Bitstamp Discontinues ETH Staking for US Customers Amid SEC Crackdown
One of the oldest crypto exchanges, Bitstamp, has announced that it will be discontinuing ETH staking services for US customers starting in September. This decision comes in response to the regulatory actions taken by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against staking service providers.
Here are the key points of the content:
– Bitstamp will no longer offer ETH staking services to US customers beginning next month.
– Crypto staking involves earning rewards by committing tokens to support blockchain operations.
– The SEC considers certain staking products to be unregistered securities.
– Bitstamp’s CEO, Bobby Zagotta, stated that customers will continue to receive staking rewards until September 25, 2023.
– After that date, all staked assets will be unstaked, and rewards and principal will be added to users’ Bitstamp account balances.
The SEC has been cracking down on staking service providers, including Coinbase and Binance. It argues that staking programs can be classified as investment contracts according to the Howey test. Bitstamp’s decision to discontinue staking services in the US is a response to the current regulatory dynamics in the country.
In conclusion, Bitstamp’s move to discontinue ETH staking services for US customers is a result of regulatory pressure from the SEC. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to compliance and adapting to changing rules. Staking enthusiasts in the US will need to explore alternative platforms for their staking activities.