A request has been made by Everstake to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for clarification that non-custodial staking ought not to be classified or regulated as a securities transaction. The meeting took place amid growing regulatory ambiguity, which threatens the essential role that staking plays within blockchain ecosystems.
Everstake Backs Non-Custodial Staking Model in SEC Discussions
Amid escalating friction between blockchain advancement and regulatory control, Everstake—a prominent provider of non-custodial staking services—met with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force last week. During the discussion, Everstake argued that staking services allowing users to retain control over their crypto assets should remain outside the scope of securities regulations.
The discussion highlighted a central concern for the blockchain sector: leading proof-of-stake (PoS) networks have accumulated over $193 billion in staked assets. This figure emphasizes the critical importance of staking in supporting and sustaining decentralized infrastructure.
In a letter submitted alongside the meeting, Everstake emphasized that non-custodial staking involves neither asset transfers nor promises of profits from third parties—two key criteria for securities classification under the Howey Test.
Sergii Vasylchuk, the Founder of Everstake, emphasized the importance of engaging with the SEC to develop clear regulatory guidelines for non-custodial staking.
Meeting with the SEC was a constructive and necessary step toward advancing public understanding of non-custodial staking and its role in the blockchain ecosystem. We firmly believe that collaboration between blockchain innovators and regulators is essential for building a trustworthy and resilient industry. We’re prepared to share our infrastructure, data, and insights to help regulators better understand the mechanics of non-custodial staking and other foundational blockchain technologies.
Everstake’s engagement signals a push to safeguard the innovation at the core of proof-of-stake (PoS) networks while actively pursuing regulatory clarity. These efforts may drive long-term decisions that define how the United States delivers, utilizes, and regulates staking services.
