Ethereum News Today: Gemini Lowers Staking Barriers, Targets Retail Crypto Growth in UK

Gemini has expanded its staking services in the United Kingdom, allowing users to stake Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) with no minimum amount required. The move follows the opening of Gemini’s first permanent office in London, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its presence in the region. Previously, staking on the platform required a minimum of 32 ETH through its Staking Pro service, but the new offering removes that barrier and makes the process more accessible to retail users.

Under Gemini Staking, users can earn variable annual percentage rates (APRs) on their staked assets. The maximum APR available for Solana is up to 6%, while Ethereum offers a variable rate that reflects current market conditions. Rewards accrue daily and can be tracked through the Gemini app, providing real-time visibility into earnings. The platform also emphasizes institutional-grade security measures, including ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, to protect users’ assets during the staking process.

The expansion into the UK market is part of Gemini’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the crypto staking industry. The company has been competing with other major exchanges that offer similar services, with yield rates and accessibility becoming key differentiators for users seeking to generate passive income from their crypto holdings. This development aligns with Gemini’s recent regulatory progress, as the exchange secured a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority, facilitating its expansion across the European Union.

For users in the UK, the availability of staking services through Gemini represents a more user-friendly option compared to running their own validator nodes or engaging with third-party staking platforms. The process is designed to be simple: users can navigate to the “Stake” tab in the app or on the website, select either ETH or SOL, and choose how they want to stake—using existing holdings or purchasing more with a one-time or recurring buy. The staking process is also transparent, with Gemini taking a 25% fee from the rewards earned to cover gas costs and other expenses associated with the staking activity.

However, Gemini has also issued a clear disclaimer that staking involves risks, including variable returns, potential losses due to validator slashing, and the possibility of delayed withdrawals. The company emphasizes that staking services are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service, and users should consult qualified advisors before participating.

The broader Ethereum market has also seen significant on-chain activity, with a large whale recently staking $2.5 billion worth of ETH through a single contract. This move highlights growing institutional confidence in Ethereum, particularly as it continues to outperform other major cryptocurrencies in certain market conditions. Analysts have noted that such whale activity often signals long-term positioning rather than short-term speculation, as staking locks up assets and reduces sell pressure in the market.

Source:

[1] Introducing Ethereum & Solana Staking for UK Customers (https://www.gemini.com/blog/introducing-ethereum-and-solana-staking-for-uk-customers)

[2] Winklevoss' Gemini Offering ETH and SOL Staking in U.K. (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/26/crypto-exchange-gemini-introduces-ether-and-solana-staking-for-customers-in-u-k)

[3] Massive Ethereum Whale Stakes $2.5B ETH In Single Move (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1070577-20250827)