Cryptocurrency storage provider Zodia Custody has recently announced its plans to offer crypto staking to institutional clients through a partnership with infrastructure provider Blockdaemon. This move comes as both firms aim to capitalize on the rising institutional interest in staking, a process in which digital assets are provided to support a blockchain network in exchange for rewards.
A significant factor contributing to the growing interest in staking is the recent completion of Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake system in September. Following the network’s Shapella upgrade on April 12, the amount of ether (ETH) staked increased by 4.4 million, reaching 22.58 million (equivalent to $42 billion) as of May 23.
Zodia Custody, a subsidiary of the UK-based multinational bank Standard Chartered, and with backing from Northern Trust and SBI Holdings, claims to be the first bank-owned custodian to offer such staking services to institutional clients. It’s worth noting that while this development opens up new opportunities for institutions to benefit from staking rewards, it also raises concerns about the concentration of power and potential centralization within the crypto space.
On the other hand, in April, Blockdaemon introduced a wallet service designed to help financial institutions and crypto custodians manage their assets without relying on third-party storage. This allows for a greater degree of security and autonomy in handling digital assets, further widening the appeal of staking to institutional investors.
Although the partnership between Zodia Custody and Blockdaemon presents numerous advantages for institutional clients, some skepticism remains. As more institutions and players enter the staking market, the market is likely to become more competitive, potentially reducing individual staking rewards and affecting long-term returns.
Furthermore, as staking becomes more mainstream, there might be concerns around the environmental impact associated with proof-of-stake networks. Although proof-of-stake systems are often touted as being more energy-efficient than their proof-of-work counterparts, such as Bitcoin, the overall impact of widespread staking on energy consumption and carbon emissions remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Zodia Custody and Blockdaemon signals a growing institutional interest in crypto staking services, offering these clients an opportunity to diversify their portfolios and benefit from the emerging market. Simultaneously, potential pitfalls of this trend, such as market competitiveness and environmental impact, should also be considered by stakeholders as the staking market continues to develop and expand.
Source: Coindesk
