Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Transactions Hit $238 Billion Monthly High Amid SEC Staking Clarity

Ethereum transactions have surged to a one-year high in July 2025, reaching $238 billion in monthly volume, as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provided clarifications on staking regulations [1]. The increase in on-chain activity is primarily attributed to a reduction in regulatory uncertainty and a growing interest in staking, which has significantly boosted investor confidence and market participation [1]. This regulatory clarity, particularly regarding the non-securities status of staking and liquid staking receipts, has fostered greater institutional engagement and expanded activity on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and liquid staking services [1].

Over 36 million ETH is currently staked across the network, representing around 30% of the total supply [1]. In early June 2025 alone, over 500,000 ETH — valued at approximately $1.8 billion — was staked, reflecting a broader trend of long-term token holding and value preservation [1]. The surge in staking has also led to a rise in Ethereum’s price, with ETH reaching $3,700 amid increased demand for staking and liquid staking derivatives [1].

The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance has stated that liquid staking receipts do not fall under the definition of a security under the 1933 Securities Act [3]. This clarification has been widely welcomed by DeFi stakeholders and industry leaders, with Mara Schmiedt, CEO of Alluvial, noting that it could unlock new revenue streams and customer bases for liquid staking providers [4]. Commissioner Hester Peirce supported the guidance, reiterating that it offers essential regulatory clarity and does not involve the sale of securities [7]. However, not all SEC commissioners shared the same view. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw expressed concerns that the guidance may not fully account for real-world market dynamics and warned against interpreting it as a broad endorsement of staking activities [5].

The regulatory shift has also had tangible effects on Ethereum’s network economics. With more ETH being staked, the network’s security has been enhanced, while the reduced circulating supply may contribute to further price appreciation. Additionally, the growth in staking activity has led to a decongestion effect, improving overall network efficiency [1]. These factors, combined with increased confidence in the regulatory environment, suggest a maturing Ethereum market where investors are increasingly balancing innovation with compliance [1].

Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. The SEC continues to deliberate on whether staking should be included in Ethereum ETF proposals, and legislative efforts such as the U.S. CLARITY Act remain unresolved [11]. In the European Union, DeFi is not yet fully addressed under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework and is expected to be prioritized in 2026 [12]. These developments highlight that, while progress has been made, the regulatory landscape for crypto remains complex and evolving.

Ethereum’s recent surge in transaction volume and staking activity signals a turning point for the network. As regulatory clarity continues to emerge, the industry is witnessing a shift toward more structured and institutional-friendly participation, which may lead to further adoption and innovation in the years ahead [1].

Source:

[1] title1 (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689433d7a6cc7553011eb09c/)

[3] title3 (https://icoholder.com/en/news/ethereum-transaction-volumes-hit-yearly-high-amid-sec-staking-uncertainty)

[4] title4 (https://coingape.com/markets/ethereum-price-4k-sec-liquid-staking-rules/)

[5] title5 (https://tr.okx.com/en/learn/ethereum-etfs-sec-crypto-policies)

[7] title7 (https://tr.okx.com/en/learn/bitcoin-ethereum-altcoins-market-trends)

[11] title11 (https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/experts-call-top-5-crypto-to-hold-for-new-ath-in-2025-dont-miss-this/)

[12] title12 (https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/how-wary-asset-managers-learned-stop-worrying-and-embrace-crypto)