The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled new guidelines on crypto staking, setting the stage for clearer regulatory pathways. As of July 2025, these rules aim to delineate the dos and don’ts of participating legally in staking activities—a move that many in the industry have eagerly anticipated.
Navigating the New Staking Landscape
In broad strokes, the SEC’s 2025 directive is designed to bring transparency and order to the often murky world of crypto staking. By defining what constitutes lawful staking practices, the agency seeks to protect investors while fostering innovation. The guidelines outline how platforms can offer staking services without running afoul of existing laws—an initiative that many believe is overdue.
“These rules are a game-changer,” opines Clara Martinez, a cryptocurrency analyst with Blockchain Insight. “The SEC is finally providing the clarity that investors and companies have been craving. It’s a step towards legitimizing crypto activities within the regulatory framework, which could spur further institutional adoption.” This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments.
The guidelines specify that staking services must register with the SEC, ensuring that they adhere to standards intended to minimize fraud and protect stakeholders. They also clarify which types of staking are permitted, with a focus on transparency and risk disclosure. Notably, the rules differentiate between various staking mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake (PoS) and delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS), acknowledging the nuances inherent in each.
Implications for Crypto Platforms
For crypto platforms like Lido and EigenLayer, this regulatory clarity could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a roadmap for compliance, which could attract more users who were previously hesitant due to legal uncertainties. On the other hand, the cost of compliance might be burdensome for smaller platforms, potentially leading to market consolidation. As explored in our recent coverage of Coinbase’s crypto lobby efforts, the push for regulatory clarity is a significant focus for industry leaders.
“Platforms that can quickly adapt to these guidelines could gain a competitive advantage,” suggests Mark Liu, a regulatory consultant specializing in fintech. “However, it’s essential for these platforms to weigh the costs of compliance against the potential for growth. For some, merging with larger entities might become a necessity.”
The SEC’s focus on transparency means that platforms will now have to provide detailed disclosures about the risks involved in staking, such as the possibility of slashing—where a portion of staked funds might be lost if the network penalizes validators for dishonest behavior. While slashing is a deterrent to misconduct, its implications for investors must be clearly communicated, according to the new rules.
The Road Ahead
While the SEC’s guidelines are a significant step forward, uncertainties linger. Questions remain about how these rules will be enforced and whether additional legislation might be necessary as the crypto landscape continues to evolve. Moreover, with crypto technology advancing at a breakneck pace, regulators could find themselves in a constant game of catch-up.
There’s also the matter of international coordination. As the U.S. takes these regulatory steps, other countries are watching closely. Will they follow suit with similar regulations, or will divergent policies create a fragmented global market?
For now, the SEC’s guidelines represent a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. They could pave the way for a safer, more transparent environment, encouraging both consumers and institutions to dive deeper into the world of crypto staking. Yet, as with any regulatory change, the true impact will only become apparent over time. Will these rules foster the hoped-for stability and growth? Only time will tell, but for now, the stage is set for a new era in crypto staking.
Source
This article is based on: How to legally stake crypto in 2025 under the SEC’s new rules
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Crypto’s path to legitimacy runs through the CARF regulation
- U.S. Secret Service Quietly Becomes a Leading Crypto Cop as Digital Fraud Soars: Bloomberg
- UAE Authorities Debunk Reports of Getting Golden Visa by Staking Toncoin
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
