The SEC clarified that solo staking, delegated staking, and custodial staking tied to a network’s consensus process are not considered securities offerings. As of May 29, 2025, staking rewards are viewed as compensation for services rather than profits, allowing validators and stakers to engage without regulatory concerns. Allowed activities include solo staking where users maintain control of their assets, non-custodial delegated staking where ownership remains with the user, and custodial staking where assets are held transparently for the owner’s benefit. However, yield farming and products promising guaranteed returns still fall under securities regulations. The SEC's guidelines support PoS networks, reducing risks for validators and encouraging institutional participation. Best practices for compliance include ensuring staking supports consensus, transparent custodial arrangements, and avoiding fixed returns. This regulatory clarity is seen as a major step toward fostering legal staking infrastructure in the US.

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