Hanwha Asset Management Partners with Jito Foundation for JitoSOL-Based ETPs
On February 23, 2026, Hanwha Asset Management — one of South Korea’s largest asset managers with ~₩6.4 trillion ($4.44 billion) AUM — announced a partnership with the Jito Foundation to explore liquidity staking ETPs (exchange-traded products) based on JitoSOL, the flagship liquid staking token on Solana, per The Block.
The agreement focuses on:
- Technical integration of JitoSOL into ETP structures
- Validation of regulated custody solutions
- Establishment of risk management frameworks
- Coordination with South Korean authorities on compliance
Choi Young-jin, Vice President at Hanwha Asset Management, stated:
“JitoSOL is an innovative asset that simultaneously provides high returns and liquidity. It will become an attractive alternative asset for retirement pension investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.”
Why JitoSOL? Dual-Yield Mechanism
JitoSOL combines:
- Standard Solana staking rewards
- Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) rewards captured through Jito’s MEV infrastructure
This dual-yield approach delivers competitive returns while maintaining liquidity — a key requirement for regulated retail and institutional products in South Korea.
The partnership reflects Hanwha’s preparation for the anticipated passage of the Digital Asset Basic Act, which is expected to establish clearer rules for digital asset products, including crypto ETPs, per.
Global Context & Precedents
Hanwha’s move follows similar institutional interest in JitoSOL:
- 21Shares launched the Jito Staked SOL ETP (JSOL) on Euronext in January 2026
- VanEck filed an S-1 registration with the SEC in August 2025 for a JitoSOL ETF (still pending)
These developments highlight growing global demand for regulated exposure to liquid staking tokens, particularly on high-performance chains like Solana.
Regulatory Backdrop in South Korea
The Digital Asset Basic Act — originally targeted for 2025 — remains delayed due to disputes over stablecoin issuer eligibility. Regulators are pushing for bank-exclusive licensing, which the industry argues would stifle innovation, per.
Despite the delay, major institutions like Hanwha are proactively building infrastructure and partnerships in anticipation of eventual regulatory clarity.
Market & Investor Implications
- Solana (SOL) currently trades around $184–$190 (down from 2025 highs near $295)
- JitoSOL benefits from Solana’s $8.6B DeFi TVL and 64.8% staked supply
- Institutional adoption of liquid staking tokens could drive further SOL demand and staking participation
Investors should monitor:
- Progress of the Digital Asset Basic Act
- Hanwha’s regulatory filings and product announcements
- JitoSOL TVL and yield metrics on DefiLlama or Jito dashboards
