The Ethereum network has reached a new milestone: more than 35 million ETH—almost a third of its total supply—is now locked in staking contracts.
This surge comes after the U.S. SEC clarified that solo and delegated staking do not cross into securities territory, which gives holders more confidence in staking their ETH.
What we’ll cover
What this means for the network
When ETH is staked, validators help secure the network by verifying transactions and producing new blocks. More staked ETH means a higher economic barrier for attackers.
At current prices, over $91 billion worth of ETH is now locked—making a 51% attack nearly impossible.
This growing staking pool also gives users passive income. Those who stake can earn rewards for helping keep Ethereum running smoothly. The clearer regulatory stance makes these returns more appealing to both individual and institutional investors.
Why the SEC’s ruling matters
Until recently, legal uncertainty was a major concern for anyone considering staking ETH.
The SEC has now indicated that neither solo nor delegated staking constitutes an unregistered security, easing fears of sudden enforcement. That shift removes a key barrier to widespread adoption and opens doors for larger participation in how the network operates.
Who’s staking the most
Data from Dune Analytics highlights the key players:
- Lido leads with 8.94 million ETH—about 25.6% of all staked ETH
- Binance and Coinbase follow, with 2.65 million and 2.59 million ETH respectively
- Combined, these platforms stake over 15% of the total amount
These major platforms play a central role in Ethereum’s staking ecosystem by making it easy for users to participate without managing their own validator nodes.
What the milestone means for you
If you’re holding ETH, staking lets you earn rewards while supporting network security. Our free Ethereum faucets page can help you start building your crypto portfolio. Claim small amounts of ETH for free and begin cryptocurrency staking gradually.
Whether you go solo or choose platforms like Stakecube or Nexo, staking now comes with added legal clarity and stability.
Future outlook for staking and security
As more ETH gets locked up, the network becomes more secure and decentralized. That level of security helps maintain users’ trust and could encourage more decentralized apps and services to build on Ethereum.
We’ll likely see new staking tools, such as liquid staking tokens and staking pools, gain momentum—boosted by continued regulatory clarity.
Frequently asked questions
What is crypto staking?
Crypto staking means locking up tokens to support network operations and earn rewards in return.
Is staking on Ethereum safe now?
With the SEC indicating staking isn’t a security, legal uncertainty is much lower. Security still depends on picking reliable platforms and managing keys safely.
Can small holders stake ETH?
Yes. Platforms like Lido allow staking without running a full node, while staking pools combine small amounts from many users.
How do staking rewards work?
Rewards are paid out based on how much ETH you lock up and how long you stake it. More participants can lower the yield rate, but they also make the network more secure.
