Ethereum News Update: Institutional Staking and Regulatory Changes Challenge Ethereum’s Crucial Support Levels

Coinbase’s alleged

(ETH) collateral lending activities have come under the spotlight as the market awaits further clarification. On November 18, 2025, transferred 64,707 to Prime, following a sequence of sales that exceeded $198 million, fueling concerns about a possible market downturn. This substantial deposit occurred during a period of heightened uncertainty regarding Ethereum’s price movement, of $2,904-$2,916 and $2,760-$2,772, despite recent swings around the $3,000 mark.

Regulatory shifts have added further complexity. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) now allows banks to hold ETH for the purpose of paying Ethereum network gas fees, a rule that requires financial institutions to keep separate ETH accounts or obtain the cryptocurrency through designated transaction channels.

of Ethereum, but also brings up concerns about how conventional finance will merge with blockchain technology.

At the same time, 21Shares’ Ethereum ETF has moved to enhance returns by engaging in staking. On October 7, 2025, the fund signed a staking agreement with Coinbase Crypto Services, LLC, enabling it to stake

and collect a share of the total staking rewards. The Trust, which mirrors Ethereum’s market performance, intends to keep staking as long as it does not create significant legal or regulatory complications. that had previously exempted investors from fees during the Trust’s first six months.

The interaction between institutional asset management and staking strategies reflects a larger pattern in the cryptocurrency sector. While BlackRock’s sizable ETH transfers indicate sustained interest in Ethereum as collateral, the staking approach of the 21Shares ETF demonstrates a push to boost returns amid regulatory uncertainty. Experts point out that the effectiveness of these tactics depends on Ethereum’s price stability and the transparency of future crypto regulations.

As these changes unfold, investors are proceeding with caution. The ability of Ethereum to stay above major support zones will be closely monitored, especially as more banks and ETFs increase their involvement with the asset. The OCC’s updated guidelines and Coinbase’s facilitation of both institutional and ETF staking could shape the future relationship between traditional finance and decentralized platforms.