The Ethereum Foundation has staked around $93 million in ether on Thursday across multiple batches, elevating its total staked position to about $143 million. This move is nearly fulfilling the 70,000 ETH staking target it revealed in February, as per data. The total deposit of 45,034 ETH was divided into uniform segments of 2,047 ETH, each valued at approximately $4.23 million, dispatched from the foundation’s treasury multisig to the Eth2 Beacon Chain deposit contract. With ETH priced at around $2,059, the total staked position of $143 million translates to about 69,500 ETH, just shy of the complete 70,000 ETH commitment.
The foundation has been steadily progressing towards its target since February, beginning with an initial deposit of 2,016 ETH and bolstering its efforts with an additional approximately 20,470 ETH on Monday. Thursday’s batch addressed the remaining balance all at once. The foundation’s Arkham-tracked portfolio reveals a total of about $270.9 million in assets spread across 14 addresses, with ETH leading the way as the primary holding at approximately 102,400 ETH, valued at $210.9 million. Among the smaller holdings are USDC, BNB, and a portion of a bitcoin. Staking involves locking up cryptocurrency to contribute to the security of a blockchain while earning rewards in return. It’s similar to purchasing bonds and providing funds to the government in exchange for steady income returns.
With the prevailing staking rates, the position is projected to yield approximately $3.9 million to $5.4 million each year, aligning with the 2.7% to 3.8% APY range commonly seen among institutional stakers. With MEV-boost, potential returns may increase. That figure is modest when compared to the foundation’s annual operating expenses, which have typically hovered around $100 million. However, it transforms a previously inactive treasury into a productive asset without the need to sell ETH. The Ethereum Foundation is actively utilizing its ETH by engaging in staking, which generates rewards that support research, grants, and operational costs — all while retaining its coins, thereby establishing a long-term, self-sustaining treasury. This supersedes the previous model in which the foundation relied on ETH sales that impacted valuations. The foundation encountered backlash throughout 2024 and into early 2025.
Through staking, the foundation generates yield. The shift, however, does not completely eradicate the necessity to sell altogether. Achieving the 70,000 ETH target does not signify the end of staking. The foundation continues to maintain a substantial reserve of over 100,000 unstaked ETH. The decision on whether to expand the program beyond the initial commitment or to retain the remainder as liquid reserves remains unannounced. At the time of the deposits, Ether was trading at $2,059, reflecting a decline of approximately 4.3% over the last week.