Ethereum Staking Reaches Record High as BitMine Increases ETH Stakes

Ethereum staking activity has reached an all-time high in January 2026. Over 35.9 million ETH is now staked, representing nearly 30% of the total circulating supply. This increase reflects growing confidence among institutional investors and publicly listed Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs).

BitMine Immersion Technologies, a major player in the Ethereum ecosystem, recently disclosed $14 billion in crypto and cash holdings. The company holds 4.168 million ETH, or 3.45% of the total supply, with a portion of these assets staked. BitMine is also preparing to launch a new staking solution called MAVAN in the first quarter of 2026.

The rise in staking has coincided with a surge in Ethereum validator activity. ValidatorQueue data shows the ETH staking queue has surpassed 2.5 million ETH, the highest level since August 2023. This trend is partly driven by large institutional staking operations, including BitMine, which recently added 186,500 ETH to its staked holdings.

Why Did This Happen?

The increase in Ethereum staking is being fueled by strong long-term conviction among institutional investors. Despite a 30% drop in ETH price since August 2025, the amount of staked ETH has continued to grow. This trend indicates that investors are not deterred by short-term price volatility and are instead focused on securing long-term returns through staking.

BitMine's decision to stake a large portion of its ETH holdings reflects a broader shift among institutional investors. The company now stakes over 1.53 million ETH, accounting for more than 1% of Ethereum's total supply. This move signals confidence in the long-term value of Ethereum and highlights the growing importance of staking in the broader market.

How Did Markets React?

The growing staking activity has drawn attention from traders and analysts. Ethereum ETFs have seen positive inflows, with Grayscale's ETHE reporting a $3.9 million inflow on January 13, 2026. This development may indicate a shift in market sentiment and growing institutional interest in Ethereum.

Ethereum's price has remained below $3,500 for the past two months, but analysts believe a price breakout could be on the horizon. The combination of increased staking and positive ETF flows suggests that Ethereum could experience renewed price momentum as more institutional capital enters the market.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring how Ethereum staking activity impacts market dynamics. With nearly 36 million ETH staked, the liquid supply of the cryptocurrency has decreased, potentially tightening the available float. This could reduce selling pressure and support higher price levels as demand for ETH increases.

Institutional staking is also reshaping how Ethereum ETFs operate. Grayscale recently began distributing staking rewards to investors in its Ethereum ETFs. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as large asset managers like Morgan Stanley explore staking components for their spot Ethereum ETFs.

The growing popularity of Ethereum staking is expected to continue in 2026. Analysts predict that fully staked exposure may become the standard for ETH ETFs. This shift could reinforce the link between Ethereum's on-chain economics and its broader market value.

Ethereum staking has also gained traction in publicly listed companies. SharpLink (SBET), the first publicly listed company to use Ethereum as its primary treasury asset, reported that its staking activities have generated over $32 million in rewards. This example illustrates the growing financial incentives for companies to participate in the Ethereum staking ecosystem.

The increased staking activity has broader implications for the Ethereum network. With more ETH locked in staking, the network's security and stability are being reinforced. This trend could make Ethereum more attractive to both retail and institutional investors.

As Ethereum staking reaches record levels, the market is beginning to see the long-term benefits of this trend. The combination of growing institutional participation, positive ETF flows, and increased staking rewards is shaping a more mature and stable Ethereum ecosystem.

Investors are advised to monitor key metrics like staking inflows, validator activity, and ETF performance as they assess the future of Ethereum. The continued rise in staking may indicate a shift in market dynamics and a growing recognition of Ethereum's role in the broader financial landscape.