Kraken Resumes Staking for US Clients—What’s Changed and What to Expect?
Kraken has officially reintroduced on-chain staking for U.S. clients, providing access to 17 crypto assets through Kraken Pro. This move comes amid an evolving regulatory landscape, signaling a potential shift in crypto policies within the United States.
Kraken’s new staking service is available to users in 37 states and two U.S. territories, with plans for expansion as regulations allow. The relaunch follows Kraken’s 2023 settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where the exchange agreed to discontinue its staking program for U.S. clients and pay a $30 million fine over allegations of offering unregistered securities.
Now, with a refined approach, Kraken’s staking program aligns more closely with regulatory expectations. The company clarified in an announcement:
“Starting today, clients residing in eligible states will be able to securely stake eligible tokens via Kraken Pro. These clients will be able to participate in bonded staking, which locks up crypto assets to the network for a specified period.”
Unlike centralized staking programs that pool funds, Kraken’s on-chain staking model delegates assets directly to validators. This process ensures that staked tokens contribute to transaction validation and block production while earning staking rewards. Kraken facilitates the process, deducting fees before passing rewards to clients.
Regulatory Shifts and Kraken’s Compliance Strategy
The return of Kraken’s staking services comes at a time when the U.S. regulatory environment for crypto is in flux. Under the Trump administration, efforts to establish clearer guidelines for crypto activities are reportedly underway. Kraken’s approach reflects a growing trend of crypto firms adapting to regulatory pressures while maintaining services for users.
Mark Greenberg, Kraken’s Global Head of Consumer, expressed optimism about the relaunch, stating:
“This is an overwhelmingly positive development—not just for Kraken, but for the broader U.S. crypto ecosystem. Staking allows users to contribute to blockchain security while earning rewards, reinforcing Kraken’s commitment to supporting the crypto industry.”
The newly launched staking service supports 17 cryptocurrencies, including:
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Polkadot (DOT)
Cardano (ADA)
Kraken confirmed that restaking integration will also be available in eligible states, enabling users to maximize rewards while securing blockchain networks.
Expanding Access to Crypto Participation
Kraken positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems, offering an accessible way for users to engage with crypto-related financial activities. Greenberg highlighted the importance of providing a seamless staking experience:
“Kraken serves as a gateway, allowing people to access the crypto space and participate in an increasingly broad range of activities from an interface and platform they trust.”
The Future of Staking in the U.S.
As crypto regulations continue to evolve, Kraken’s reintroduction of staking could signal a broader shift in policy approaches toward digital assets. With regulatory clarity expected to improve, more exchanges may follow Kraken’s lead in offering compliant staking solutions to U.S. customers.
For now, eligible users can begin staking their assets via Kraken Pro, marking a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption in the United States.
