#SECStaking The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shown significant interest in crypto staking activity in recent years. In February 2023, the SEC accused Kraken of offering staking services without proper registration, resulting in Kraken ceasing its services in the US and paying a $30 million fine.
In June 2023, the SEC also filed suit against Coinbase, alleging that its staking-as-a-service program constituted an unregistered securities offering.
However, in February 2025, under a new administration, the SEC decided to dismiss the lawsuit against Coinbase. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated that the company was not subject to any fines or operational changes as a result of this decision.
Additionally, the SEC has begun seeking industry input on different types of staking and their benefits, indicating possible regulatory updates in the future.
This change in approach reflects a shift in the SEC’s policy toward crypto staking, with a focus on industry collaboration and potential regulatory updates to provide greater clarity for market participants.