Bitstamp Launches Staking Services in UK Offering 3.1% APY on Ethereum

Bitstamp, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has launched its staking services in the UK, offering users the opportunity to earn up to 3.1% annual percentage yield (APY) on Ethereum (ETH) and 1% on Cardano (ADA). This move comes after the UK Government's decision in January 2025 to exclude crypto staking from collective investment scheme (CIS) regulations, paving the way for platforms like Bitstamp to offer staking services legally and transparently.

Through the new offering, “Bitstamp Earn Staking,” UK-based users can now earn passive income by staking their Ethereum and Cardano holdings while maintaining full control and custody of their digital assets. The platform allows users to stake Ethereum with just a few clicks via Bitstamp Earn, while ADA holders will automatically benefit from staking unless they opt out.

Bitstamp’s staking program is notable for its flexibility and clarity. Users are not subject to lock-in periods beyond those required by the underlying Proof-of-Stake (PoS) protocols. The platform advertises returns of up to 3.1% APY on Ethereum and 1% on Cardano, with staking rewards paid out either weekly or monthly, depending on the asset. Customers will retain full ownership of their crypto throughout the staking process, delegating their assets to Bitstamp’s validated staking nodes. Commission fees may apply depending on the network, but Bitstamp does not impose any additional restrictions.

“Bitstamp has always prioritised trust, transparency, and user control,” said James Sullivan, Group General Counsel at Bitstamp. “Our new staking service offers UK customers a reliable, compliant way to earn rewards, demonstrating how regulatory clarity can drive responsible innovation.”

In addition to its UK staking launch, Bitstamp has also secured a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Announced on the 16th of May, 2025, the license was granted by Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). Under MiCA, licensed providers must implement stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, as well as maintain client protections, including clear disclosures, safeguarding of assets, and adherence to transparent operational practices.

Bitstamp’s approval comes as the EU accelerates its push to regulate crypto markets in line with traditional financial systems. This regulatory framework aims to ensure that crypto service providers operate with the same level of transparency and accountability as traditional financial institutions, thereby fostering a more secure and trustworthy environment for investors.

While the launch of Bitstamp’s staking services in the UK presents an attractive opportunity for crypto savers to earn passive income, it also comes with certain risks. The volatility of cryptocurrencies means that the value of staked assets can fluctuate significantly, potentially offsetting the rewards earned through staking. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, and changes in regulations could impact the availability and terms of staking services.

Despite these risks, the launch of Bitstamp’s staking services in the UK highlights the growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial services. As regulatory clarity improves, more platforms are likely to offer innovative products and services, providing users with greater opportunities to participate in the crypto ecosystem while benefiting from enhanced security and transparency.