BitGo Fuels Institutional Staking Expansion on Aptos Blockchain

BitGo, a leading digital asset custody provider, has expanded its services to include staking on the Aptos blockchain for institutional clients, according to a report published on December 23, 2025. The move is seen as a strategic step to accommodate the growing demand for secure and scalable infrastructure in the institutional crypto space. Staking allows clients to earn rewards by validating transactions on the Aptos network.

The announcement comes as several major financial institutions are increasing their involvement in the crypto market. JP Morgan, for instance, is reportedly exploring the possibility of offering crypto trading services to its institutional clients, reflecting a broader shift in the banking sector toward digital assets. This trend is being supported by evolving regulatory guidelines that are gradually easing restrictions on bank participation in cryptocurrency-related activities.

At the same time, P2P.org, a non-custodial staking provider managing $12 billion in staked assets, recently received SOC 2 Type II certification for its institutional staking infrastructure. This certification, obtained after a multi-month audit, underscores the platform's commitment to maintaining robust security, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. It positions P2P.org among a small group of providers offering audited infrastructure for large-scale staking operations.

Institutional-Grade Infrastructure Gains Traction

The demand for institutional-grade staking infrastructure is rising as more organizations seek to participate in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains without compromising on security or operational controls. P2P.org's SOC 2 Type II certification provides assurance to institutions that its systems have been rigorously tested and are suitable for large-scale operations. The company also emphasizes its track record, including 99.9% uptime and a zero slashing history, as key differentiators in a competitive market.

Similarly, BitGo has long positioned itself as a trusted custodian and service provider for institutional clients. With its latest move to support Aptos staking, the firm is further enhancing its value proposition by offering a mix of custody, security, and compliance tools. According to a recent response to an SEC investor bulletin, BitGo's solution allows institutions to "mix-and-match" custody models to suit their risk profiles. This flexibility is becoming a critical factor for firms seeking to balance control with security.

Market Trends and Regulatory Shifts

The broader financial services sector is undergoing a transformation in how it approaches digital assets. JP Morgan is reportedly assessing the feasibility of launching crypto trading services for institutional clients. The potential move is driven by rising demand for regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Earlier this month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued guidance allowing US banks to act as intermediaries in crypto transactions, signaling a softening of regulatory resistance.

This regulatory shift aligns with the growing interest from asset managers. BlackRock has seen strong demand for its IBIT Bitcoin ETF, which has attracted $68 billion in assets since its launch in 2024. These developments indicate that institutional investors are increasingly viewing crypto as a legitimate asset class, provided it can be managed with the same level of governance and security as traditional investments.

What This Means for Investors

For institutional investors, the expansion of staking services and the availability of institutional-grade infrastructure are significant developments. They offer new opportunities to generate yield from digital assets without taking on excessive risk. Providers like P2P.org and BitGo are addressing a key concern-security by offering non-custodial and multi-signature custody models that align with regulatory expectations.

At the same time, the rise of high-yield staking programs, such as the one offered by GeeFi, is attracting retail investors looking for alternative income streams. GeeFi's staking feature, which promises up to 55% APR, is part of a broader trend of DeFi platforms introducing user-friendly features to drive adoption. However, these high returns come with risks, including market volatility and the potential for regulatory scrutiny, particularly in markets with less mature frameworks.

As the digital asset landscape continues to evolve, the role of infrastructure providers will become even more critical. Their ability to deliver secure, compliant, and scalable solutions will determine how quickly institutions and investors can adopt and integrate crypto into their portfolios.