Coinbase announced on October 9, 2025, that it has activated crypto staking services for residents of New York State.
The service allowing to earn yield on their Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) holdings for the first time. This follows official approval from New York state regulators, marking a significant victory for both the exchange and the entire U.S. crypto industry.
The approval for staking services
New York’s financial regulators, often considered the strictest in the United States, have historically created a challenging operating environment for crypto companies, limiting the products available to local residents. The approval for staking services is a major milestone, validating the practice as a legitimate and regulated financial activity within a key U.S. jurisdiction.
Staking is a fundamental function in Proof-of-Stake blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, allowing token holders to lock up their assets to secure the network and, in return, earn new tokens as a reward. Coinbase’s ability to offer this service to New Yorkers on its platform is a powerful endorsement of its compliance and security framework.
A dual impact
This step shows the increased institutional and retail adoption potential. It unlocks a new source of yield for high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and millions of retail investors in New York who were previously excluded from participating in on-chain network rewards through a major regulated exchange.
Moreover, it signalises the regulatory pressure relief. This state-level regulatory clarity puts pressure on other U.S. states—like California, New Jersey, Maryland, and Wisconsin—that have been slower to approve these services. According to industry estimates, residents in these remaining holdout states have collectively missed out on an estimated $130 million in potential staking rewards, underscoring the urgency for further regulatory modernization.
The decision reflects a growing global trend among financial regulators to adopt a more pragmatic approach to digital assets, separating legitimate, utility-driven activities like staking from purely speculative or unregistered securities offerings. By securing this approval, Coinbase solidifies its role as a leader in bridging the gap between innovative blockchain technology and regulated financial services in the U.S.
Source: https://coinidol.com/coinbase-launches-regulated-staking/