In August 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clarified that certain types of liquid staking, involving receipt tokens without additional profit-sharing, are not considered securities. This decision may significantly impact platforms like Lido and Marinade Finance, as well as the future of Ethereum ETFs.
SEC's Position on Liquid Staking
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins emphasized the importance of clear guidance on emerging technologies. According to the statement, liquid staking activities where receipt tokens merely represent claims on staked assets without profit-sharing or managerial intervention are not classified as securities. Involved protocols include Lido, Marinade Finance, JitoSOL, and Stakewise, which may operate without SEC registration.
Market Reactions to New Guidance
The market reacted positively to the SEC's new guidance. According to CoinMarketCap, Ethereum's current value is $3,628.61, with a market cap of $438.01 billion. Despite recent volatility, Ethereum has shown a gain of 41.25% over the past month.
Future of Liquid Staking and Its Impact on Ethereum
Research indicates that this regulatory development may catalyze shifts in staking technology and financial products. With growing interest in Ethereum and staking, innovations in protocols are expected to adapt to the SEC's clarity on liquid staking securities laws.
In conclusion, the SEC's clarification regarding liquid staking, leaving many protocols outside regulation, represents a significant step toward the development of the cryptocurrency market and support for innovations in the financial sector.
