Key Highlights
- Ethereum Foundation staked 21,500 ETH ($46.2 million) in its largest single batch via 11 transactions on March 30, 2026, speeding up its plan to stake up to 70,000 ETH (~$140 million) from treasury reserves.
- Moving away from criticized ETH treasury sales that created sell pressure, the foundation now generates native staking yields to fund research, grants, and public goods; with rewards flowing directly back to the treasury.
- Using decentralized tools like Dirk and Vouch, the foundation is deepening its role in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus. With ~30% of total ETH already staked and over 170,000 ETH in reserves, the move reduces liquid supply and signals long-term confidence.
The Ethereum Foundation executed its largest single staking deposit to date on Monday, moving roughly 21,500 ETH—worth approximately $46.2 million—into the beacon chain via eleven transactions, according to on-chain tracking by Arkham Intelligence.
The batch, consisting of 2.047K ETH in each transaction, was deposited around 05:38 UTC on March 30, 2026. This marks a notable acceleration in the nonprofit organization’s broader plan to stake up to 70,000 ETH (approximately $140 million at current levels) from its treasury.
The foundation first outlined the strategy in February as part of a treasury overhaul adopted in mid-2025. Instead of selling ETH to cover expenses, it now aims to generate native yield through solo staking to fund core activities: protocol research, ecosystem grants, and public goods development. Rewards from the staked assets will flow directly back into the treasury.
The operation uses open-source validator tools, including Dirk for distributed signing and Vouch for client management, developed by infrastructure firm Attestant. This setup emphasizes decentralization and resilience, aligning with Ethereum’s proof-of-stake model where staked ETH helps secure the network.
The latest deposit comes amid ongoing discussions about Ethereum’s staking landscape, where roughly 30% of the total ETH supply is already locked.
By committing a significant portion of its own holdings, with the foundation holding over 170,000 ETH in reserves, the organization is deepening its direct participation in network consensus while addressing past criticism over treasury sales.
This development underscores a maturing approach to sustainability for one of crypto’s most influential entities, shifting from passive holdings to active contribution in Ethereum’s security and growth.
From selling to staking ETH
For years, the Ethereum Foundation faced repeated criticism for selling portions of its ETH treasury to finance operations. These periodic liquidations, often executed via over-the-counter (OTC) deals, drew sharp commentary from market participants who viewed them as a source of persistent sell pressure on ETH’s price.
Critics argued that relying on asset sales signaled a lack of confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value and created uncertainty for holders.
That model has now undergone a clear overhaul. Under the treasury policy formalized in mid-2025 and rolled out starting in early 2026, the foundation is transitioning from selling ETH to actively staking it. Rather than converting holdings into fiat or stablecoins to meet expenses, the organization is deploying its reserves through solo staking to earn native ETH-denominated rewards.
This shift is designed to create a more sustainable funding mechanism. Its projected annual yields from the full 70,000 ETH staking target are estimated in the range of 1,900 to 2,200 ETH, depending on network conditions. These rewards will be redirected straight back into the treasury, supporting ongoing work in protocol development, grants, and public goods without the need to time market sales.
In a broader context, with roughly 30% of total ETH supply already staked and liquid float tightening, the foundation’s actions have a significant impact on overall ETH supply dynamics.
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