Key Takeaways:
- Kraken Restores U.S. Staking: Nearly two years after halting services due to SEC pressure, Kraken has resumed staking for users in 37 states, supporting 17 digital assets.
- Regulatory Battles Continue: Despite the resumption, Kraken remains in legal disputes with the SEC, which sued the exchange again in late 2023 over alleged securities violations.
- Court Ruling on SEC’s Authority: A judge dismissed Kraken’s defense questioning the SEC’s jurisdiction but left room for the argument to be revisited later.
Kraken has reinstated its U.S. staking services nearly two years after pausing them due to regulatory pressure.
The crypto exchange halted staking in February 2023 as part of a $30 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused Kraken of offering unregistered securities and misleading customers about staking risks.
hodl? nah. STAKE with Kraken đź“Š
— Kraken Pro (@krakenpro) January 30, 2025
Staking is back for some US clients!
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đź’° APRs that will make HODLers jealous
🛡 The security you deserve while earning on $ETH, $DOT, $ADA & more
Start here 👉 https://t.co/TQ9wMLprXK pic.twitter.com/28lInrxEJE
Now, users in 37 states can stake 17 digital assets, including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA).
This move reflects potential shifts in regulatory attitudes, but Kraken remains in legal battles with the SEC.
In November 2023, the agency sued Kraken again, alleging it operated as an unregistered securities broker and co-mingled customer funds.
Kraken argues the SEC lacks the authority to regulate cryptocurrency without congressional approval.
On January 24, 2025, a U.S. District Judge dismissed Kraken’s defense under the “major questions doctrine,” which challenged the SEC’s jurisdiction over crypto.
However, Kraken may revisit this argument later in court.
While Kraken’s staking services are back, regulatory uncertainty persists.
The outcome of its legal disputes could impact how staking and other crypto services are regulated in the U.S., shaping the broader future of the industry.