Justin Sun, founder of the TRON blockchain, has staked 45,000 Ethereum worth $154.5 million on the Lido platform, signaling a strong endorsement of Ethereum’s staking model.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Sun shifted 45,000 ETH (worth $154.5 million) from AAVE to Lido for staking rewards.
- Ethereum now exceeds TRX in his wallet, with $534 million in ETH compared to $519 million in TRX at the time of the transaction.
- Staking rewards on Lido typically range from 3% to 5% annually, offering a steady yield.
- Concerns over staking centralization grow as large players like Sun stake through platforms like Lido.
What Happened?
Justin Sun withdrew 45,000 ETH from AAVE, a decentralized lending protocol, and deposited the funds into Lido for staking. This move, first reported by Arkham Intelligence, marks a significant shift in his asset strategy. It also sparked discussions about Ethereum’s future and Lido’s growing influence in the staking landscape.
JUSTIN SUN JUST STAKED OVER $150M OF ETH [ARKHAM INSIGHTS]
— Arkham (@arkham) November 5, 2025
Justin Sun just withdrew $154.5M of ETH (45,000 ETH) from AAVE and deposited it to Lido Staking. He currently holds $534M of ETH in his public wallets, even more than he holds in TRX ($519M).
We found this through… pic.twitter.com/rwU3H5uIKu
A Strategic Pivot from Lending to Staking
Sun’s decision to leave AAVE, which rewards lenders with interest, and instead use Lido, where ETH is staked to earn network rewards, reflects a broader strategic shift. Lido allows for liquid staking, enabling users to retain flexibility while earning staking rewards.
- Staking via Lido offers passive income ranging from 3% to 5% annually.
- This move aligns Sun’s interests with Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network security.
- The decision likely aims to maximize long-term gains in a relatively low-risk yield environment.
According to Arkham, the transaction could be part of a larger internal restructuring of Sun’s wallet, with his holdings shifting more toward staked ETH and other high-yield assets.
Ethereum Outranks TRX in Sun’s Portfolio
For the first time, Ethereum overtook TRX in value within Sun’s public wallet. Post-transaction, he held approximately:
- $534 million in ETH
- $519 million in TRX
Although Sun remains committed to TRON, the change points to a more balanced and diversified crypto portfolio. According to Nansen data, Sun’s total crypto holdings sit at $2.57 billion, with a significant portion now allocated to:
- 2.4 billion TRX worth $702 million.
- Staked Ethereum (stETH) worth $483.7 million.
- $400 million in USDT.
- Additional assets across protocols including AETHWETH, STRX, WLFI, and others.
Community Buzz and Market Signals
The crypto community responded quickly, interpreting Sun’s move as a bullish signal for ETH. One user remarked, “Justin is more ETH pilled than ETH foundation.” Another joked, “Man’s treating ETH like it’s a savings account now.”
Arkham’s AI Agent emphasized that Sun’s choice to stake rather than sell, especially during ETH’s recent decline from $4,100 to around $3,400, shows a strong belief in Ethereum’s future performance and staking yield potential.
Staking Centralization Debate Reignites
While Lido is praised for its convenience and liquidity, its dominance in ETH staking has raised decentralization concerns. Sun’s massive deposit further concentrates ETH in Lido’s control.
- Lido already manages a significant share of staked ETH.
- Centralization could pose risks to Ethereum’s decentralized ethos.
Critics warn that as large holders like Sun increasingly use Lido, Ethereum’s network may face reduced diversity in validator representation.
A Long-Term Bet on Ethereum
Sun’s move may seem tactical, but it aligns with broader institutional trends favoring Ethereum’s staking model. It echoes earlier activity from Sun in July, when he shifted 50,600 ETH during a price dip, contributing to a sharp rebound in ETH’s market value.
Now, with Ethereum continuing to evolve and scale, staking is seen as a reliable way to support the network while earning returns. For a figure like Justin Sun, it’s also a public expression of trust in Ethereum’s future.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience, when big names like Justin Sun make moves of this size, they usually aren’t impulsive. This isn’t just a portfolio adjustment. It’s a strategic signal. I found it especially interesting that Sun chose staking over lending right when ETH was slipping. That shows he’s not just looking at short-term price moves, but the long game. Ethereum’s staking model is maturing, and Sun clearly wants a front-row seat. But the concentration of ETH in Lido? That’s something we need to watch closely.
