The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued new guidelines on Proof-of-Stake activities aimed at clarifying the legal status of staking under US securities law.
New SEC Guidelines on Staking
In May and June 2025, the SEC adopted rules designed to reduce regulatory risks for stakers. These guidelines clearly distinguish protocol staking from securities offerings, potentially increasing institutional interest.
Impact on Major Blockchains
The SEC clarified that direct network staking is not considered securities offerings if third-party roles are administrative or ministerial. This clarity could drive increased staking flows into compliant networks. The guidelines impact Ethereum and other major Proof-of-Stake chains like Solana and Cardano.
Market Reaction
The immediate market reaction to the SEC's stance has been positive among both institutional and retail stakers. The decision redefines permissible staking actions without crossing into securities territory. Analysts suggest that these guidelines may lead to further technological advancements in staking systems while reinforcing protocol integrity.
The release of new SEC guidelines represents a significant step in reducing legal uncertainties surrounding staking and may lead to increased institutional engagement and technological improvements in this area.
