenue for asset growth within blockchain. As the market adapts, institutions are likely to integrate these offerings into their portfolios, ultimately encouraging broader retail participation.

Embracing a New Financial Paradigm

As the world of finance continues to evolve, Solana’s rapid adoption by institutions is indicative of a larger trend towards integrating blockchain technology in traditional finance. The convergence of established financial products like ETFs with innovative crypto solutions presents investors with unprecedented opportunities, particularly those curious about the reliability and utility of staking.

In conclusion, as more institutions look to the Solana network for building and providing real-world applications, the benefits of the 9% APY on staking become increasingly compelling. With a strong foundation being laid through proper regulation and innovative financial products, we stand on the brink of what could be a transformative era in finance—one that embraces both the potential of blockchain technology and the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.

By Wolfy Wealth - Empowering crypto investors since 2016

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Disclosure: Authors may be crypto investors mentioned in this newsletter. Wolfy Wealth Crypto newsletter, does not represent an offer to trade securities or other financial instruments. Our analyses, information and investment strategies are for informational purposes only, in order to spread knowledge about the crypto market. Any investments in variable income may cause partial or total loss of the capital used. Therefore, the recipient of this newsletter should always develop their own analyses and investment strategies. In addition, any investment decisions should be based on the investor's risk profile.

Updated on May 22, 2025