Kraken launched AVAX staking on May 21, giving eligible users three ways to earn rewards: a promotional Bonded Staking product offering up to 10% APY for a limited time (falling to 7% APY after the intro period), plus Auto Earn and Flexible Staking options each offering up to 3.5% APY.
All three products automatically restake rewards to compound returns, and Kraken runs the validator infrastructure and handles rewards distribution so users don’t need to manage validators or other technical requirements. The service is available at launch to eligible users in the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.
Kraken frames the offering as a way to remove technical barriers and broaden participation in Avalanche’s staking economy. John Zettler, Kraken’s Director of Earn Products, said the platform simplifies protocol staking for holders who otherwise would have to manage validators themselves. Ava Labs’ Chief Business Officer John Nahas emphasized that easier staking access helps more AVAX holders contribute to network security while earning rewards.
The 10% bonded rate is promotional and represents a premium to typical network yields; Avalanche staking averaged roughly 7% in 2025, so Kraken’s introductory rate is above that baseline during the offer period.
The launch comes as institutional staking products for Avalanche have been expanding. Recent examples include Bitwise’s BAVA ETP and Grayscale’s GAVA staking ETF, both of which aim to provide exposure to staked AVAX for institutional and retail investors. Avalanche is also being used in various enterprise contexts, including deployments involving major financial firms and other organizations.
On the market side, AVAX has traded substantially lower over the past year, and Kraken’s expanded staking options are positioned to help rebuild demand by making it simpler to earn yield on holdings. Kraken manages all validator operations, so users receive earned rewards without manual staking maintenance.