The blockchain staking industry is undergoing a major transformation in 2025, driven by the rapid adoption of liquid staking and cross-chain staking solutions. According to the latest OnStaking report, these innovations are reshaping how users participate in staking, unlocking liquidity, and enabling seamless asset movement across multiple blockchains.

Liquid Staking: Unlocking Capital Efficiency

Liquid staking has emerged as one of the most significant advancements in DeFi staking, allowing users to stake their assets while maintaining liquidity. Unlike traditional staking, where assets are locked for a fixed period, liquid staking protocols issue staked token derivatives (e.g., stETH, stSOL) that can be traded or used in other DeFi applications.

Key Developments in 2025:

• Lido Dominance Expands: Lido Finance, the leading liquid staking provider, now supports Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Cosmos, with over $45B in TVL.

• New Competitors Enter: Platforms like Rocket Pool and Stader Labs are gaining traction with decentralized node operators and lower fees.

• Institutional Adoption: BlackRock and Fidelity now offer liquid staking ETFs, attracting traditional investors.

Cross-Chain Staking: Bridging Blockchain Ecosystems

Cross-chain staking solutions are eliminating barriers between different blockchain networks, allowing users to stake assets on one chain and earn rewards on another. This interoperability is powered by bridges, wrapped assets, and multi-chain staking protocols.

Major Cross-Chain Staking Trends:

• Polkadot’s Parachain Staking: DOT holders can now stake across multiple parachains, increasing yield opportunities.

• Cosmos IBC Integration: The Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol enables seamless staking between Cosmos-based chains.

• LayerZero’s Omnichain Staking: A new standard allowing users to stake assets on Ethereum and receive rewards on Avalanche or BNB Chain.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite rapid growth, the industry faces challenges, including regulatory scrutiny (particularly from the SEC) and smart contract risks. However, advancements in zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and decentralized oracle networks are improving security and transparency.

OnStaking predicts that by the end of 2025:

• Liquid staking will account for 60% of all staked assets.

• Cross-chain staking TVL will surpass $100B.

• More enterprises will adopt staking-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions.

Conclusion

The staking landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with liquid staking and cross-chain solutions leading the charge. As blockchain interoperability improves and institutional interest grows, OnStaking remains the go-to source for the latest staking insights.