BitMine Locks $2.5B in ETH as Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Hits Zero
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 07 2026- Surge in ETH Lockup: BitMine's recent transfer of approximately 186,336 ETH, valued at about $605 million, into validator contracts has pushed its total staked balance to nearly 779,488 ETH, exceeding $2.5 billion, indicating strong confidence in the Ethereum network.
- Tightening Liquidity: As staked ETH is removed from active trading, the circulating supply continues to decline, exacerbating market demand for validator slots and reflecting investors' growing confidence in long-term returns.
- Exit Queue Collapse: The validator exit queue has fallen to zero, with ETH withdrawal wait times reduced to just minutes, showcasing strong market confidence in staking returns despite ongoing market volatility.
- Accelerated Capital Inflow: Over 1.3 million ETH is currently waiting to be staked, the highest level since mid-November, indicating a continuous influx of new capital into the staking market while existing validators remain locked, creating a strong feedback loop of capital commitment.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
