During its initial phase, MetaMask’s pooled staking service will cater to a limited user base, with plans for wider accessibility in the future.
MetaMask, one of the leading Ethereum wallets, has rolled out its highly anticipated pooled staking service. This service will allow users to stake any amount of ETH, regardless of whether they meet the threshold required to become a validator.
The move marks an important step forward in widening participation in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which traditionally requires 32 ETH.
Democratizing ETH Staking
According to MetaMask, 99% of ETH holders fall short of the 32 ETH staking threshold. MetaMask’s pooled staking offers an attractive alternative for many users. By contributing any amount of ETH, small-scale users can now earn rewards while strengthening the network’s security.
The service is backed by Consensys Staking. Consensys boasts an impressive track record, with over 33,000 Ethereum validators and more than 1 million ETH staked, showcasing its reliability and credibility.
MetaMask’s entry into the staking market positions it as a strong competitor, challenging established players like Lido and Coinbase. Together, these providers control nearly half of the 33 million ETH staked on the Ethereum network. Experts have cited network centralization risks arising from the huge stake of ETH these two companies hold.
MetaMask’s staking service bears the potential to shift staked ETH distribution. With MetaMask’s established user base, it could attract a significant market share, helping to redistribute ETH concentration away from Coinbase and Lido. In effect, this will contribute to reducing the risk of network centralization.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
During its initial phase, MetaMask’s pooled staking service will cater to a limited user base, with plans for wider accessibility in the future. Notably, individuals from the United States and the United Kingdom are currently unable to utilize this service.
In the United States, regulatory scrutiny surrounding staking services has intensified in recent times, resulting in penalties for some service providers. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) levied a $30 million fine against Kraken in 2023, alleging its staking service violated securities regulations. Similarly, Coinbase’s staking service has been accused of non-compliance with securities laws.
Meanwhile, the regulatory outlook in the UK remains uncertain. Earlier this year, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami expressed intentions to clarify staking and stablecoin regulations within six months. However, definitive progress is yet to materialize.
Amidst the regulatory challenges, there is optimism for the future. Both the US and UK have shown signs of embracing digital assets. The US SEC’s recently approved Bitcoin ETFs. There are also ongoing discussions for regulatory clarity, indicating a growing acceptance of digital assets in the US market.
Similarly, the UK’s commitment to clarifying staking and stablecoin regulations reflects a proactive approach towards supporting innovation in the digital asset space.
next