MetaMask introduces validator staking feature, allowing users to become network validators without hardware costs.

Wallet provider MetaMask has launched an Ethereum validator staking service today, allowing users to stake ETH as network validators through MetaMask. This service eliminates the need for users to bear the hardware and management costs of running a node, thereby reducing the barriers to becoming a validator.

MetaMask Launches Validator Staking Service

In addition to the previously launched liquid staking service integrated with Lido, MetaMask now offers a validator staking feature that allows users to personally participate in securing the Ethereum network without the complexity of managing and maintaining hardware.

Unlike Lido's service, MetaMask's validator staking feature allows users to act as independent validators.

Consensys Provides Infrastructure

Typically, to become an Ethereum validator, one needs to stake 32 ETH and run an active Ethereum client, which requires corresponding hardware support and poses a significant barrier for regular users.

To lower the entry barrier, MetaMask allows users of its validator staking service to only provide ETH for staking, while the hardware and management costs of running the node are supported by Consensys, the parent company behind MetaMask.

Consensys Stake is Consensys' B2B validator staking service, currently running 33,000 Ethereum validator accounts, responsible for managing node operations and client updates, and providing network rewards for stakers. Now, the service is integrated into the MetaMask interface, aiming to reach more potential users in the retail market.

Self-Custody Staking

Using MetaMask for validator staking is a self-custody framework, which means users have full control over their staked ETH and rewards, even if they don't directly manage node operations.

Instructions for Use

1. Connect your MetaMask wallet to portfolio.metamask.io
2. Go to the staking page and select "validator staking"
3. Select the account address you want to deposit ETH from
4. Enter the amount of ETH to stake, which must be a multiple of 32, the amount required to become a validator
5. Review the summary of rights and select "confirm" to sign the transaction in your wallet.
6. Complete.

After the transaction is complete, you will enter a sequence waiting for the new validator to start, and you can find the list of validators on the validator staking page.

Consensys Growth Strategy

This feature brings Consensys Stake's enterprise-level validator staking capability to the attention of regular users, offering a value proposition different from Lido—becoming an independent and complete validator. It aims to expand the ecosystem and reach more users, serving as a new means for Consensys Stake to expand its market.

However, in the current hype surrounding LST and LRT markets, how many people are willing to become network validators and forego additional earnings from other protocols remains to be seen.