Ethereum News Today: Institutions Bankroll Ethereum's Staking Surge

Ethereum's staking activity has reached a significant milestone, with the entry queue for staking Ether (ETH) surging to its highest level since 2023. According to on-chain data, approximately 860,369 ETH, valued at around $3.7 billion, is currently in the queue, waiting to be staked. This surge is attributed to a growing institutional interest and improved market conditions for staking. Staking protocol Everstake highlighted that factors like rising Ether prices, historically low gas fees, and increased network confidence have contributed to the uptick in staking activity [1].

The Ethereum blockchain now has 35.7 million ETH staked, amounting to $162 billion, which equates to 31% of the total supply. This data underscores the growing importance of staking in the Ethereum network and highlights its role in securing the network while providing yield to participants [1]. The staking entry queue is currently at 860,369 ETH, which is a significant figure as it hasn't been seen since the Shanghai upgrade in September 2023 that enabled withdrawals [1]. This increase in staking activity has alleviated concerns about a potential sell-off following the asset’s recent all-time high on August 24, as the entry queue almost reached parity with the exit queue [1].

Corporate treasuries have also been active participants in the staking activity. Over 70 entities have accumulated a total of 4.7 million ETH, representing almost 4% of the entire supply, valued at around $20.4 billion. These entities are staking the asset as part of their strategies to generate additional yields [1]. The majority of these entities have or will stake the asset, contributing to the recent boost in the entry queue [1]. This trend indicates a broader acceptance of Ethereum as a viable treasury asset, with companies leveraging staking to generate returns.

The current price of ETH stands at $4,321, having declined 1.2% on the day and 12.4% from its all-time high on August 24. The price correction is primarily attributed to profit-taking by retail traders [1]. Despite this decline, Ethereum continues to outperform Bitcoin in the current market cycle. The ETH/BTC ratio has climbed to 2025 highs at 0.037%, signaling a significant shift in investor preference toward Ethereum-based assets [2]. This resilience is partly attributed to the regulatory clarity in the United States, which has created favorable conditions for stablecoin protocols and crypto treasury adoption [2].

Ethereum staking has become increasingly accessible through platforms like KuCoin and Everstake, which offer staking services that allow users to earn rewards without the technical complexities of running a validator node. KuCoin, for instance, offers a staking service where users can stake ETH with no minimum entry and earn a reference APR of 2.27%. The platform issues ksETH at a 1:1 ratio as proof of staking, providing users with liquidity through features like Convert and Loan [3]. These platforms are democratizing access to staking and making it more attractive for a broader audience.

The staking landscape is further diversified by the use of Ethereum staking pools, which allow users to stake any amount of ETH without meeting the 32 ETH requirement for becoming a validator. This pooling mechanism facilitates broader participation in the staking process, making it more inclusive and accessible [2]. Staking pools also help mitigate risks associated with individual staking, such as the potential loss of funds due to slashing penalties or network issues [3].

The broader implications of these trends suggest that Ethereum staking is becoming a cornerstone of the network's economic model. With institutional adoption on the rise and corporate treasuries treating ETH as a legitimate asset class, the network is witnessing a structural shift in its ownership dynamics. This shift is reflected in the distribution of Ethereum holdings, with a significant portion controlled by staking contracts, exchanges, and institutional investors [4].

As the Ethereum network continues to evolve, the role of staking in securing the network and providing yield to participants is expected to grow. The combination of favorable market conditions, increased institutional interest, and technological advancements in staking platforms is likely to drive further adoption and participation in the staking ecosystem. This, in turn, will contribute to the network's security and long-term sustainability, reinforcing Ethereum's position as a leading blockchain platform [1].

Source:

[1] title1 (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-staking-entry-queue-hits-highest-level-for-2-years)

[2] title2 (https://www.tokenmetrics.com/blog/ethereum-staking-how-to-stake-eth)

[3] title3 (https://www.kucoin.com/earn/eth2)

[4] title4 (https://cointelegraph.com/news/who-owns-the-most-ether-in-2025)