CryptoSlate
Interactive Brokers has launched Ethereum staking for eligible clients, with crypto infrastructure provider zerohash handling the service. Customers can stake ETH through the Client Portal and receive rewards in ETH, which can compound while holdings remain staked. The network has about 43.7 million ETH committed to validators, or 35.77% of circulating supply, worth roughly $110 billion at an ETH price near $2,500.
Why it matters
The service brings staking into a brokerage where customers already trade stocks, bonds, futures and digital assets. Interactive Brokers CEO Milan Galik compared the offer with the firm's Stock Yield Enhancement Program, saying the goal is to help clients earn more from assets they hold. The product could compete for ETH that investors might otherwise place with crypto exchanges or specialist staking providers.
The expansion comes as institutional platforms take a larger role in staking. Lido reported that the institutional share of staked ETH rose to 35.3% from 25.9% in the first half, while its own market share fell to 21.2% from 23.9%. Total ETH staked climbed 19% to 43.1 million by June 30, despite a 47% fall in ETH's dollar value over the period.
Market impact
The offer is limited to eligible customers and supports ETH only at launch. Interactive Brokers has not disclosed a staking fee or guaranteed annual yield. Zerohash says platforms set customer fees, which are deducted from rewards; the brokerage's separate crypto trading commissions of 0.12% to 0.18% do not specify the staking charge.
Staked ETH cannot be sold or transferred immediately. Unstaking can take time as requests pass through Ethereum's validator exit queue. About 962,000 ETH was awaiting exits, with an estimated wait of nearly 17 days before additional withdrawal processing. Customers also face potential slashing penalties, and crypto held through the brokerage's providers is outside its custody and not covered by SIPC.
Frequently asked questions
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How can eligible Interactive Brokers clients stake ETH?
Clients can submit staking requests through the Interactive Brokers Client Portal. Zerohash provides the crypto infrastructure, and the service supports Ethereum only at launch.
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How much ETH is currently staked on Ethereum?
About 43.7 million ETH, or 35.77% of circulating supply, is committed to validators. At an ETH price near $2,500, that amount is worth roughly $110 billion.
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What fees and staking returns will Interactive Brokers clients receive?
Interactive Brokers has not disclosed a specific staking fee or guaranteed annual yield. Zerohash says platforms set customer fees, which are deducted from staking rewards.
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Why might clients be unable to sell staked ETH immediately?
Staked ETH cannot be immediately sold or transferred. Unstaking requires an exit process, and about 962,000 ETH was awaiting validator exits with an estimated wait of nearly 17 days before additional processing.
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What risks apply to ETH staked through the brokerage?
Customers face delayed access to their ETH and potential slashing penalties. Crypto held through Interactive Brokers' crypto providers is outside the brokerage's custody and is not covered by SIPC.
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