FTX Drops $79M in ETH Staking—Is This Their Big Comeback Move?

The long and complicated saga of FTX’s bankruptcy continues to take unexpected turns.

In a move that caught the attention of the crypto community, wallets linked to the collapsed exchange and its affiliated trading firm, Alameda Research, have staked a sizable amount of Ethereum, over $79 million worth, to the network’s proof-of-stake validators.

Blockchain data flagged by analytics platform Lookonchain shows that approximately 20,736 ETH was staked within the past hour, adding a new layer to the firms' ongoing asset management strategy.

Strategic staking instead of liquidation

This recent development follows a series of withdrawals carried out between mid-December 2024 and early January 2025, during which roughly 21,650 ETH was moved from Bybit.

Instead of liquidating the funds for immediate cash, FTX and Alameda appear to be opting for staking as a way to generate yield while staying within court-imposed weekly selling limits tied to their bankruptcy case.

Legal documents indicate that a $1.9 billion payout to creditors is set for late September 2025. Staking could help the estate grow remaining assets before they are distributed, potentially improving recovery amounts for claimants.

Some analysts see this as a pragmatic move given current market conditions, while others note it raises questions about centralization risks since a single bankrupt entity now holds a sizable portion of Ethereum’s validators.

Echoes of a tumultuous past

FTX’s dramatic fall in November 2022, labeled by U.S. authorities as one of the most severe financial failures in the sector, still looms large over the crypto space.

Billions in customer funds were never properly accounted for, and the platform’s collapse left creditors chasing a recovery process that has now stretched into its third year.

Reactions on social media have been mixed.

Some view the staking decision as a logical step toward maximizing creditor repayments, while others remain frustrated that stolen funds have not been directly returned.

Memes and skeptical comments continue to dominate discussions, highlighting the lingering distrust surrounding the FTX brand.

For now, the focus remains on whether this strategy will meaningfully boost payouts to those owed money. With billions in liabilities still on the books and ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, this staking maneuver adds yet another chapter to FTX’s complicated path toward resolution.

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